Al Franken: Losing Friends (and Senate Races)

As Democrats count the gains they expect in the Senate on election day, one of their top targets is Norm Coleman (R-MN). The likely candidate against Coleman — pending a primary challenge — is one-time funnyman Al Franken. Franken made an appearance at Carleton College the other day, and gained attention for mocking a college Republican who had the gall not to want his photo taken with Franken:

At that point, Franken reportedly began peppering Fritz with questions about supporting President George W. Bush and former President Ronald Reagan’s tax hikes. Fritz told me he got tense and, as he does in those situations, started chewing the inside of his mouth, a gesture he said was mimicked by Franken; Fritz also thought his style of speech was mocked by Franken. An aide eventually interrupted Franken’s act, Fritz said, by announcing to the candidate that it was time to go. Fritz told me Monday that he then stuck out his hand to shake Franken’s. “Well, at least it’s nice to meet you,” the GOPer said he told Franken, who reportedly replied, I can’t say the same.

This description of the incident is not disputed by Frankens’ spokesman, who says Franken was tired that day. Further, it’s corroborated by the head of the college Democrats, who was present at the time. There’s plenty of evidence of Franken’s nasty temper even prior to this incident, as Captain Ed and Scott Johnson recount. Coleman has to be praying that Franken manages to survive the primary. Hat Tip: Conservative Grapevine

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