August 6th, 2010
07:58 AM ET
11 years ago
GOP leader to senator: 'This isn't 'Saturday Night Live'
Sen. Al Franken apologized to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday after being accused of mocking the senior senator. (PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images)
(CNN) - Sen. Al Franken apologized Thursday after Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell complained he mocked him while the latter was delivering a speech opposing Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan.
Franken, a Minnesota Democrat, was presiding over the Senate at the time of the speech, a McConnell aide confirmed to CNN.
"This isn't 'Saturday Night Live,' Al," McConnell warned the former star of the comedy program moments later, according to the McConnell aide who asked not to be identified.
Franken was clearly moved by the confrontation, which occurred in the Senate chamber.
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Franken should do the right thing and step down.
Minnesota,
First, you elected Jesse Ventura.
Then Al Franken.
Who's next.....Bart Simpson?
Why apologize? Do the Republicans apologize when they make fun of our President and Democratic Leaders? Of course not! It's time for the Democrats to fight back not back down. Why play nice when the Republicans are so nasty?
they are all a bunch of jokers anyhow
The GOP complaining of being mocked? I suppose this "delicate sensibility" regarding courteous behavior is non-existant when they scream insults and demonize every democrat. What a bunch of wusses.
As long as Mitch the Twitch is in the Senate, it will always be a place of dark humor.
Well As Long As Senator Mitch (Turtle Neck) McConnell Isn't Being A Big Baby About Getting Teased! I Would've Thought The Republicans In The Senate Would Have More Pressing Issues In Congress Than To Run And Tattle To The Media "Stop Calling Me Names!"
Go Franken. If the repubs don't want to be mocked, maybe they should start doing something other than just saying no. I am pretty sure the majority of the country is mocking you.
Poor Sen. McConnell. Perhaps if he was willing to compromise things would be better. The first step would be to smile. That may make a big difference in his demeanor.
Al Franken is a doofus.
People are too quick to apologize. I wouldn't have done it. The GOP leaders that I see on CNN and FOX deserved to be mocked, tarred and feathered. I see very few signs of actual leadership. All I see are political hacks.
I'm guessing McConnell doesn't like Saturday Night Live?
Al Franken is a CLOWN. Funny on TV, not so much in the Senate.
Thanks, Minnesota, for sending this clown to Washington. He wasn't funny on SNL and is even worse in politics.....
"He is entitled to give his speech with the presiding officer just listening respectfully. I went directly to his office after I was done presiding to apologize in person. He wasn't there, so I've sent him a handwritten note."
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Well done Franken. Way to do the right thing even when they ( the Rethugs) don't.
I am still waiting for Wilson's apology to the President, members of Congress, the American people, and the viewing audience when that local, classless yokel INTERRUPTED a sitting President to yell out "You Lie!".
It's going to be VERY hard for you to continue to stay classy with these people, but try your best.
If I were from Minnesota and I could not find anyone who really lived in my state to represent me I would be embarrassed.
franken is a pathetic joke and the only time he can be called a comic has been since he was elected to public office. franken and grayson out of Florida are both to stupid to pour water out of a boot with the directions on the heel but then again both are typical liberals.
McConnell is the clown.
franken is a idiot who cheated to win ,,, poor minnestota.. you have more clowns in your state .. franken , farve , jesse ventura ,,sad..its we told you so with franken,,,total idiot...
If I had to listen to Republican hypocrisy for hundreds of hours on end, I'd probably do the same thing. Humor, even in bad taste , is an alternative to choking the crap out of people who sorely need it.
"This isn't 'Saturday Night Live,'
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You could've fooled a whole bunch of us! With the headlining cast of jokers that your Party currently boasts of, combined with your imbecilic and irresponsible approach to resolving the problems that YOU'VE created,Saturday NIght Lives' brand of comedy pales in comparison.
Franken gets elected by felon votes...he shouldn't even be in the Senate.
The guy is a total JOKE. He doesn't just tell jokes, HE IS A JOKE.
Al Franken has the right to mock whoever he wants. We all do. Someone needs to tell Mitch McConnell this news... not to mention there's truth in humor, so Al was probably right regarding his comments.
Al Franken should be in prison with the people who elected him.
Yeah, this "bufón" needs to apologize not only for his stupidity, but also for fooling the voters that elected him. Oops! I forgot he's just serving as President NObama's lapdog/mouth piece.
Oh well. So much for progress or is it digression?