Comedian Al Franken is running for the U.S. Senate seat from Minnesota, this the media is happy to report. But, for some unexplainable reason, the media isn't so interested in reporting Franken's odd behavior. It seems that an ungovernable rage is always just under the surface with Franken, a rage that has several times broken free and resulted in assault and other violent or antisocial behavior. Why the media doesn't highlight this man's unstable behavior can only mean that they are lending him as much cover as they can to assist his campaign.
His unprofessional and intemperate language is well-known, of course. He has titled books by childishly calling people "big fat liars" and he has utilized his uncivil tongue as a talk-show, shocker. It all makes for a rather angry, uncivil fellow, but if that were all there were to it, one might at least be able to excuse it as mere bravado utilized to make some cash. Still, there is an always lurking anger that is detectable in his ranting. There is just something unstable about the man.
The most egregious example of Franken's crazy behavior happened during the 2004 election cycle as Franken attended a Howard Dean rally in Exeter, New Hampshire. A heckler was giving Howard Dean a spot of trouble and Franken strangely thought that he'd act the part of Hulk Hogan and bodyslammed the heckler to the ground. In any normal world this would have been called assault and someone who acted like this would not only be hauled away by the police but serious aficionados of politics would shun him afterward. Democrats, however, loved it... and that says quite a bit about them, doesn't it?
Still, it is usually his uncivil tongue that he displays most often and recently we got another dose of that famous Franken incivility.
Early this month, on the campaign trail in Northfield, Minn., Franken inexplicably verbally attacked a college student that was himself trying to be as civil and jovial as he could. Apparently, Franken couldn't stomach the fact that student Peter Fritz didn't share his sort of activist, brash politics and for that crime, Franken mercilessly and without provocation launched into the unassuming kid.
C.J., a columnist for the Minn. Star Tribune, reported the tale of Franken's latest explosion of mental instability.
At a student rally held at Carleton College in Northfield, Franken began posing for photos with some of the students gathered there. According to Peter Fritz, the student who was the target of Al's rage, he was taking photos of Franken and his college friends when Franken asked why Frtiz wasn't trying to get into any of the photos himself.
One of Fritz' college pals informed Franken that Fritz was a conservative. This sent Franken off the deep end.
At that point, Franken reportedly began peppering Fritz with questions about supporting President George W. Bush and former President Ronald Reagan's tax hikes. Fritz told me he got tense and, as he does in those situations, started chewing the inside of his mouth, a gesture he said was mimicked by Franken; Fritz also thought his style of speech was mocked by Franken
Apparently, a campaign aide realized that Franken was going over the edge and tried to interrupt and get his patron to move along. With that, student Fritz tried to part as friends. As C.J. reports:
Fritz told me Monday that he then stuck out his hand to shake Franken's. "Well, at least it's nice to meet you," the GOPer said he told Franken, who reportedly replied, I can't say the same.
There was no handshake, said Fritz.
What the heck is wrong with Franken, anyway? He can't even be civil to a kid who offers his hand in a parting gesture?
Fritz told me Wednesday he was stunned by Franken's behavior: "I usually expect politicians to, at least, pretend as though, even in that kind of interaction, that they can convince me or have some kind of reasonable dialogue -- the whole Minnesota Nice thing, at least."
That pretty much sums up Al Franken. An uncivil man who cannot stand to even converse with someone who disagrees with his extremist political positions.
Now, imagine this man sitting in the Senate, supposedly the most deliberative body in the world. Imagine a man who has nothing civil to say to anyone that does not slavishly agree with him. Is this the sort of person we want in a body that is supposed to be carefully deliberating and compromising with his fellows to arrive at the sort of policies that all Americans can be proud of? Is a man who cannot even have a civil conversation with a mere college student the sort of unstable man we want sitting in the Senate of the United States of America?
And if Democrats think this man is the ideal candidate, what does that say about the Democrat Party and its state of mental disorder?
Finally, what Republican would ever be given such a pass should his behavior be this outrageous?
It all adds up to the fact that Al Franken has some sort of imbalance that does not behoove a member of the U.S. Senate and a media that constantly looks the other way as he indulges in his unhinged rage.
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Liberal Fascism
January 24, 2008 - 22:11 ET by planetrepublicanYou said: "...for some unexplainable reason, the media isn't so interested in reporting Franken's odd behavior...". Franken reminds the liberals of the Nazi brownshirts, thugs who beat the tar out of Jews and other "undesirables". Franken does what they secretly want to do, beat the tar out of anyone who disagrees with them. For this any Republican or conservative will do. Read Jonah Goldberg's new book, Liberal Fascism for an idea of what these liberals, including Franken, are made of.
..for some unexplainable
January 25, 2008 - 09:26 ET by motherbelt..for some unexplainable reason, the media isn't so interested in reporting Franken's odd behavior..."
I think the reason is very explainable: in the eyes of the MSM, this is not odd behavior; Franken is just "speaking truth to power."
They also idolized Jim Webb for saying he "felt like slugging" the President.
The media consider that kind of stuff "macho."
Considering that most
January 25, 2008 - 10:07 ET by BeowulfConsidering that most liberals likely wear pink lace panties (both sexes), the same panties that get in a bunch whenever anyone has the temerity to disagree with them, Franken bullying a college student is the height of macho...
Franken is an angry, moronic, extremist, leftist NUTJOB - which pretty well describes virtually every ultra-lefty out there, so is it any wonder the lefties and the LSM love him?
The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers
It seems to me
January 24, 2008 - 22:14 ET by zoro7957..................that Franken would be natural choice on the senate floor............for democrats.
Reminds me of...
January 24, 2008 - 22:17 ET by celator"It seems that an ungovernable rage is always just under the surface
with Franken...."
Reminds me of a former president we've been reading a lot about lately.
Liberal's Basic Rule For Discourse: I don't care if you agree with my premises, but I demand that you agree with my conclusions.
I think it's that way for a
January 25, 2008 - 00:04 ET by motherbelt"It seems that an ungovernable rage is always just under the surface
with Franken...."
I think it's that way for a lot of liberals...hence their inability to do true comedy...they really don't have a sense of humor...which is important to humans to keep us "balanced."
Agree
January 25, 2008 - 00:46 ET by celatorMB--I agree. I've always believed that humor/satire, clever and insightful, is the very best weapon against political hot air and pomposity. They deflate immediately. There aren't many Mark Twains around, but if you really listen to the wit of a Mort Sahl or an early George Carlin, you can see how quickly they cast the light on political hypocrites. I've been reading some Abraham Lincoln stuff lately, and am amazed at his quick wit, always making an insightful point.
My issue with the so-called humor of, say, a Jon Stewart, just to pick on one liberal, or even a Franken, is that it is one dimensional, not well rounded. By that I mean, their humor is essentially cynicism, and that's it. It's like when we were in 6th grade and we learned we could make the other kids laugh by making fun of others. People like Tim Russert and Matthews try, occasionally, to be funny, but fail every time. It turns quickly to, again, cynicism.
Liberal's Basic Rule For Discourse: I don't care if you agree with my premises, but I demand that you agree with my conclusions.
That's essentially my take
January 25, 2008 - 07:46 ET by motherbeltThat's essentially my take too. They hurl their stock-in-trade insults, then howl "Just kidding!" And they think that's humor.
That's why the answer to the riddle "How many liberals does it take to screw in a light bulb?" is "That's not funny!"
Or...
January 25, 2008 - 12:11 ET by celatorOr they would change the question to "Is it an energy saving light bulb?"...thus losing the point altogether.
Liberal's Basic Rule For Discourse: I don't care if you agree with my premises, but I demand that you agree with my conclusions.
No humor, message
January 25, 2008 - 08:40 ET by planetrepublican"their humor is essentially cynicism". Yes but the reason they always fall back on this is because they are caught up in their agenda, which is always the message: liberal dogma. Liberal dogma trumps everything, including comedy, including career. They are humorless because they always want to lecture us in 1) the evil in our ways (conservatives) and, 2) the absolute "truth" which to them is liberal dogma.
Yes...
January 25, 2008 - 14:44 ET by celatorYes, the agenda is the message.. good way to put it.
And it seems to me that the agenda for the far left is based on only three elements: gender, race and environmental concerns. Every political issue--from economics to illegal immigration is filtered through these three lenses. (hence, the tortured confusion among the left as they sort out the Obama/Hillary 'rassling contest--gender and race fighting each other for dominance in the discussion).The only approved stance on these issues is defined by the far left. All other opinions are evil. It's a form of intellectual fascism, of course.
Liberal's Basic Rule For Discourse: I don't care if you agree with my premises, but I demand that you agree with my conclusions.
Here's the problem ...
January 24, 2008 - 22:47 ET by gideonmjamesProverbs 28:4
THEY THAT FORSAKE THE LAW PRAISE THE WICKED: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Minnesota Nice and Liberal Predators.
January 24, 2008 - 23:02 ET by Lame CherryMr. Huston, you touch on a interesting observation I have had with Minnesota, but you have to understand "Minnesotans" to get the base of Al Franken.
Minnesota is composed of basically 4 divisions. The tribes of the north central Indian, the Iron Range, the out state and the Metro. Iron Rangers are tough people who vote democratic. The outstate are a bunch of good natured, but out of touch with real world poverty, the Indians are socialists now mafia casino and the Metro are pure communists.
Minnesotans put on stories continually viewing the world from Minnesota. I kid you not. They treat every subject from Putin to Martin Luther King as "What does Minnesota think" as if the entire world holds it's breath to await Minnesota mutterings.
The biggest media blow hards in this are a Don Shelby of WCCO who believes every word coming out of his mouth is from the Mount like God to Moses to the Star Trib communist writers.
You have to understand Mr. Huston that Minnesota was blessed by God immensely. They are like the California of the midwest. Forests to exploit, iron ore, fishing and farming built the state and it has blossomed into a billionaire vista.
They have much and never have had little. They tax the hell out of everyone and there is a reason California has up welfare signs showing border busters the best welfare counties in payments in Minnesota.
This is the 'ego' of the east coast New York and Washington moulded into one little Swedish state of people who came from Sweden as lumerjacks infested with lice. They have forgotten their humble roots and all think they are Dr. Mayo.
They are a good people and generous, but the most out of touched and self absorbed lot one can find on the planet.
Now couple this Mr. Huston with a rather overt little boy who is hyperactive, making allot of noise for attention and finding the more he shouts the more he can bully people........and you have problem child Al Franken.
You have to understand Minnesotans in their nice or polite side too to get what Franken and Democrats are about. Franken is not Hubert Humphrey..........but Hubert who used to vacation just down the road from me before he died is Minnesota nice.
Minnesota nice is beyond polite. As an example, you go into someones home and they offer you coffee, but you decline out of respect as you do not want to put them out. They in turn ask you to have coffee as it is not a bother and to have some cake as they set that out too. You though not wanting to bother them again say politely you do not want anything as it will be too much trouble. After the third offering, in which they beg you, you defer to the offering and thank them very much for being so kind.
This is the dance among Minnesotans in being very nice in their immigrant past while still being Ted Turner egomaniacs.
Now couple that nice and polite environment with a brat like Al Franken.......and Al Franken who must might have been big enough to beat up the kid who punched him for being a prick.......and an Al Franken who grew up loud and under "societal protective law" in college protecting him from really big football players who would crush him if he smarted off.........and you have Al Franken.
Franken is not mentally disturbed like a fused Bill Clinton reverting to purple rages, but Franken is a liberal predator.
Franken knows instinctively that Sean Hannity isn't going to kick the stuffing out of him if he attacks him. Franken knows Limbaugh will not bother with him. Franken knows that this kid in Minnesota will not deck him as the kid is Minnesota nice.
Franken is a predator and KNOWS who to pick on. You will notice G. Gordon Liddy is a "friend" and benefactor of Al Franken. Gee why is that? Because Franken knows if he pisses with Gordon Liddy that Liddy would cripple him with one shot.
Franken gets away this as he lives in a Minnesota of harmless sheep like all liberals do there........and he KNOWS enough when he walks into a room which gentlemen are there who will kick his ass.
He leaves them alone and if in contact he becomes suborndinate like he does with Liddy and makes nice.
Liberals all pull this garbage. Remember the Wellstone funeral orgy of bitching? Those are Al Franken liberals just like all modern Democrats..........ring a bell about HuffPo and Kos?
They are foul mouthed, rude and quite brave in taunting people as long as they know they can't be gotten to. They are pure cowards if the essence of a fist to the chops is about to be thrown.
This is all very important to understand as it is how all of them get away with the things they do. They pick the sheep or civilized people to attack and then bully the hell out of them. That is no different than any wife beater or serial murderer in knowing who is the victim and who will put them six foot under.
It would be so much fun to set off Al Franken in public as he is such an easy profile to get a negative reaction out of. Hopefully the GOP will have someone like the nice guy who approached bully Ed Schultz who tried to sucker punch the guy.
Franken is ripe and just needs to be picked on a little.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
STUART SMALLEY...
January 25, 2008 - 08:51 ET by danybhoyLame Cherry,
I agree with you on most of your post, but I would like to adress a few things.
While I agree with on "DFL" Don Shelby on WCCO, & the Red Star Trib being big media outlets,but I believe you missed the biggest one. The KQ Morning Crew w/ Tom Barnard is the 800lb gorilla in the room. They have about a 35 share in the Twin Cities, & many in both the TV & print media hate Barnard. It is a local version of Limbaugh vs the MSM on many levels. His listenership is very loyal, spends money, they vote, & has waaay more followers then say, MSNBC. I know, big deal.
Barnard hates Franken, & Franken will get exposed on most of his behavior. He knows people who are in the know who "leak" these sorts of things about Franken, how he mistreats others, & exposes that fact that Al Franken is an @-hole. The fact he won't get get away with anything on Barnard's watch will go a long way to push back on the warm & fuzzy coverage he will get in the local MSM.
The biggest thing though, is I don't believe that Franken will get the DFL nomination to run against Norm Coleman. That's right, he won't be on the ballet in November, he must beat Mike Ciresi. A big time trial lawyer who can buy & sell Franken into any form of slavery he wishes. Ciresi led Minnesota's suit vs "big tobacco" & his fee was north of $500,000,000. He is a ruthless person who is more then willing to take Franken out at the knees at the drop of a hat. Franken might be a mean spirited @-hole, but he's no match for Ciresi, I just hope my Senator, Norm Coleman is.
So in the end, not enough people think your good enough, smart enough, & not enough people like him. Al Franken will not be elected Senator from Minnesota, even though we did elect Jess Ventura as Governor.
"Some of us are wise, some of us are otherwise" Mark Levin
What about Garrison Keillor???
January 25, 2008 - 08:54 ET by planetrepublicanHey Lame, good post. My brother lives out there and I always tried to figure out why he is such a flaming liberal. So I guess that movie, Fargo, wasn't too far off the mark in how it portrayed "Minnesotans" with that niceness you describe? Frances McDormand who played Marge Gunderson in the flick was one quirky character. But nice, though. What about Garrison Keillor? My liberal brother raves about him but all I see is another flaming liberal.
Stewart Smally unprofessional and intemperate?
January 24, 2008 - 23:16 ET by CTGee Warner, what is it you don't understand about Stewart Smally? Good post, I caught on to this miscreant at least twelve years ago, before the BDS outbreak. What you have really hit on here is how does one campaign against the uncivil in a civil debate? Add to that the MSM normalizing of deviant behavior to suit their agenda how does one compete? The only answer I see is calling a spade a spade at every turn and promoting forums like NewsBusters.
Al Franken has a mental disorder?
January 25, 2008 - 01:46 ET by R D HelmWell, that puts him in good company with about 75% of the members of his party.
Whatever "party" that is.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -J.W. von Goethe
Shameless plug
January 25, 2008 - 00:37 ET by Dave PierreShameless plug:
FRANKENLIES.COM: The truth about the lies of Al Franken ...
Thank you.
Thanks for the link...I read
January 25, 2008 - 09:23 ET by motherbeltThanks for the link...I read a couple things. I bookmarked it to go back when I have more time. ;-)
Cheer up, Warner. Stuart
January 25, 2008 - 01:37 ET by fitzfongCheer up, Warner. Stuart Smalley is getting a much bigger audience through your submission to NewsBusters than he was on his show on Dead Air America.
Sad but true!
January 25, 2008 - 09:23 ET by Warner Todd HustonSad but true!
Al Franken
January 25, 2008 - 17:37 ET by ShaftBigScoreHere is a thought that might explain Al Franken mental weakness:"Cocaine is a heck of a drug"(Rick James)
I favor the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and it must be enforced at gunpoint if necessary. President Ronald Reagan
By now I'm sure you've all
January 27, 2008 - 09:03 ET by wiwfBy now I'm sure you've all heard about al's incident at Carleton college? Mocking a student because he's a conservative. How open-minded and sensitive...
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy