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COLEMAN FOR U.S. SENATE PRESS RELEASE: “AL FRANKEN NOT CONTENT TO MOCK MCCAIN, NOW MOCKS MINNESOTANS; FRANKEN CAMPAIGN NOW TRYING TO CHANGE STORY OVER FRANKEN’S ROLE IN SKIT JOKING ABOUT PEDOPHILIA AND RACISM”
By Michael B. Brodkorb | September 22, 2008
This is release was sent out late last evening.
###
ST. PAUL – On the heels of Al Franken’s ill-advised decision to provide a sketch idea for “Saturday Night Live” that involved attacking Senator John McCain, Franken and his campaign are now attempting to claim they had nothing to do with the sketch. In the sketch that Franken conceived, “Saturday Night Live” actors do a routine that involves jokes about pedophilia, racism and attacks on John McCain’s character.
“Angry Al and his campaign aren’t content just to mock John McCain, a war hero and quite likely the next President of the United States,” said Cullen Sheehan, Campaign Manager for Coleman for Senate. “Now, they want to mock Minnesotans by trying to claim they had nothing to do with the skit, despite insiders at Saturday Night Live crediting him with co-writing the skit. Maybe it’s the jokes about pedophilia and racism that Franken wants to run away from, or the fact that Minnesotans know where his true passion lies — and that is in the angry, divisive and mean-spirited comedy that made Al Franken a very, very rich man.”
Team Franken Denies “Angry Al’s” Involvement. “Franken’s campaign Sunday denied that Franken had pitched skit ideas. Spokesman Colleen Murray said Franken had talked to SNL producer Lorne Michaels early last week ‘to catch up on things’ and had related his recent experiences taping ads that include the mandatory candidate-approval message.” (Patricia Lopez, “Franken knew nothing of ‘SNL’ skit on McCain, campaign says,” Star Tribune, September 21, 2008)
Source: Franken Listed As Credited Writer On Internal “SNL” Documents. “An SNL insider said that, as of the Wednesday script read-through, Franken was the ‘credited writer with Meyers’ on the opening sketch. Show veteran Darrell Hammond is to play McCain.” (JONATHAN MARTIN & JOSH KRAUSHAAR, “Franken helps craft McCain ‘SNL’ skit,” Politico, September 20, 2008)
Topics: Uncategorized | 49 Comments »
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:07 am
Man you guys are desperate. OMG AL FRANKEN HAS A FONE CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE AND SOMEONE WROTE A SKIT. Way to go!
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:29 am
Aaron, I think they went a little too far with the snide remarks of incest in the Palin family as spoken by one of the “reporters” from the floor shown in the skit. Should that happen to you, I am sure you would be screaming bloody murder. There is a wide gap between common sense and stupidity. As the philosopher Jerry Lewis said ” Bad looks can be changed but being stupid is forever”.
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:34 am
Wow, isn’t Coleman the one who is now lying to Minnesota? His spokesman said he did not write any of the skit, which, is still the case — no one has claimed he penned a word of the skit. His campaign never denied that Franken had pitched skit ideas.
The Star Tribune article you rely on doesn’t even say that. Nice lie Norm Coleman.
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:42 am
Bob,
What the hell are you even talking about? That wasn’t even in the skit in question. What, are republicans now trying to associate Al Franken with the entire show? Surely, if he called Loren Michaels, he must have cracked a joke about Todd Palin committing incest.
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:49 am
Thanks, Norm!
Mark Dayton chose to formally retire. You have chosen to remove yourself from the debate of the issues, esentially handing the job to Al.
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:01 am
I thought Angry Al told us all that his days of sick and disgusting jokes were behind him. Guess not. You know what they say – you can take the man out of Hollywood, but you can’t take the disgusting jokes out of the man.
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:07 am
“sick and disgusting jokes were behind him”
Jesus you people are idiots.
Let’s assume for 30 seconds that Al actually wrote the jokes (he didn’t, that’s undisputed). Tell me how to two jokes are sick and disgusting:
1) Obama supports tax breaks for Pedophiles because he supports tax cuts for everyone and pedophiles would be included with everyone.
2) Obama has two black children within wedlock.
The last one has nothing to do with race. It is specific to BUSH falsely accusing McCain of having a black child out of wedlock.
Go ahead Loris, tell me how those sicken and disgust you.
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:13 am
Upheaval and Dissension in McCain Camp. Lorne Michaels, McCain supporter and Max financial Donor of $2300, jokes about his supported candidate in authorized SNL skit.
BREAKING. . . more revelations to follow.
Clearly the McCain Campaign is on the ropes and reeling from this devastating revelation.
McCain Campaign clearly responsible for Foolish Palin/Incest Skit as Lorne Michael’s, max Campaign Donor and supporter is directly involved. McCain camp now fingered with direct involvement of sabotaging OWN VP candidate clearly showing their racist, sexist and Unpatriotic sentiment!
Internal Implosion in process
Developing . . . .
(this parody of MDE and his off the wall style brought to you by the citizens of Minnesota who would much rather talk about issues, but the Coleman camp is afraid . .very very afraid!!)
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:27 am
#7 Plymouth Dem said: “Let’s assume for 30 seconds that Al actually wrote the jokes (he didn’t, that’s undisputed).”
You are wrong once again.
An SNL insider said that, as of the Wednesday script read-through, Franken was the “credited writer with Meyers” on the opening sketch. [credited writer???? does that mean write? hmmmm!]
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:45 am
Jbenson2:
Again, a republican idiot. You can be a credited writer if it was your general idea for the skit. That doesn’t mean he wrote a word of the skit. Even MEYERS who did write it said Franken didn’t write a word of the skit.
I agree with MinnPost that this is the “dumbest controversy ever” not so much because of the facts surrounding it, because the people who think it’s a big deal are themselves some of the dumbest people ever.
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:48 am
I think the real story here is the markets are tanking again (already down 250 on a solid negative trajectory) because of the financial mess even John McCain blames on the head of the Republican party, and yet Norm Coleman only is interested in talking about Saturday Night Live?
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:59 am
ISSUES:
+Past 4 years Coleman voted against education spending, including funding for No Child Left Behind.
+Coleman voted against Superfund program(which polluters pay for)
+Veteran issues, 2005 voted against inflation adjustment for health care funding; 2006 voted against 4 bills to increase funding for veteran health care
+Coleman voted against securing of cargo planes, trains and cargo ships
+Against government negotiating drug prices (and as of July 2008, Coleman has received over $206,000 from Pharma and health product industry)
40+ DAYS LEFT — LET’S TALK ISSUES
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:07 am
Oh no, Plymnouth Dem, I very much so want to talk about SNL. The more they talk about it, the more out of touch the Coleman Camp becomes. And with the help of the MNGOP and MDE (pardon the redundancy) we can elect another Democratic Senator. They sure made it easy last cycle, and now they took a slam dunk seat and handed it back to the Dems on a sliver platter. (Today Right Wing Rassumssen still has the race dead heat/within Margin of error. That’s gotta sting!)
Thanks Mike and Ron!!! You are the bestest!
Flash
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:12 am
Plymouth Dem – once again showing his impotency with a logical response.
“You can be a credited writer if it was your general idea for the skit. That doesn’t mean he wrote a word of the skit.”
Just as easy to say
You can be a credited writer if it was your general idea for the skit. And that certainly could mean he wrote the words in the skit, regardless of what Meyers said.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:14 am
I don’t blame Angry Al for trying to distance himself from SNL. The show sucks.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:15 am
Flash,
I’m sure if Norm Coleman helped write some unfunny skit mocking Obama on national TV, you’d want to only talk issues. Yup, I’m sure.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:17 am
Here’s the world Leroy, PD, Carol W and Flash live in:
Democrats can do no wrong, Republicans can do no right.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:19 am
Hacks of the highest order. Partisan tools who do backflips to cover for the lowest of the low.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:31 am
Carol and Flash, if you want to talk issues, we certainly can talk about who caused the mortgage lenders collapse. Minnesotans would like to know why Franklin Raines, the CEO of Fannie Mae who oversaw an accounting scandal that dwarfs Enron and walked away with $90 mil in bonuses is now an Obama campaign financial advisor.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:34 am
I think pig man gets 41% of the vote and that’s it. Do any of you recall Bill Clinton never received 50% of the vote in either 1992 or 1996 elections. He got 43% in 92 and I think 48% in 96. In 92 that little idgit Ross Parrot got 11%. I suspect this Barkley will get 10% and coupled with Al’s 41% Coleman will get 44 or 45% but enough to win but not the coveted 50%. But Coleman will win and Pig man will lose and quickly leave Minnesota. So much for wanting to be a Minnesotan again.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:46 am
He never wanted to be Minnesotan. He wants to be New York’s 3rd senator that happens to have a condo in MN that he never inhabits. In fact, that works out good for NY. They already have 2 senators that vote ultra leftwing down the line so Al’s role could be that of DSCC jester. His vile anti-Republican “satire” will go over great in the caucus.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:01 pm
“You can be a credited writer if it was your general idea for the skit. And that certainly could mean he wrote the words in the skit, regardless of what Meyers said.”
So, it’s your logic that even though everyone involved has said he didn’t write a single word and that he was credited because the overall idea originated with him, he just as likely wrote it?
No wonder you vote republican. You are obviously too dumb to do otherwise.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
How the Democrats Created the Financial Crisis
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aSKSoiNbnQY0
PlymouthDem providing cover for that Idiot-Al nice tard move.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Better be careful, Flash.
If you continue to post comments that do not conform to what Mike wants to hear, he’ll ban you.
We don’t want to hear anything that upsets us.
UPDATE: DOH! That’s right. Mike doesn’t ban dissent…that’s the response from “centerists” and DFL mouthpieces.
What the heck was I thinking.
Conservatives LOVE the opportunity to shred the inane babbling lefties bring with them…there is nothing better than watching some witless lefty moron squirting tears all over the intertubez!
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:09 pm
PD calling someone dumb. That’s rich.
You’re the dummy that can’t answer a direct question about what economic experience Al has.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:12 pm
“You’re the dummy that can’t answer a direct question about what economic experience Al has.”
Here’s what I know, whatever economic experience Norm has (not exactly any more than Al) has really helped the economy along over the last six years. Thanks Al.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I don’t ban dissent, in fact I encourage it, everytime your mouth opens, more votes run away from the GOP to the DFL.
I do, however, ban Disrespect on somber and hallowed days when individuals have no respect for those who are not with us any longer. It is something Mitch taught me. Don’t let anyone muddy a memorial thread.
If you had a drop of respect in the cold child blood of yours, you would know what I mean. but instead you’ll come back with more biting commentary and chase a few more votes our way. For that, I thank you!
Flash
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Thanks for proving my point PD.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:17 pm
“http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aSKSoiNbnQY0″
HA.
The AEI, the champions of deregulation, now trying to blame the democrats for not wanting to reverse republican deregulation? Classic.
Perhaps someone should send this memo to John McCain who’s off on the campaign trail blasting BUSH for his lack of regulatory oversignt.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:20 pm
“no respect for those who are not with us any longer”
You must be referring to this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl5hwE8ffgg
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:26 pm
All 50 governors a few years ago tried to stop the predatory lending practices and THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION not only did nothing to prevent the practices, but it aggressively campaigned to prevent states from doing anything by using an obscure (since the Civil War) agency, OCC (Office of the Comptroller of the Currency)as a tool against consumers.
See the Eliot Spitzer piece in the Washington Post for a complete reading. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/13/AR2008021302783.html
And how do we get the attention of Washington to stop this insane abuse of power? By not voting for candidates who will continue his failed policies — McCain, Coleman and Paulsen.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Man you guys are desperate.
Let’s compare desperation:
Angry Al’s team of fellow liars desperately and breathlessly deny involvement. Then they change their story multiple times spending valuable time issuing release after release on the subject.
Michael simply reports information on it. Republicans simply call them on their changing story.
Come again? Who’s desperate here?
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:31 pm
bowhuntdude — All 50 governors a few years ago tried to stop the predatory lending practices and THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION not only did nothing to prevent the practices, but it aggressively campaigned to prevent states from doing anything by using an obscure (since the Civil War) agency, OCC (Office of the Comptroller of the Currency)as a tool against consumers.
See the Eliot Spitzer piece in the Washington Post for a complete reading. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/13/AR2008021302783.html
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Bloomberg, hardly a Republican mouthpiece, blames the Democrates:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aSKSoiNbnQY0
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Average Joe,
That article is written by the AEI, definitely a mouth piece for the republicans.
Nice try though.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
“Don’t let anyone muddy a memorial thread.”
Right. At least not until you’re done using it to point the impudent finger at your political White Whales.
Pfft.
Run along now, Flash. It’s time for your afternoon kool-aid break.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
And the Washington Post and Eliot Spitzer are unbiased observers.
Uh-huh.
That’s not even a nice try.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Average Joe,
Learn to read. When did I rely on either SPitzer or the Post? I relied on John McCain who points his finger at Bush.
September 22nd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Then I can only assume PD that you do not support the Democrat line that electing McCain would be third term for Bush? You are clearly stating that McCain does not support Bush here right?
I can’t wait to see what type of BS you come back with as you back away from your last post…
September 22nd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
“Then I can only assume PD that you do not support the Democrat line that electing McCain would be third term for Bush? You are clearly stating that McCain does not support Bush here right?”
Bush doesn’t even support Bush here. What makes McCain all the worse is that he knows the Bush administration has Fed things up beyond comprehension and yet still ascribes to the same fundamental economic principals of Bush–although, now he’s for regulation after being against them.
September 22nd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Eh, the skit was stupid and not very funny. Kinda like Al Franken.
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Franken’s biggest problem is that he actually believes he’s a satirist. His best comic bit was his decision to enter the race for Senate.
Coleman needs to be less negative in his ads. Neither Franken nor Coleman will get more than 45% of the vote this November.
And now I must go and organize a community.
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:19 pm
What’s the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull?
What kind of COMIC is this?
Is the BULL in the pit?
Does the BULL wear the LIPSTICK?
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Say, LP?
Do you ever wake up sober?
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Al Franken is creepy, not funny. SNL isn’t funny either. I keep watching it, but haven’t laughed for years. It is kind of creepy too. I thought Minnesotans were nice, but after this skit and this comment blog, I don’t think that is true.
September 22nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
PD- “Obama supports tax cuts for pedophiles because he supports tax cuts for everyone.” I guess in PDs world “everyone” doesn`t include the people who pay over 97% of total income taxes.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
this is a good commercial about franken.
http://www.friendsoftheuschamber.com/takeaction/index.cfm?ID191.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:30 pm
sorry…typed the address wrong.
http://www.friendsoftheuschamber.com/takeaction/index.cfm?ID=191
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:34 am
Plymouth:
He got the credit for writing the skit! He was involved in the phonecall that created the skit. Al is now claiming that he only created the concept because he’s trying to get himself out of the mess.
Now if all Al had done was just make the phonecall to Lorne Michaels there might be a way to believe that. But Franken also had a phone call with another writer. That writer took the concept from Franken. That writer obviously asked Franken what things that he thought Mccain had a hard time in claiming. In effect the writer was getting jokes from Franken.
Furthermore more Plymouth you seem to be overlooking a much simpler concept here. Why on Earth are the Democrats who are the liars accusing Mccain of leing. After all:
* Obama claims he is a reformer yet he refused to support the reform candidate for the Cook County election that could’ve destroyed the Cook County machine. Obama not only walked away from ethnics reform with John Mccain, but he sent Mccain a nasty letter when he was out of the country. Obama had the nerve to lie on national television Sunday night when he said he walks in rooms with people of different opionons and puts them together.
* Obama cries wolf for having ads run against him for running a celebrity campaign. Sorry Plymouth he has been running as a celebrity. And the only reason why Franken is in this race is because he’s a celebrity (a bad one at that)
* Obama claims that he’s a new type of politican. That’s odd since his commercials have been lies, he deliberately takes remarks out of context not knowing they will be challenged by most reporters, and he keeps making insulting references that people don’t want to vote for him because of his race instead of his positions on issues in the hopes of guilty them to vote for him.
The point is if this skit had been Obama trying to defend the outrageous things his campaign had been doing that would’ve been funny since it was based on reality.
These were just sick attacks and since Franken was the credited writer it has to be assumed he knew the jokes and approved of them in advance. After all he is “Al Franken and I approve this message!”
Walter Hanson
Minneapolis, MN