What could have possessed Minnesota voters to elect Al Franken to the Senate?
In a strange period of time in U.S. political history – including Caroline Kennedy’s attempt to use power and influence to be appointed a New York senator, and Roland Burris’ struggle to claim a Senate seat given to him by disgraced Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich – the liberal comedian’s apparent upset victory over Republican incumbent Norm Coleman is by far the strangest.
That’s saying a lot for Minnesota. Remember, this is the same state that elected a retired pro wrestler, Jesse Ventura, as governor in 1998. And believe it or not, Coleman was the Republican gubernatorial candidate that year. (One can only imagine what he is currently thinking.)
What makes this scenario even more mind-boggling is that Franken has no previous political experience. In comparison, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and President-elect Barack Obama are savvy political veterans. Even Ventura served as mayor of Brooklyn Park in his home state.
What has Franken done? Here’s a brief overview:
* He was a successful comedy writer and comedian on Saturday Night Live. If his raunchy style of comedy is your cup of tea, that is.
* He had a radio program on the ultra-liberal Air America Radio. During his nearly three years on air, he espoused lefty positions in support of gay marriage, abortion, gun control and a progressive tax rate. Mainstream, Franken is not.
* He’s written some books on politics. This has been the basis for Franken’s rip-roaring assessments of Rush Limbaugh (“big fat idiot”), Bill O’Reilly (“kind of a pathological liar”), and many other tidbits about prominent conservatives. All in the name of satire, of course.
* He started the Midwest Values PAC in 2005. Naturally, this PAC has little to do with either the Midwest or its values. Rather, its stated purpose is to “provide financial and organizational support to progressive candidates, activists, and causes.” Franken’s left-wing front has reportedly raised over $1-million with donations from celebrities like Barbara Streisand and Nora Ephron.
Whether you find Franken funny, intellectual, politically astute or none of the above, one thing is clear: He doesn’t have the resume one typically considers to be an ideal candidate for public office.
Yet, in one of the closest Senate races ever held – a margin of 225 votes, out of more than 2.8 million votes cast – Franken has shockingly come out ahead in a highly controversial recount.
Some GOP senators are considering a filibuster until the election certificate is signed by Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and the Coleman campaign is filing suit challenging the recount results.
Chances are that Franken will ultimately be declared the winner in a few weeks’ time. It will be a huge blow to the Republicans, and will get the Democrats one step closer to the magic 60 Senate seats they need to control the country’s political agenda.
Yet, that’s not the worst thing. Rather, it’s that Minnesotans were so angry at President Bush and the GOP that they tossed out an experienced moderately conservative politician in favor of an inexperienced liberal celebrity. They had the democratic right to do it, but it’s astonishing they went through with this type of political upheaval.
What does this mean for U.S. politics?
Franken, who once wrote, “I never lie. That is, unless it’s absolutely necessary,” will take office and become a media sensation. Even though some fellow Democrats are less than enthusiastic about his beyond-the-pale political views, they’re going to play up his victory and celebrate.
Meanwhile, Franken’s success will likely convince more liberal celebrities to consider politics as a vocation. Don’t laugh. We could see the day when the Sean Penns, Susan Sarandons and Rob Reiners of the world take the reins of political power. If Franken can do it, others can, too.
With all due respect to the incoming Senator-comedian from Minnesota, neither scenario is what I would call a laughing matter.
Michael Taube is a public affairs analyst and commentator, and a former speechwriter for Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He can be reached at [email protected].
