Washington (CNN) - Tensions stemming from the prolonged debate on health care flared Thursday afternoon when Democratic Sen. Al Franken, who was the presiding officer, refused to let Sen. Joe Lieberman finish his speech on the senate floor.
Lieberman, the bane of the Democratic Party's liberal base because of his opposition to creating a public option and expanding Medicare, was speaking about preserving the Medicare trust fund.
After his allotted ten minutes, Lieberman - an independent from Connecticut who sits with the Democratic caucus - asked for more time to finish his speech, a request customarily granted in the venerable chamber.
"In my capacity as the senator from Minnesota, I object," replied
Franken.
"Really?" Lieberman asked, seeming surprised by the rejection. "Okay," he continued with a chuckle, "I don't take it personally."
Immediately following the exchange, Lieberman's closest Republican ally, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, came to his defense.
"I must say that I don't know what's happening here in this body, but I think its wrong," said McCain. "I have been around here for 20-some years. [This is] the first time I have ever seen a member denied an extra minute or
two to finish his remarks."
A spokesperson for Franken explained that Lieberman was told to stop peaking because Senate leaders were enforcing the strict time limits so they could finish a defense spending bill and get to the health bill.
Majority Leader Harry Reid's spokesman, Jim Manley, said, "We did that to maintain order and [so] that no senator had an unfair advantage over another in terms of speaking. It was a simple request of the leader and Sen. Franken was adhering to the request of his leadership."
Later in the evening it appeared that Lieberman and Franken had made amends, as they could be seen talking, laughing and even hugging on the Senate floor.
From CNN Politics
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Lieberman in the end will win. Don't mess with the insurance companies or their spokesman.
Democrats behaving like uncivilized children ?!?! Say it isn't so !!
Yes, rush, rush, hurry hurry lets get this passed before the american people realize what is in it.
Does anyone pay any attention to mcnasty anymore. After his failed run last year and his part in bringing that idiot from AK to the front lines I would keep my big mouth shut!!!
He is a nobody.
Franken is proof of how big a joke the democrats have become over trying to pass something the majority of American people does not want.
Bravo, Mr. Franken...
Hey, Joe, you gotta go!
Good for you Al Franken! Somebody showed some guts to this arrogant loud mouth. For once when he was standing in the spot light he was told to shut up! Great job Al! Do it again! Please!
Sorry, Al, you are not on SNL any more, but you certainly remain a clown.
If there is a time limit, then all leaders should be able to adhere to it. Its really not that hard. I think alot of what Lieberman does and says is a very blatant passive-agressive way to undermine the Democartic leadership who at least is trying to get something done. He's not fooling anyone.
Good for Franken. Lieberman is a prime reason we need term limits in congress. As is Nelson,Byrd,McCain or any other who has been there over 2 terms.
Our founders did not expect there would be professional politicians if they did I believe they would have but in place terms limits.
Lieberman is an insurance industry shill.
It isn't a surprise that Franken or another liberal senator did that. He has angered many people. I don't understand why Lieberman didn't talk about his problem months ago. Where is his option? Why is he objecting to the Medicare option now.
Stop grinning, Joe. OF COURSE we take it personally. Hijacking health reform for personal ego and personal financial gain is not only immoral but destructive, and will of course kill thousands.
Somebody should shut Lieberman up.
Franken is one of the ONLY members of Congress that deserves any respect at this point.
Yay.
I say we tar and feather the Liebermans and put them on the first flight to their retirement home in Tel Aviv. Somebody at least throw a pie in his face, telling him to shut up is not enough.
A slap on the wrist when Reid should throw Lieberman out of the caucus – and his chairmanship.
Well, what you expect after electing a comedian to public office?
Franken is a joke.
I guess it's better than having to duck a flying shoe....
Joe, you've said too much already..............you've become the Ralph Nader of the Senate. You block progress because you enjoy the power of doing so. If you gave any thought to the average American, you wouldn't block the public option. You creep.
GO HOME JOE............and stop talking. Or hide behind John McCain; that's safe.
Good for you, Al Franken!!!
Early one he cut someone else. Fascist turncoat Liberman deserves this. Perhaps he should join fascist zionist liberman od israel.
Great job, Al! Lieberman was droning on about nothing, as he usually does, and making no sense. We need more politicians like Al Franken to keep Congress from being such a bunch of doddering old fools like Lieberman.
you da man al!!! send him to the gop where he belongs and get out of the way of progess in america!!!!
perhaps connecticut will elect him for what he is the next time.......judas leiberman, Republican!!!!!!!
Stifle the debate! Even a couple more minutes could further imperil the master plan which already lacks suficcient support. How tenuous the balance must really be despite all the reports of a "done deal" and "certain passage". Sounding more and more like the emperor's new clothes!
Franken did it, because he has no respect for anyone or anything. Everyone knows he does not belong in the Senate. He is a disgrace to all of America! I cannot express strongly enough how disappointed I am in the people of MN. Give the rest of America a break and take elections seriously! We have enough problems in this country without dopes like Franken being put into positions that are clearly above their heads!
Mr. Franken is in a capacity of a clown on the Senate floor.
Liebermann needs to be removed from every committee assignment or chairmanship he has, and just pushed right out of town on a rail. Politicians are politicians, but this guy has re-written the book on being duplicitous. His petty stances on medicare buy-in were based on another liberal congressman Weiner liking it, and not on what Liebermann actually thought of the idea.(stated he liked it 3 months ago).
Grow a backbone, Joe!
Good for Al Franken! Somebody needs to cut that blow-hard Lieberman off. And John McCain said it perfectly and didn't even realize it! "I've been around for 20-some years ..." That is the problem – most of these politicians have been around WAY TOO LONG. It is time for fresh, new ideas.
Okay thats just downright funny. I think it is great. Liberman is doing nothing but going against the democratic party and quite honestly i wish he would just have the balls to admit he is secretly a Republican. Personally I can't stand the man and wish he would just go away
"Lieberman was told to stop peaking because"
I wouldn't want Lieberman peaking at me either...
Way to go Senator Franken!
Al Franken is da Man!
Much ado about nothing.
Typical democrat, if they don't like what you are saying, they shut you up.
Lieberman deserves no respect.
Sooner or later everyone knew that Al Franken would be revealed as completely unqualified to be a US Senator. A legislative body that used to be renowned for its statesmanship, decorum and civility now has this clown to deal with.
So what is the point of having a time limit of 10 minutes if someone can extend it effortlessly? Keep the debate short, concise and to the point. People need health care reform now. Ten minutes is plenty of time.
Talk less, think more.
Anytime you can get that idiot to shut up is a good time and this has nothing to do with the health care debate. On that issure, they all ought to shut up and start over. What is it about the resounding "NO" that the American people are saying that they don't understand?
The link on the main page says "Lieberman cut off..." which is wholly incorrect. He went over time. Given the obstructionist policies of the opponents of health care reform, it's understandable that the democrats are trying to keep people to their allotted time.
makes me laugh to read that
Lieberman, please take it personally and quit your post
mcain and lieberman should go rub private parts together!
they both should retire and catch up with current times!
Once again, Franken is proven to be a tool of the party. Glad I don't live in Minnesota any more.
Franken is a joke to the Democrat party..... probably would have been better off with Letterman....
McCain is a "follower" no wonder he could never lead anything. It was at the request of Reid and it's time the "traitor" shut his mouth anyway.
yeah, the open-minded LEFT, always willing to hear both sides of a story. Hypocrit jerks all of them.
Thank Jesus ,should have been done years ago ,Franken for President.
If this is most that Lieberman gets out of this, he is lucky. And John McCain should keep his ugly nose out of this matter.
No, they did it because it was Joe Lieberman! If it had been Mark Warner, Claire McCaskill, or any other fall in line Democrat they would have been allowed to finish. Lieberman & McCain get it. Stewart Smalley does not.
Good for you Al. It's about time somebody put the creepy little toad in his place. I know Al was just doing what was asked of him but it still sounded good to have him tell Ole Joe he had to shut up.
Al Franken is a clown and apparently he wants to be head ringmaster. What a jerk, anyone who voted for him should have their voting rights taken away.
Lieberman's a weasel who's enjoying all the attention he's getting as he helps rip the Democratic Party apart.
The real scorn must be reserved for those who enabled this weasel – Harry Reid and Barack Obama – who have totally failed the American people.
Thank god someone had the good sense to stand up to this clown. Nice going, Franken.
Liebie is great- as long as he's saying what you want to hear. For the right price, he'll say anything. Kind of like the 1-900 numbers in the 80's.
Good for Franken. When you haven't been a member of the good old boy's club very long, you know what needs to be done!
I hope Franken meant it personally, and I hope that later meeting was for show. Lieberman is holding up reform, and Democrats need to show him that it won't be tolerated.
I can't figure out if Lieberman is a republican in sheep's clothing, or if it is McCain as a democrat. Either way, it is good these 2 don't always tow the party line–they actually think the issues through.
Politics as usual.
Joe Lieberman is arrogant, corrupt and self-promoting ARSE WHOLE!
An outsider casuing a rucus on the senate floor? How dare he challenge the old school (I mean – really old school – 20 years is way too long on the floor).
Franken is an idiot. Joe should not put up with this... Filibuster the deal Joe. Show Franken who really has the Power.
Was this a Saturday Night Live skit? It's scary to think that someone who declared the entire decade of the 80'S the "me , Al Franken Decade" has come into political power.
A "reporter" might have dug a little deeper with this story and let us know if other Senators were denied extra time or if it was just Lieberman.
The same thing that happened to Joe Wilson...should happen to Franken. Come on Reid do your thing...yeah right. The Wisconsin voters will take care of Franken... he is the embarrassment ....we all thought he would be.
We should have all of the traitors in the senate gagged. Only then can we get something done.
That's what he deserves. He has been a roadblock in the heath care reform. I will pass the bill to him in the next elections.
Good thing it wasn't a republican or I am sure he would have been lynched by now. The United States is so political and messed up.
Was this the same senator John McCain who, during last year's presidential campaign, proposed a healthcare reform plan that would subsidize insurance for those who can't afford it to be paid for with $1.3 trillion in cuts to medicare and medicaid over the next ten years? Have a nice day!
Franken is just trying to combat stalling tactics intended to kill the bill. Lieberman's speech was not important.
Cannot believe what is happening to this country, it is a disgrace!
What do you expect from the junior joker who stole an election? Just the Democratic way
Look, we're talking about Joe Lieberman here. This guy has been thwarting progress for far too long. Can you blame Franken?
Joe "Two-Faced" Lieberman should be silenced.
Well it didn't take Franken long to get ruined by power. Hugging and laughing with that horrible little Lieberman who single handedly tanked what little was left of the most important piece of progressive legislation in our lifetimes? Franken should have slapped him in the face with a leather glove instead.
Al Franken is a liberal moon bat . When liberals don't get their way thay act like cry babies, they their toys, and stomp away. They believe they are smarter than anyone else on any subject. They are rude, arrogant, and wrong on the issues. Consistency is their only virtue.
Joe deserved it. He wants it both ways and has been acting like the most important senator ever. Its nice to see a democrat showing some backbone and bringing Leiberman off his pedestal.
Yea....Sit down and Shut up Lieberman, your 5 min's of fame has expired just like your common since and dignity. You should be removed from any commity that you hold a seat for.
Al Franken is a fool, and should have stayed with comedy where making a fool of yourself is expected. Making a fool of yourself on the floor of the senate shows what a mistake Minnesota made in electing that idiot.
Franken was going by the rules of the Senate. Joe is a windbag and just wants to be heard all of the time, just like the Party of NO. Isn't it sad to hear these Senators that want everything their way but forget while they are bickering people are dying because of no insurance coverage.
They have ALL talked TOO MUCH. Its now time for action. Sign this bill, and give the American people the health care they deserve. We have spent enough fighting a war built on lies by the Bush administraion. Its time for that money to be used to help our own people.
YAY- somebody finally told the Two-Face to shut up. He's done!
Franken is right up there with the "inexperienced," just like Obama....the liberals think nothing of treading on others' rights, and when they don't get their way, they resort to childlike rudeness and pouting (Obama's specialty)....Franken should shut up...
Save us from the dynamic duo... Remember – this pair brought us Sarah from Alaska...
Some of these old white haired men need to get voted out of the Senate so that only their wives are subject to their boring predicable rhetoric. Well done Mr Franken
I'm a Minnesotan, and I can tell you that Franken is a nasty, partisan pit bull. It was only a matter of time before something like this happened, and I fear he's just getting warmed up.
I would kick this sleezy excuse for a man over to the side of the Republicans with the rest of the sleez bags.........
Fraken and other radical liberals don't want to hear anything but their own drivel. Lieberman has a right to his own opinion and should be heard regardless of his views. Or have we become a country where only those in power are heard? Are we now the new soviets?
Obama/Franken 2012!!!
The talking heads are idiots.
All of you senators should be lined up and tarred. You are all stupid and an insult to human diginity.you are all liars.
Good for Al! Sooner than later, we need to get Lieberman out of the senate. At least make him an unnecessary fixture until that time. What a waste he turned out to be! Thanks Al!!!!
Go away Lieberman....Take McCain with you..two stuffy old boring losers.
Why was a junior Senator, who stole on election, allowed to be the presiding officer? Because he is liberal enough, left enough, and doggoneit, he's a Democrat.
Great! It’s about time someone told Loserman to sit down and shut up. He's a disgrace, he is not a Democrat or liberal, just a typical bought and paid for GOP hack. Why would anyone care what he thinks or has to say? He does not deserve any respect and should be striped of his chairmanship; he has NO seniority as an Independent.
Good for Leiberman...he wants to listen to the lobbying of the CT medical insurance industry instead of his constituents so why bother to let him speak? Shout him down from the highest mountain Al...
Finally someone told Lieberman to shut up.Good
Once again Franken is illustrating to the nation what an idiot he is.
Typical of the modern Democratic party. Only rights for themselves and the groups they either support to get their votes in elections or depend upon for financial support
Good for Al, don't let that weasel Lieberman speak any more than necessary!
I live in CT and I like Lieberman. Franken should go back to SNL and tape that stupid satellite dish to his head. At least then his head would be useful.
And by the way, how the heck does a freshman comedian senator get to be presiding officer of anything? I assume there is some pecking order. What, were all the kindergartners already napping?
Well, waiting for an apology from Franken or any democrat would be like asking them to read the US Constitution...frustrating and futile...
I dont feel bad for liberman. he deserved it.
He is denying healthcare to the American people and Franken denied him extra time to complete his speech. Its not even tit-for-tat.
He will soon losr his seat in the senater by the people of the most liberal state, then it will be tit-for-tat.
Much ado about nothing! They are on a schedule, everyone already knows that Lieberman stands with the insurance companies, and McCain is becoming as much of an opportunist as Palin. Grow up, all of you in Washington, and get us some reform!
I guess Sens McCain and Lieberman have forgotten that the rules of the Senate and other houses of government were enacted to prevent the "tyranny of the minority". But of course, the party of No would conveniently forget this when they are the party of the minority!
Minnesota Nice????? The only thing funnier than that idea is the clowns Minnesota dopes elect.
Good for Mr. Franken. If you don't shut the moron republican's up at the alloted time, self-employed people like me will NEVER be able to afford health care. They are NOT listening to their constituents.
A; Franken did the right thing, Lieberman is a selfish prostitute for the insurance companies. Lieberman could care less about the poor sick people in this country that are dying because they have no insurance. Lieberman what a disgrace to our country.
Three cheers for Franken!! This response should be taken with every Blowhard senator - which entails about 100% of these idiots!
God bless, Al Franken.
Can he do that every time Lieberman starts to speak?
A tip o' the hat to Senator Franken.
We can all use a break from the irritating sound of Senator Foghorn's voice( I think he did the alien tripod horn sound on War of the Worlds). But we could all REALLY use a break from his lousy public policy philosophy.
Hey Joe, why don't you put OUR money where your mouth is? Be a stand-up guy and opt-out of the platinum health care insurance we buy for you, and go out and buy your own on the "free market" (I miss the way W used to pronounce that: like he had a mouth full of Cheetos).
Maybe you could start a blog on how easy it is to get covered by a FOR-PROFIT insurance company with your pre-existing condition: your advanced age.
Leave it to the Repugnants to object to observing Senate rules, when the tables are turned.
Frankly, I think they should find a rule that prevents Lieberman from ever opening his trap. If the Repugnants were in charge, they would use those tactics on a renegade senator in a heartbeat.
Sen. Al-Small-and-Petty-Franken will regret his rudeness, once the Dems lose their majority in Congress.
(Although I can understand why Franken would try to shut down the truth from being spoken aloud about Medicare's serious budget deficits.)
Thank heavens for Independents like Joe; we need more of them!
Reid was trying to keep these idiots from "stalling". It only looked good for Franken to whack Lie-berman over the head, but don't read so much into it.
McCain is right. "I don't know what's happening here in this body, but I think it's wrong". McCain himself isn't capable of recognizing his part in what's wrong, but we should not pretend that this isn't a sign of an unhealthy body politic.
And I'm sure Sen Reid will object when the Rep's do the same thing to his party the next time they are in power. What a bunch of junior high whiners!
This traitor Leiberman shouldn't even be allowed to speak let alone be cutoff. This guy betrayed his constituents by denying them affordable healthcare, he denied healthcare people who are near retirement. Its a disgrace he is even being represented his constituents should be throw him out and not wait for next elections which is no doubt he will lose.
Real mature there, Franken. People said you would turn congress into even more of a circus and you have. Congrats!
About time a representative from the Democratic party shut old Droopy Joe down!! GOOD JOB!!!!!
Lieberman is quick to send billions of our tax dollars to Isreal every year. But he has a problem with spending money that will actually help the american people get proper healthcare. This guy a just a political tool for foreign interests and could care less about the american people.
Refreshing in the fact that political posturing can shut the mouth of Mr. L.
Kudos to Mr. Franken for his efforts to remove a platform for political diatribes by this mealy mouthed Senator from Conn.
Now how wise was this for a legislator whose trying to pass a bill that needs EVERY LAST VOTE? See how much your party values you, Joe?
Way to go AL! Let's change the way congress use to conduct business.
It's about time someone shut him up. Go Al Franken!!!!!!!!!!11
talk , talk , talk, that all Lieberman does were tired of dems just talking esp lieberhosen we want action and the bill passed.
Good for you Franken...Lieberman talking about absolutely nothing and wasting everyone's time.
Joe Lebermann is a man. Al Franken is a little boy.
So this was an SNL skit after all.
"I must say that I don't know what's happening here in this body, but I think its wrong," said McCain. Senator, you got that right! Most the things going on there ARE wrong... :p
I hope Franken gave Senator Lieberman a HUGE apology. He is a joke of a rookie senator who should have known better. He has absolutely no respect for his colleagues and should resign and go back to being a comedian. Oh that's right, he wasn't good at that job either!
I can"t stand Lieberman anyway. Benedict Arnold
Lieberman hasn’t said anything constructive in the past six months and if he does say something positive, he changes his position anyway. He is strictly an obstructionist that will do anything to feed his ego and continue to be fed by the insurance lobby. It is not the citizens, but Joe, Joe, Joe.
At what point did they cuddle?
Franken shuts up Lieberman, telling him he's out of time. Let's hope the voters of Connecticut do the same.
Why would you expect any othe response from Al Frankin?He is just another example of this government that has invaded a free country.All are comedians.
Democrat, Republican, or Independent, you have to admit that Lieberman needs to be cut off from speaking so that people don't kill themselves from the sound of his voice.
Proof that the childishness begun with GOP's silly stall tactics like forcing complete bills to be read is also alive on the left. Grow up boys and girls.
Honestly, I'd love to take away Lieberman's right to speak in the Senate ever again.
Finally, someone with guts to put this weasel in his place. Go Al Franken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the only way this nobody can get recognition. Make a name then make a mess. The Democrat way.
al franken is an IDIOT I cant believe he was elected.
Whats the big deal..it happens a lot..Just trying to stir up controversy again..Lot s of senators have had their time cut short..
Get on with real news okay!
Way to go Al. You must be as tired as the rest of us when it comes to listening to Joe the Traitor drone on and on with his lies and back-stabbing rhetoric.
Senator Franken... YOU ROCK!
I love how they want to enforce the rules and make sure to keep time limits. Then spend the next 20 minutes going back and forth about it.
Their gonna run health care? Yay!
Lieberman should not be allowed to talk anymore, i wish they could kick him out of the senate floor as well.. Joe Lieberman has sold his soul to the devil and deserve nomore respect.
Joe Lieberman and Al Franken weren't hugging. He was checking Lieberman's pockets for 30 pieces of silver.
It's no wonder that our USA is becoming more like a third world nation, the immaturity and the self serving representatives aren't doing their jobs because they behave child like, and I'm tired of it. I'll be voting for a new face for the House & Senate.
I love Al Franken. In his time in the Senate, I have seen him do more good and be more principled than most other libs there. There is something to be said for having new blood in the house. And there is a lot to be said about the wonder who is Sen. Franken!
It is time to pull in the horns of Joe the turncoat Lieberman. He doesn't have the decency to respect the Democrat Party that let him run for Vice President, if that doesn't show character I don't know what does. Specter is another one that hasn't any character.or respect.
They should duck tape his mouth shut. He's a big bag of wind. Have you ever listened to him speak? It's like watching paint dry.
Another example of why Franken was a joke when elected to the Senate. Pettiness does not belong on the Senate floor. He did nothing to build is own image by such disrespectful behavior. Does he have a clue to Senate etiquette and tradition? Joe just gained 10 points in the public opinion polls.
Lieberman and McCain can take their precious healthcare speeches to the private insurance companies, who – after all – are their real constituents in this debate.
Another example uf the Democrats trying to supress freedom of speech.
Lieberman needs to have a muzzle on him at all times.
It's about time Joe Lieberman realizes that the world is round & doesn't revolve around him. Treat others shabbily & you can expect the same kind of treatment in return. P.S.–where was John McCain when Rep. Joe Wilson yelled "liar" at Pres. Obama on the floor of the House.
Another example of the Democrats trying to supress freedom of speech.
At this point ol' Joe has no more to say (at least anything of import) than aPALLING Sarah.
As for Sen. Franken, "I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!" Go for it, Al!
You got what you voted for.
Thanks Al. I wish I could stop that guy from speaking as well. I live in CT, but certainly did not vote for him and wish, for Christmas, that he would retire and let someone else be the senator from CT. Please Joe, go away.
This is why bad comedians shouldn't be elected to the Senate. What a shame that Franken and the Democrats are so threatened by a differing point of view.
That's they Democrats are. They act like little babies when one of their own doesn't support them all the time. I knew it was a mistake to get someone like Al Franken in there. You won't see a Republican acting like this.
Al Franken is such a joke.
Considering that Lieberman is currently opposing plans he championed for over a DECADE (up until recently even), one can only assume that his speeches are an attempt to grandstand. In this respect I am glad that Franken cut him off. Additionally, it is true that the Senate is running out of time and curtailing the time each member is allowed on the floor seems like a reasonable imposition...it works in the House, so why not?
You got a "gansta" in da whitehouse, you gonna get "gangsta" politics, can't behave even when day be prezident
LIEberman is just playing games and giving speechs to hear his own voice. Who is LIEberman these days. He sure isn't an Independent or a Democrat. He humg around with MsCain and Palin way too long.
Lieberman probably would have gone on for four or five days in an attempt to stall needed legislation like his GOP friends did with the 700+ pg. amendment.
when franken was "placed" in the senate the quality quotient went down by about 99%. what a low-rent piece of trash. the dems are getting worse by the day and it appears there is no one to call them on their trashiness. but, that just makes it easier for the republicans and the independents to replace the whole lot of them in 2010 – bring it on!!!!!
well done mr. franken. lieberman needs to be put in his place and as for mccain, that old man should retire. Ofcourse he will back his buddy (who supported his failed presidential campaign) .. both of em need to retire asap and maybe then we can something done with health care reform. especially that cronie lieberman, what a bag of nails he is.
...shouldn't it read "because of his opposition to creating a public option OR expanding Medicare" ? isn't that the fact of the matter? Semantically, isn't that more the circumstance? Just askin'...
Something tells me that Al Franken is as sick of Joe Lieberman as the majority of the country is. What a shame that a Senator who's really a closet (and I use the term very loosely) Republican may be able to ruin Health Care Reform for the entire United States. This should not be happening... Please do something with Joe...
Brilliant Al Franken...!
This's exactly how this man should be treated.
Al Frenken, a comedian who got in office under the most suspicious of circumstances, objects to anything and they take him seriously? PULEEZEEEEEE!
ha ha ha ha ha ha! LieBerman shouldn't be allowed to caucus with the democrats anymore, that is just his ploy to get people in Connecticut to think of him as pretty much a democrat. All he does is screw the democrats. Let him caucus with the republicans, what would be the difference?
Good for Senator Franken and the leadership. Healthcare is too important legislation to allow 1 individual to delay it or negatively change it for the majority of Americans that want positive action and positive change.
I wish someone had hugged Harry Reid as a child, so that today he would be less inclined to make the Senate his fascist and intolerant playhouse.
So in essence much ado about nothing by the media as usual. Why don't you guys report on the issues and not on these human interest stories. Maybe then the public might just a little bit better informed.
Just vote no!
Lieberman and the Republicans are utilizing every stall tactic they can think of to prevent ANY progress on bills that affect humanity. Politics has become a money "game" and anyone who has been in office more than 10 years is corrupt. We need to get rid of any senator or congressman who exhibits the appearance of being corrupt and just start fresh. They are easy to identify, two stepping issues, prolonging votes, connections with lobbyists, flip flopping on common sense, oh and just follow the money.
Shutting up the air bags to get the people's business done?
Absolutely change I voted for!
I guess that is one way to make a statement about Lieberman's ridiculous oppositional behavior.
There goes ol' McCain trying to use agism in his favor. The fact of the matter is Lieberman is a pure waste of space in terms of this country's progress. He is not needed as a policy maker.
Say goodbye to the committee chairmanship, Joe! That's next on the agenda.
Coburn wastes almost 2 days requiring a 700+ page amendment to read aloud and now the replicans are complaining. Why am I not surprised.
Lieberman doesn't support the troops
Franken is scum – period! There's no need for discussion.
Franken is still, and will always be, a comedian. The people of Minnesota must want to be entertained. What amazes me is that the Senate would allow a clown to preside over anything.
Funny. Wasn't Franken narrowly elected over Coleman because Coleman was too much of a lap dog to the Republican Party? Guess Minnesota still has a lap dog in the Senate.
We have heard enough from Lieberman... It's time for the Democrats to shut him up for good – he has betrayed the American people for too long and too many times.
From the state that gave us Jesse "The Body" Ventura, we get the gift that will keep on giving for the next 5 years – Al "The Clown" Franken.
Must be all that yellow snow they eat up there.
It is about time Liberman was pulled in a bit. I hope he loses his chairmanship if he has one. He should be pushed back to a jounior member status.
Good for Franken and the demo leadership. Lieberman is abandoning his liberal roots and siding with insurance and pharmaceutical
Good for you Al Franken!! Why have a ten minute limit if it is not upheld.
A bunch of whiny babies who are hijacking true health care reform.
It would seem to me that Joe Lieberman is being punished for his failure to cave in to Democratic Party orthodoxy. Suppressing dissent should never be condoned in a democracy. However, one-party rule is seldom a characteristic of a democracy, either.
I think it is quite refreshing to finally see a Democratic Senator stand-up to Senator Lieberman. It is overdue.
Weel Done, He is an old windbag..,
Franken is an id iot. Remember he is from the same state as people who still put Wellstone bumper stickers on their cars.
What a joke, no pun intended.
Why are liberal Democrats pushing this bill so hard? I'm a democrat and I am starting to question my affiliation and voting habits after the whole health care and "man-made" global warming hoax.
Besides stupidy taking over Capital Hill, we have clowns like Al Franken who get elected by brainless people in Minnesota.
Senators Lieberman and McCain. Stop grandstanding and get to work for the American people. Okay?
Way to go, Franken!!
Anyone talking for 10 minutes needs to be told to shut up !!!!!
Surely Liberman has had plenty of opportunity to say what's on his mind and CNN carries all of it.
McCain, since you obviously don't know what's going on in the Senate, why don't you quit while you are ahead.
Franken is a disrespectful piece of trash. The fact that he was elected is just a testament to how useless Minnesota.
so what! Who cares anymore what any of them do.
I am a democrat and yet, see failure with them too at this time.
Al Franken and Harry Reid are ridiculous...
After Al Franken's inexperienced performance with Joe Lieberman I have a feeling the Democrats can kiss Healthcare Good-By.
That not all they should have cut off from LIEberman!
Franken - the Barely Elected Senator - once again shows the Left Wing's intolerance of opposing viewpoints.
A spokesperson for Franken explained that Lieberman was told to stop peaking because Senate leaders were enforcing the strict time limits so they could finish a defense spending bill and get to the health bill.
is it peaking or speaking? get it together Cnn
Thanks senator Al Franken we the voters of CT con not stop him, but at least you did not give him additional time to parade his self fish desirer .He is an elected senator from CT, but some how he does not vote un half of the people of CT, does what benefits Joe and Joe alone.
Franken is a clown... I should know.
It shows what a putz Al Franken is.
Now Minnesota is the laughing stock of the nation for being dumb enough to elect a comedian in a time when we need leadership.
Joe Lieberman should have been cut off long before now. Matter of fact, he should be kicked out of the Senate and let him become what he really is a REPUBLICAN who does not care about the people in his State or in the the United States!
Just another example of the Democratic Majority trying to silence the opposition. Never fear though, the annointed one's poll numbers are lowest of any president since FDR during his first year. 2010 promises to be a time for the republicans to clean the house and senate of these kooks.
Yeah McCain, we know you see nothing wrong with stalling and obstructing the health bill. That's what make you and Lieberman republicans: being puppets of the insurance industry.
Gee, can we get everyone else to stand up to that nutjob Joe Lieberman too?
Wow, Franken has some guts standing up to a former Vice Presidential candidate, and the former Republican Presidential candidate. I think with a matter as important as health care. These Senators should be entitled to speak on their views. He was only asking for a moment, and I dont see the harm in that. Franken did overstep boundaries in my opinion.
Typical American politics. Will it ever stop before they destroy this country???
Someone needed to shut him up.
Lieberman is owned by Aetna and the insurance companies. He serves the insurance industry and not the people. Lieberman should be recalled from the senate and stripped of power.
This reads like a barely grown-up equivalent to high school gossip, thank you for the quality news reporting.
Al Franken is such a joke.
Leiberman makes me angry right now, but that was still kinda rude
Go Al !!!!!!!!!
You have no idea how I despise this total clown Liberman.
In fact he's right up there with Pelosi & Reid...the other dog & pony show.
It's about time someone with a backbone stands up and tells Joe to shut up and sit down!
OMG Fraken is such an idiot! Just look at him on the video. What an embarassment.
Franken was simply following the rules. Lieberman has done enough damage already...we don't need to hear any more from him.
hooray for franken!!
Lieberman is a scumbag traitor and SHOULD be cutoff - at the neck. Go Franken, the most honest congressman of the bunch!
I would strip him of everything in congress ! Guys like him are why we need term limits.........................
Good for Franken. Maybe it IS a club there in the Senate, and they have these venerable traditions. Perhaps it's time to shake that up and change the way they do business. It's a governning body, and not a boys club.
Franken"stein" is a liberal buffon and the people of minnesota that voted for this idiot are just as stupid as Franken. This is why our nation is so messed up.
It's a shame we have people like Joe Lieberman as one of our so-called representatives. Joe, like a alot of our other so-called Senators, is in the pocket of the Health Insurance Lobby. We need to show Joe Lieberman the door to retirement.
John Reith Jr.
Albany, NY.
al franken is a joke! this is not SNL, it's the senate.
It's time for the people in the Senate to realize that the voters are tired of their stall tactics and that if a health care plan similar to Medicare does NOT pass...they WILL be replaced. Our votes make the difference and our voices WILL be heard...play around with our health and LOSE your job!!!!!!!
Of course Old Man McCain had to come to his defense....ne doesn't understand rules either. Hooray to Franken!!!!
Its good to see some one get in the middle of "Let em die Joe"
ladies and gentelman the next president of the united states...Al Franken! You go Al!
The old man should hurry up and speak his mind, and get the hell off the stage.
This just shows that the status quo of old , "good old boy network" which clearly isn't working..Can be usurped by reasonable time management precident...which was enforced by ,"new blood" who, by naivete or principle stepped on the toes of a "good old boy", term limits.term limits,term limits!
It's about time SOMEONE shut Lieberman down. He's been trying to shut down REAL healthcare reform and the business of the Senate long enough. You GO Al!
Good for Franken. High time somebody told this sanctimonious blowhard to pipe down.
Every day I am so thankful that McCain isn't our president.
Good for Franken! Lieberman needs to sit down, shut up and go away. He cares nothing for everyday people, just the fat cats in insurance companies he's getting paid to protect by stonewalling real healthcare reform.
What would you expect from a clown?
Way to go Al!
Time for Lieberman to just officially join the Republican Party. He doesn't think independently...
Franken turning the Senate Chambers into a SNL joke is in poor taste and shows his immaturity.
As a Democrat I expect more from Franken an my fellow Democrats.
I can see why Joe Lieberman is too busy to read the bills he was elected to read, dude is too busy talking smack to be bothered to do his PAID job!
My apologies as someone from Minnesota (who absolutely did NOT vote for this guy) for putting this guy in the Chamber. He's always bee known as a hot-headed partisan hack. I think this goes to show. So much for intelligent debate. Before you say it was past Joe's time, it's clear that it is customary to honor a senators request to finish his remarks. It's this sort of partisan play that keeps things from getting done, hence the ridiculously low approval ratings for legislators.
Al Franken, the new lion on the Senate. He's every American's senator!
Good, Senator Franken! We need to show that Senator Lieberman is unneeded.
Joe Joe Joe, the old saying bad attention is better than no attention, in your case is not true.
Good for Franken. I'm sick and tired of hearing Lieberman, who just likes to hear himself talk. What an ego!
Finally!! SOMEONE shut him up!
Go Al go!! If it wasn't meant personally, it should have been. I endorse any attempt to embarrass Lieberman after the way he has embarrassed what use to be his own party. As for McCain, he is right. There is something going on in the Senate and Congress as a whole; that is the attempt by his party to disrupt and obstruct Congress from doing its work. Shame on who USE TO BE an American hero. He is no more.
Finally, someone put Baby in a corner!
The people running this country don't get it. This country will no longer be soon. The only way they know how to fix anything is by throwing billions of dollars at it. We need to get rid of ever single incumbent.
How did Al Franken get elected. He is an embarrassment to the Senate.
I wonder why Sen McCain didn't jump to the floor when the Senator from the mid-west asked for a word by word reading to say how ridiculous this request was, in the interest of time. Then, the panel shouldn't have to resource to cut off times and make it look personal. Although I must say, I wonder why the Democratic caucus is so pissed at Mr. Lieberman
Dems are only for free speech when they agree with what's being said.
Al Freakens actions must really please the loony left.
what did you expect from lopsided mc c, he also defends the hag from alaska
Lieberman, along with Democrats and Republicans no longer work for the American people. It is all about winning elections and not about acting in the interest of the American people.
Franken should keep his mouth shut and allow Senators to be heard. Typical Democrat. Silence the people and push their agenda. The left is so closed minded. It is their way or... actually they only know their way.
You forgot to mention that, when McCain complained about how he'd never seen such a terrible thing before in the Senate, Senator Carl Levin pointed out that the ten-minute rule had been enforced just a few hours earlier that very day.
That's franken for you. He is a total jerk.
Franken is nothing but a rude jerk in this case and you people that voted for him are fools.........Good for you McCain for calling out Franken for being a self centered rude brat.
And 4 years from now Al Fraken can be cut off from finishing one of his inane speeches as the Republican presiding officer shows him what goes around, comes around.
How dare anyone ask a question or present a non-liberal plan! Why are we not down to a 1 party system yet? Can you believe the gall of Lieberman to think that he has a right to debate anything? If only everyone was exactly the same.
What a shame for the state of Minnesota!!
Joe Lieberman is worthless. He should have been taken behind the caucus woodshed a long time ago. However, we can't blame Joe Lieberman for single handedly causing progress to grind to a halt; we have to put the blame for the failure of this health care bill and what it was to represent squarely on the Obama administration whose leadership throughout this process has been weak to say the least.
Al only did what the Nation wants to do. He told Joe basically to sit down and shut up.
Merry Christmas!
About time, his grandstanding for his personal exposure is sick. I'd say pass the health bill, and then strip him of any and all committees. He has been bought and paid for by the insurance/medical establishment, and it is disgusting.
How the people of Minnesota could elect such an officious jerk is beyond me.
Good for Al. Lieberman makes me gag these days.
I'm with Franken. I wouldn't give another minute to a man who has betrayed his party and himself.
I am so glad that I am an independent. Republicans and Democrats are falling for the same crap from their respective parties and think that they're somehow for the working man. STUPID.
Franken just proven beyond any doubt he should never been elected.
Afreshman with no experience and no sense
McCain said, "I must say that I don't know what's happening here in this body, but I think its wrong," said McCain. "I have been around here for 20-some years."
Well, McCain, I'll tell you what's been happening in the Senate: You and your obstructionist Republican colleagues have been doing absolutely EVERYTHING you can to stall passage of health care reform – including asking Mr. Mushmouth himself (Lieberman) to talk even more slowly than he usually does.
The Democrats want to actually get something done for the American people. So, McCain, you can put a sock in you're self-righteous mouth when it comes to telling the Senate how to behave!
About time someone cut that self-serving idiot off. He is only interest in preserving his positon with the insurance companies in his state.
As soon as Minnesotans realize who Franken really is, he will be out.
Way to Go Mr. Franken! Joe is a flip flopper and just looking at him makes me ill....how can 1 man be so full of it... He obviously took some money from some lobbyist to make him change 180 degrees from his view on expanding medicare...way to hold true to the Americal Ideal Joe, make $ for yourself and screw the public need for Health reform..what a jerk
Franken is an angry man. You can see it on his face and hear it in his voice. He needs to get over whatever it is that makes him a miserable human being.
Franken is such an extraordinary scumbag this is no surprise.
It's about time someone shut Lieberman up! When will The Democrats start asserting themselves? If they don't, I won't vote for anyone!
Bravo Franken! Old Joe seems to change his mind as often as he changes his diapers... His request for extension was to update his stance as it had already changed since he started his speech...
I think "its" [sic] wrong for Lieberman to outright LIE to his constituents about his positions, choosing to represent in$urance greed instead of the American people.
Good for Sen. Franken keeping the floor to the allotted time given to all senators. We need more leaders to take a principled stand in this debate.
Enough of Lieberman's flip-flopping hypocrisy. Strip him of his undeserved chairmanship if he continues this nonsense.
Health Reform Now with a majority-supported public option, as we elected this majority (AND Lieberman) to do.
Al Franken is a bitter, angry, empty shell of man. He is an embarrasment to the senate.
OK – say what you will but it comes across as intentional and spiteful. 'do what you are told or else'. It is both shoking and disappointed that our government has become a 'dictatorship'.
Time to fire all of them and start over.
Franken very politely asked Lieberman to adher to the rules of the Senate.
McCain's typical Republican response: Whine and complain, be all self-righteous and feign indignation.
McCain and his obstructionist cronies in the GOP can stuff it! They don't give a rat's behind about the American people and will do everything in their power to try to make our President and our country fail.
GOP = Party Before Country
Al Franken -like so many on the far left needs a lesson in civility!!!!
For them to imply that this was anything short of a DNC grudge coming to the surface is silly. You could see it in the smug expression on Franken's face when he replies. I am an independent that is finding myself more and more disgusted by the democrats on the Hill. How bad must the political landscape in Minnesota be to elect Al Franken to the US Senate? Seriously, Al Franken.
He didn't need more time to finish his speech. It was just the same thing he has been saying over and over on the news clips. He seems to enjoy hearing his own voice and also the attention his obstruction of the health care bill is getting him. How can he sleep at night knowing that his actions may keep millions of people from getting health insurance and may allow others who do have insurance to have it cut or the premiums raised? THREE MONTHS AGO he proposed and supported extended medicare. Why such a dramatic flip-flop unless it is to help the Republicans cause one of Pres. Obama's policies to fail? This man is a true politician who puts his agenda ahead of the people.
Rock on Sen. Franken. I'm sending you a donation today.
A non-story. The Senate has rules that cover this stuff.