Now that some time has passed since former Sen. Al Franken was first accused of sexual misconduct, it’s time to rehabilitate the Minnesota Democrat’s public image.

At least, that’s one way to interpret this conversation Monday between EMILY’s List president Stephanie Schriock and David Axelrod, former senior adviser to President Barack Obama. The way they tell it, Franken was given a raw deal when he was made to resign in January after eight women accused him of unwanted touching and kissing.