McCain Fires Back At Franken, Defends Lieberman

View Larger Map


Sources: C-Span, Town Hall.com, Youtube, Google Maps

Franken vs Lieberman: Dems Controlling Health Care Debate

Al Franken objects to Joe Lieberman talking


Sen. Joe Lieberman just wanted an "additional moment" on the floor Thursday to finish his speech about health care.

But when he asked for unanimous consent to finish his remarks, Democratic Sen. Al Franken wouldn't let him.

"In my capacity as the senator from Minnesota, I object," said Franken, who shrugged his shoulders as he was presiding over the Senate.

"Really?" Lieberman asked, flashing a grin. "Don't take it personally," as he was granted consent to include the rest of his remarks in the congressional record.

Franken didn't take it personally, leadership aides and his office said. Both said that the leadership is strictly enforcing a 10-minute speaking rule, an unusual move that is irking long-winded senators.

Jim Manley, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, said the objection was not directed at Lieberman, who is the source of liberal ire for his position on the health care bill.

"We did that to maintain order and that no senator had an unfair advantage over another in terms of speaking," Manley said. "It was a simple request of the leader and Sen. Franken was adhering to the request of his leadership."

Earlier on the floor, Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska), presiding over the Senate, objected to Sen. John Cornyn's (R-Texas) request for additional time to speak — clearly annoying Cornyn.

Begich later withdrew his objection and allowed Cornyn to finish speaking.


Sources: Politico

Sen. Al Franken (Minn.) Is Sworn In & Ready To Work...60 Dem Votes

Huffington Post----




WASHINGTON — Al Franken became a senator on Tuesday, completing the transformation from comedian to politician.

The Minnesota Democrat's swearing-in marked the end of an eight-month political and legal struggle and drew thunderous applause in the Senate chamber. His presence gives Democrats 60 votes, enough to thwart possible Republican filibusters.

Vice President Joe Biden administered Franken's oath, slapping the former Saturday Night Live performer on the back, then embracing him in a full hug. Former Vice President Walter Mondale, a Minnesota native, accompanied Franken. Franken was introduced by fellow Minnesotan and Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

"I think it was Al who told me that the third year of his campaign would be the best," Klobuchar said. "He was right."

Franken arrives in the Senate more than eight months after Election Day. Last week the Minnesota Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Franken's favor after a protracted recount and his opponent, former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, conceded.

In the usually staid Senate, there were plenty of signs something unusual was afoot. The Senate Gallery, rarely full even with dozens of summer tours, was packed with onlookers. After Franken took the oath of the Senate, the gallery erupted in an unusual and lengthy applause that continued for several minutes.

Before the swearing in, Franken learned one truism of the Senate: nothing ever runs quite on time. Several senators read lengthy remarks from a Homeland Security bill as anticipation built for Franken's arrival. Franni Franken, the candidate's wife, smiled broadly and seemed to shift nervously in her seat.

Then, about 15 minutes later than had been scheduled, Klobuchar began her introduction. She said Franken would be a champion of average Minnesotans and played up his middle-class bona fides.

"He's demonstrated to Minnesotans that he takes his new job seriously," she said.

She added that he carried, "the same passion as Paul Wellstone," who was famous for his populist roots. Franken took the oath on a Bible that belonged to the family of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn.


View Larger Map

Sources: Huffington Post, C-Span, Youtube, Google Maps