Franken Comes Back Swinging

by Josh Orton, Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 07:39:22 AM EDT

Al Franken would make a great Senator. And there's no doubt in my mind that he'd really be a focused, detail-driven worker. When I did my stint at Air America producing Janeane and Sam's show, Al and his staff had their office space down the hall - and Al, despite his celebrity, was a meticulous researcher. He does the boring work behind the scenes because it matters, and I'm sure he'd do the same in Washington.

Coleman's attacks against Al's marginal accounting error and comedian past were unfair, but that's the game.

And the current 50.6-41.5 Pollster.com average of his race against incumbent Norm Coleman should worry us some.

But with this latest ad, we know Franken's campaign is ready to throw punches back to change momentum:

As the spot's title "Who does Norm Coleman work for? (Vol. 1)" indicates, there will be more.

Tags: Al Franken, Election 08, MN-Sen (all tags)

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Re: Franken Comes Back Swinging

I understand Franni does much of Al's research. What a tremendous couple. Franni drove many miles to come to our NNO house party last Tuesday. Huzzah!

by lojasmo 2008-08-07 08:01AM | 0 recs

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Re: Franken Comes Back Swinging

I wish I could agree with you. I haven't seen anything about him that makes me think we should be nominating him. He's a completely unimpressive candidate on all levels. To this point, I fear we've been throwing away this election. I hate Coleman with a passion, and I wish we had a serious candidate to take him on.

I hope Al proves me wrong in the end, I really do. I don't want a half-assed Senator any more than I want a Bush lapdog.

by 8th District Dem 2008-08-07 08:02AM | 0 recs

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So let me get this straight...

you wish you could agree with someone who offered a first hand statement of the kind of work ethic the guy has?

What experience do you have to compare his first hand experience with?

I am not trying to be an ass, I am just trying to figure out where you are coming from.

by JDF 2008-08-07 08:06AM | 0 recs

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Re: Franken Comes Back Swinging

Negative ads generally work, I guess, but I'm not sure people really get excited to "stay tuned" for the next negative ad. Personally, it seems like the kind of promise that would inspire more groans than anything.

by Steve M 2008-08-07 08:09AM | 0 recs

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Re: Franken Comes Back Swinging

Needs the follow through, part better be why COleman is extremely bad, followed by Part 3 of why Franken is a true hero with VISION.

Getting closer, just need the follow through to the punch.

by Trowaman 2008-08-07 08:21AM | 0 recs

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Re: Franken Comes Back Swinging

I wouldn't challenge his work ethic, but I am not sure what he is doing in Minnesota. This is the first time he has really hit back about the taxes that I have seen. I probably don't watch much local tv, so I am not catching ads, but do not see him up here northern Minnesota. I know it's summer, and maybe (hopefully) he is hitting every county fair and whatnot, but I do hope that he starts making a bigger presence in the state. I know how smart and great this guy is, he just needs to start showing my neighbors who he is as well.

I wonder about his campaign as well. I wrote a letter to the campaign and received a response. I told them I would volunteer, but all they do is ask for money. I don't have much money, but I did offer my time and have not been tapped. I do what I can with my neighbors and other people I meet.

by Hollede 2008-08-07 08:24AM | 0 recs

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One big hope

My one big hope in this election cycle is that Franken wins. So I am not happy to hear that he is not doing well.

What has Coleman got going for him? Why would Minnesotans send a Republican to Washington?

by James Earl 2008-08-07 09:05AM | 0 recs

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Re: One big hope

Al's doing fine. When Minnesotans hear what he has to say, they'll realize that Al is going to be a far superior Senator to Coleman.

This ad is a little negative for my personal taste, and I have a co-worker who is VERY turned off by it...but she is that kind of person.

I'm glad that Al isn't going to be on his heels the whole time. If this is what it takes, then so be it.

by lojasmo 2008-08-07 09:29AM | 0 recs

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Re: One big hope

"Why would Minnesotans send a Republican to Washington?"

Because MN isn't as liberal as it used to be.

by gil44 2008-08-07 12:58PM | 0 recs

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Re: One big hope

Um...6 of 8 of our US congresspersons are democrats, we have a democratic majority in the state house, and a supermajority in the senate. Furthermore, all of our elected constitutional officers are democrats.

by lojasmo 2008-08-07 02:08PM | 0 recs

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Re: One big hope

5/8. You're right. One open seat, likely to be filled by Democrat Ash Madia.

The rest of my facts were correct, and I didn't mention the governor's seat...you put that "fact" in the wrong post.

by lojasmo 2008-08-07 03:18PM | 0 recs

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Not quite right

Minnesota is not 50-50...not as one sided as it used to be, but still on the blue side. And even in the blue years Minnesotans have had a history of electing moderate independent minded Republicans (of which Coleman isn't one).

It is the ONLY state in the union to vote for the Democratic candidate for President every year since 1976...

the only state to buck the Reagan landslides...

by SaveElmer 2008-08-07 06:13PM | 0 recs

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Pfft.

What part of supermajority don't you understand?

This is NOT a 50/50 state.

ALL of our constitutional officers are democrats.

We have a SUPERMAJORITY in the state senate.

We have a CLEAR MAJORITY in the house.

The only thing "50/50" about our state is the senate caucus. That is about to change...and Amy's not up for election.

by lojasmo 2008-08-08 08:37PM | 0 recs

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Re: One big hope

Jesus, you're big on prognostication. Were you saying that clinton would win because she had "more votes" for the last half of the primary season too?

by lojasmo 2008-08-07 03:16PM | 0 recs

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Re: One big hope

I love it when a season is so pitiful for republicans that they don't even bother to get out and work for their candidates, but rather spend all their time trolling liberal(ish) blogs.

by lojasmo 2008-08-07 03:32PM | 0 recs

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Who. does. Number. 2. work. for?

That's Norm Coleman's business.

by Geekesque 2008-08-07 10:13AM | 0 recs

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Re: Franken Comes Back Swinging

Paul Wellstone is the reason Franken will be successful..Franken's respect for Wellstone is the reason for his candidacy.

by nogo postal 2008-08-07 06:10PM | 0 recs