Comments on: Minnesota canvassing board certifies Franken win

By: Weary

Weary — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:22:18 +0000

It's sad that so many U.S. citizens who claim to believe in freedom want to silence those whose politics they disagree with when things don't go their way. Do you have concrete evidence that the Minnesota senate race was "stolen" or is it just sour grapes? No one griping about Franken's apparent election would want to be hauled into court based on the kind of "evidence" being offered here. Too many so-called conservatives don't have a problem with big government as long as liberal oxes are being gored. I'm proud to be both an American and a liberal, and criticizing the government, liberal or conservative, hardly makes one anti-American. It's laughable that after eight years under the worst American president since Warren Harding that someone could claim liberals are "a danger" to the country. It's been an allegedly conservative administration that let a major city drown, launched a foolish pre-emptive war, mismanaged another war, greatly expanded the size of the federal government, and spent the nation from surplus to deficit.

By: sick n tired

sick n tired — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:21:57 +0000

To JC: I hate to tell you this but the Republicans have been stealing elections for the past 12 years! Turnabout is fair play so get over yourself! And exactly what "facts" do you have to support your argument?

By: BJ

BJ — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:21:41 +0000

Now the Democrats just have to find a way to elect Zippy the Clown and they will have all the bases covered...

By: john

john — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:19:57 +0000

Why won't they count the 655 or so rejected ballots in republican areas that Coleman wants counted? They counted rejected ballots in democratic areas. Seems a little fishy to me.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:19:37 +0000

Coleman is whining abotu 650 votes. Franken leads by 225. That means the 650 votes must break down as follows for Coleman to win:

Coleman – 438

Franken – 212

Not gonna happen. I say let Coleman have them counted so he can eat crow.

By: Terry, Dallas Texas

Terry, Dallas Texas — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:19:17 +0000

What? The courts have no business getting involved in deciding an election and interfering with American politics. President Bush would never allow this sort...oh wait a sec

By: Wayne, Greenville TX

Wayne, Greenville TX — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:18:41 +0000

Oh, boo-hoo-hoo!!! The GOP couldn't stel this election, and now they're crying.

As you RepubliKKKan morons told us Democrats in 2000, the election's now over – get over it!!!!!

Congratulations to Senator-Elect Al Franken!!!

By: sandee in Portland

sandee in Portland — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:17:06 +0000

At least he's not a died in the wool politician like Coleman. I don't think it ever hurts to bring new blood to our political system. In fact, I think there should be term limits on all politicians including senators and congressmen. Why would anyone want one of these guys to be in office for more than 6 or 8 years? That just gives them the opportunity to become more self-serving.

By: Sore Losers

Sore Losers — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:16:25 +0000

All you conservatives need to get a life and get over the fact that your party sucks and is in the toilet. You Lost. Period.
Your party is nearly finished and all your heroes on Wall street let us down for the last time.
Get over it and go heal yourself.

Man up!

By: Marco in Arizona

Marco in Arizona — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:15:24 +0000

I find it interesting how many of the "commentators" here who are calling Franken's election a steal have such a very short memory! They forget about the fact that we had a PRESIDENTIAL election stolen only 8 years ago, and this event ultimately led to the deep trouble we are all in today! The fact is that the SYSTEM is deeply primitive and corrupt for a so-called world power, and it definitely needs to be changed. Our voting and electoral system is a JOKE.

By: Joe

Joe — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:14:45 +0000

And predictably, the few left-over right-wing nuts are foaming at the mouth...
Get over it. And return to civility. Nobody takes you guys seriously with foaming mouths.

By: Proud American in a Big Western City

Proud American in a Big Western City — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:14:03 +0000

Because he's good enough, he's smart enough, and goshdarnit, people like him.

When's the next SNL audition? They all seem to springboard into greatness.

By: John, Brooklyn, New York

John, Brooklyn, New York — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:13:53 +0000

Most decent people would be disturbed by the vitriolic rhetoric expressed by the people who have submitted many of the postings below.

However, I, for one, am delighted. This kind of bitter, ideological rage is one of the core reasons that the American public has turned its back on the Republican Party.

This election wasn't stolen any more than the presidential election of 2000 (and, frankly, I doubt that you would hear complaints that George Bush stole the presidency from the vast majority of the contributors below). The fact is...when elections are close...one must trust in the due process of election laws, review procedures, and the courts. Its messy – but its democracy.

Bottom line....complain away, angry Republicans. The more you do, the more you will be seen as political dinosaurs.

By: Jodi K from MN

Jodi K from MN — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:13:49 +0000

All you sore losers just zip it. You make fun of Minnesotans for voting for Franken? First off, there is a 70% chance that our 7th graders are smarter than your high school grads, so don't even go there. Especially if you are from the south.

Next, if Franken is such a clown, then why did he beat that smarmy crook? Let me explain it to you in simple terms you can understand...

your prejudice, hate, and hypocrisy has not infected Minnesotans yet, thank God. You morons that go on about how Regan is a hero, and he was a bad B actor. Why does Frankens past as a comedian matter so much to you??? Oh yeah, that's right, cause he isn't afraid to make fun of Limbaugh and O'reilley, your personal gods no matter how wrong they are.

By: Proud American

Proud American — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:13:33 +0000

Why is Coleman crying like a baby, he can find work just like the other republican losers. Just put your foot in isle and prevent progress from taken place.

By: Jim in Raleigh

Jim in Raleigh — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:10:50 +0000

Again, the only thing different from 2000 (Florida) or 2004 (Ohio) is the party. Funny we didn't hear Republicans CRYING foul back then. Oh, wait, nothing funny about it. It's just sad. So sad. "Mommy, mommy, the big, bad vote counters wouldn't play with us this time!" Just go home and sulk for six years.

By: Norman

Norman — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:10:41 +0000

Well, not long ago,Minnesotans voted pro wrestler Jerry Ventura as Governor, now Al Franken as Senator. I guess next it will Homer Simpson for president.

By: Jon

Jon — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:06:42 +0000

Jack: Anybody who thinks their vote doesn't count??? If you don't like democracy at work-Show up and vote. If he does agood job; he gets re-elected- if not; out with another dumb wisecracker.
Jon in Calif.

By: Politico

Politico — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:05:57 +0000

There was a lot of justifiable fuss about ACORN and their questionable voter registration tactics throughout the 2008 campaign. Ultimately, it seems as though Obama's win was inevitable and post-election analysis appears to indicate that ACORN's illegal activities didn't truly have any major impact on the outcome of the Presidential race. However, the same cannot be said for many of the down-ticket races, and it is now more apparent than ever that Franken clearly benefitted from the thousands of illegal registrants gathered by ACORN and their ilk in Minnesota. His razor-thin victory is demonstrative of this fact, and for the board of elections to pick and choose which ballots should be counted is criminal. Drawing comparisons to 2000 or 2004 is irresponsible and moronic. One has nothing to do with the other. When elections are "stolen," as this one clearly was, our whole country suffers. This is a stain on our American political process and no right-minded Democrat should be cheering about this win. It does nothing to change the balance of power in the Senate. Coleman will be back once the people of Minnesota realize what a mistake they made. I can't even imagine Al Franken attempting to deal with constituents and REAL problems. How can a guy who spent his "literary" and broadcast career (Air American) tearing apart people of one particular political philosophy build consensus in Washington?

By: Greed is not good

Greed is not good — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:05:43 +0000

All the Dem's need now is only 1 Republican "traitor". The Joe Lieberman of the GOP is out there waiting to see the light.

By: Rushpublicans Hate Lawyers

Rushpublicans Hate Lawyers — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:05:31 +0000

Until they lose elections, then they employ them to overturn the will of the people.

By: James

James — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:05:30 +0000

Republicans should be beaming over this. As the Dems push themselves further and further to the left they will no doubt lose many moderate votes. This hyper-liberialism will give way once again to moderate conservatism and the Republicans. This will lead once again to hyper-conservatism and then the moderates will make another change. This whole process will take a while but it's nice to see the Dems moving forward before Obama even takes office. The only question is it going to take 4, 8 or 12 years.

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:03:28 +0000

Sorry Minnesota, but you get what you deserve.
I wonder if any of you who voted for him ever listened to this guy while he was on Air America ? Oh yeah I forgot, hardly any stations carried it, ratings were terrible, and they went bankrupt. Then Franken ran from the sinking ship. He must have really cared about that gig huh ?

By: Who's the Anti-American Now?

Who's the Anti-American Now? — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:03:14 +0000

LOL at the moron who says Franken is anti-American with one breath and then says voters should be stripped of their rights with the next.

This is *exactly* why the "conservatives" have lost their footing in this country.

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:02:57 +0000

Matt you can have your civil war you crave so much just rename yourself to unAmerican slime or domestic terrorist cause that what you sound like to me, in eight years I never heard anyone I know joke about a war were Americans kill Americans because there guy didn't win. as for me I wish all newly elected senators even Al Franken good luck you'll need it with people like Matt praying for this country's demise.

By: DM

DM — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:01:27 +0000

I have one for Ambrose Bierce: stolen election (n) – an election in which the other side is victorious

By: David M

David M — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:01:08 +0000

This election in MN was not decided by the voters but by lawyers. Why count, recount and invalidate every vote already cast when you can have a runoff and allow the 15% that voted for the 3rd party to have a second chance to get it right.

Right now, whoever wins the seat steals the election, and that is going to haunt him until 2014. The Minnesota election system should have the runoff as a contengency for future elections.

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:00:41 +0000

Most of you fool's believe anything your so called GOP leaders tell you, your no better then members of a gang unable to think for yourself' s thank god for independents. you see we don't blindly follow one party or the other, however in this election Republicans lost the independents because your party is anything but inclusive and that formula goes for Minnesota too, you see independents make up a huge voting block out there and Republicans are not connecting, this one was close they had a chance and that's why it hurts so bad but screaming and crying only make there fall from grace worse. So Matt you can have your civil war you crave so much just rename yourself to unAmerican slime or domestic terrorist cause that what you sound like to me, in eight years I never heard anyone I know joke about a war were Americans kill Americans because there guy didn't win. as for me I wish all newly elected senators even Al Franken good luck you'll need it with people like Matt praying for this country's demise.

By: Chad, Wisco

Chad, Wisco — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:00:30 +0000

At this point Jesse Ventura probably really won. Congrats Minnesota, you have not replaced Illinois, Washington, and Floriday as the most screwed up states in regards to elections. No matter who is declared the winner the other will cry foul at this point, and the scary thing is that both sides probably have very valid arguements of foul play.

By: Chuck, Tennessee

Chuck, Tennessee — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:00:25 +0000

I remember watching Al Franken on SNL. He was stupid then and stupidity is not a disease you can get rid of. Congratulations to just barely over half of Minnesotans for electing an idiot to the Senate,

By: fielding mellish

fielding mellish — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:59:49 +0000

Is this ever cathartic...hearing the right wing whine about disenfranchised voters and a questionable secretary of state. LOL!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:59:37 +0000

Congratulations Senator Franken. You won the most Minnesota votes. Despite bitter Republican'ts whining, you will be a wonderful representative from this great state.

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:59:15 +0000

People, serious, give the guy a chance. Like Slick did us any favors that didn't directly benefit himself.

By: Jon

Jon — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:59:05 +0000

This is simply more proof that recounts do more damage to the legitimacy of a democratic vote than any good they might do. No matter who comes out the winner, each side is bitter for years after. We never heard the end of complaints about Florida in 2000. The Washington Governor's race of 2004 was no better, and precipitated another sad contest where an unpopular governor got to run against the same set of ideas that couldn't win last time, only the year, 2008, being different. Now we have the Minnesota Senate race of 2008 to add to the travesty. We change the laws, we change the technology, but the same problems keep happening. Optical scanners were supposed to remove the ambiguity from voting that plagued punch cards, they did not. Single voting standard laws were supposed to avert the allegations of double standards in vote counting, they did not. There's one simple course of action that would eliminate this. The vote total on election night is the certified total, no re-examining unless proof of fraud is presented. That would eliminate these ridiculous recount fights and restore some faith in the winners of close elections.

By: Ken in Dallas

Ken in Dallas — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:58:44 +0000

Greetings, all. I'm a joke, so I hear.

Anybody who has proof that the Minnesota recount is invalid has neglected his duty by failing to bring that proof forward before now.

Absent any such proof, all derogatory comments that remain are nothing but WHINING.

Franken won the election. It's just possible he'll prove himself a good Senator. He has earned the chance to try.

'nuff said.

By: Roger Whipple

Roger Whipple — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:58:38 +0000

Oh Boo hoo. Quite your whining. You children lost. L-O-S-T. The people voted...you might remember the people. They normally decide elections before crony appointed courts started stealing them.

American is back in the hands of the people.

Keep voting. And when your guy loses buck it up and vote the next time around. But enough whining from the big babies

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:58:12 +0000

Most of you fool's believe anything your so called GOP leaders tell you, your no better then members of a gang unable to think for yourself' s thank god for independents. you see we don't blindly follow one party or the other, however in this election Republicans lost the independents because your party is anything but inclusive and that formula goes for Minnesota too you see independents make up a huge voting block out there and Republicans are not connecting, this one was close they had a chance and that's why it hurts so bad but screaming and crying only make there fall from grace worse. So Matt you can have your civil war you crave so much just rename yourself to unAmerican slime or domestic terrorist cause that what you sound like to me, in eight years I never heard anyone I know joke about a war were Americans kill Americans because there guy didn't win. as for me I wish all newly elected senators even Al Franken good luck you'll need it with people like Matt praying for this country's demise.

By: Craig

Craig — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:57:26 +0000

Dave,

Is he unamerican simply because he doesn't believe in America the same way you do? And do we need to strip voters of Al Franken of their right to vote simply because you do not agree with it?

Give me a break....

Alot of people claim that someone is "Unamerican" simply because they don't agree with everything our country does. If you have kids, do you agree with every mistake they make or do you teach them a lesson so that they will be better for it? I hope the latter would be your answer to that question and I hope you love them as well.

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:56:55 +0000

These people who detest feign hysteria about Al Franken have no idea what they are talking about. These are the same goofs who hang on every word that Limbaugh says – and believe it. So of course they are going to think Al is "unAmerican." What a bunch of crap and nonsense.

By: Susanne

Susanne — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:56:49 +0000

¡Viva la Democracy!
This is going to be fun.

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:55:14 +0000

Most of you fool's believe anything your so called GOP leaders tell you, your no better then members of a gang unable to think for yourself' s thank god for independents. you see we don't blindly follow one party or the other, however in this election Republicans lost the independents because your party is anything but inclusive and that formula goes for Minnesota too you see independents make up a huge voting block out there and Republicans are not connecting, this one was close they had a chance and that's why it hurts so bad but screaming and crying only make there fall from grace worse. So Matt you can have your civil war you crave so much just rename yourself to unAmerican slime or domestic terrorist cause that what you sound like to me, in eight years I never heard anyone I know joke about a war were Americans kill Americans because there guy didn't win. as for me I wish all newly elected senators good luck you'll need with people like Matt praying for this country's demise.

By: Anne

Anne — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:55:11 +0000

Was Senator Coleman fighting to have every vote counted in 2000? I somehow doubt it.

By: Randy in Cleveland

Randy in Cleveland — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:54:28 +0000

Funny how the republicans stand up now and cry foul. But they had no problem in 2000 when Bush stole the election. And yes it was stolen! So I say yes this election in Minn was probably stolen too, but oh well!!!!! Turnabout is fair play!

By: Dylan from MN

Dylan from MN — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:54:01 +0000

First off, Coleman has done jack for Minnesota. Second off, he's being investigated for corruption. Third, quit acting ridiculous, calling this the end of democracy...it was a close race, life isn't fair...and for the record, we don't need "civil war".

By: Avey

Avey — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:53:41 +0000

Excellent news!

By: No Incumbents 2010

No Incumbents 2010 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:52:54 +0000

From the state that brought you Governor Jesse "The Body" Ventura.

By: Jared

Jared — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:51:56 +0000

w00 h00!

This is the BEST news I've heard in months.

Obama, Franken, Leahy, Kucinich, Conyers, Sanders, Boxer, Durbin.....we are compiling quite the "dream team" in the Washington beltway!

Franken RULES.

I look forward to him irritating the crap out of the GOP. >:)

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:51:49 +0000

Good for the goose is good for the gander. Whose whining now GOP? How shocking to see GOPers acting hypocritical by complaining about someone stealing an election...who woulda thought they had hypocrisy in their souls? I'm flabberghasted.

The reality is, this was far different than the crap Bush pulled. Citing facts won't change the GOPers minds tho. Facts don't matter to these people...only what they've decided to believe and the facts be d-ed.

By: NYC REPUB

NYC REPUB — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:49:08 +0000

I really hope Obama begins an age of post - partisanship.......... Dems, and the Good Old Party, really need to come to consensus, and not versus on so many issues facing the U.S. Reading some of these blogs really show me that at least we the people, the laymen in the country, need to force every politician to prove that they are worthy of hire. As Hillary vs. Obama, and Obama vs. McCain did....... We want the best, and nothing more.......... I'm a republican true to form(I became a Republican b/c they always won, and many were/are wealthy, I also respect the conservative movement, but that wasn't what drew me) that's what I wanted in my life. However since the Clinton Administration(who I didn't vote for but wish I did) and the Bush administration, I've noticed that no, one party has the answer.... we've got to come together....... I pray that Obama begins to blur the lines of red/blue. Let's put into action what works, and lay all other things that so easily beset our nation, to the side of the road.

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:48:34 +0000

And thus even more proof that this session of Congress will continue the streak of Worst Congress Ever! Looks like at least another 2 years of single digit approval ratings.

Although on the bright side, with the Franken win, there is hope for the future. It doesn't matter; got an IQ of 2 (2 more than Franken), been or are a coke-head, failed at every other job you've held? No problem! Just yell like an idiot at conservatives and you're guaranteed a spot in Congress (at least from Minnesota).

So now the people of Minnesota will have two years to reflect upon the mistake they made, while they (and unfortunately us as well) are suffering for it.

The Democrat Party – We Can Steal Anything!