Franken has first speaking role
In his first major appearance as US senator, Al Franken was humble and solicitous in his opening statement at Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
He praised the leadership of committee Chairman Patrick Leahy and pledged to Jeff Sessions, the top Republican, to follow the example of the late Paul Wellstone in working across the aisle
Franken, who was sworn in last week as Minnesota's junior senator after a protracted legal battle over the November election, said he watched nomination hearings over the years as a private citizen, and like many Americans, learned about the Constitution and the role of the courts.
"I may not be a lawyer, but neither are the vast majority of Americans," but all Americans are affected by the high court's decisions, he said.
Franken, a former comedian, said he opposes judicial activism as well, but it's the conservatives on the Supreme Court who are guilty of it these days.
He also noted that Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, who stepped aside from the judiciary panel to focus on a healthcare overhaul as he battles brain cancer, was not at a confirmation hearing for the first time since 1965.
"We do miss his presence," Franken said.
UPDATE: Senator Orrin Hatch, a Utah Republican, said he missed Kennedy as well, along with Joe Biden, now the vice president.
"I miss the bombast," Hatch told the Globe's Susan Milligan. "They added a lot of spirit to the Supreme Court nomination hearings. I'll tell you, I miss them both.
"Ted is such an institution...the leading liberal member in the history of the Senate, a person who can spew out bombast, but also someone who has a great sense of humor -- he can defuse problems" Hatch added.
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Franken shows promise to establish himself as serious and capable, and as one of the best writers and clearest thinkers in congress.
You have got to be joking ... Franken's an intellectual lightweight who isn't even funny in his life's profession of trying to be a comedian. He is an embassessment to Minnesota
"The best nominee for the Supreme Court in 100 years." I guess that answers all questions about Franken's intelligence.
Franken graduated cum laude from Harvard...hardly an intellectual lightweight. You were probably thinking of Michele Bachmann.
Franken is a half wit and Fmr. Gov. Ventura thinks 9/11 was an inside job. Can we barter the state of Minnesota to Canada for a case of Molson Golden?
Hey #2, Foonman,
Al Franken graduated Cum Laude ( that means 'With Praise' ) from Harvard, with a degree in Political Science. What do you have ?
A donut and a big mouth?
Al Franken is genuinely interested in being a good Senator, has demonstrated a capacity for mastery of policy and budgetary detail that will serve Minnesotans well in the coming years.
Best of luck with your career, Al!
The people of Minnesota should be stripped of their right to vote after electing Al Franken to th e U.S Senate. This is one day that I am not proud of in american History. The day Al Franken represents any people of this country ... what a joke
Is he more embarrassing than Republican "I'm for sale" Coleman?
Senator Franken knows the issues having done his talk show and campaining for years. I am impressed by his knowledge of our wars, political system, and needs of citizens. If you don't like his humor or the way he talks, thats understandable. Franken being senator is not about humor, its about knowing the issues and taking a stand for the for the people of the state of Minnesota. Best of all he is not a lawyer. If you are looking for embarrassment, find the opening remarks of Lindsey Graham at the Sotomayor hearing, that is no joke just pure partizan encitement and agitation.
Intellectual lightweight? You mean compared to the other Senators, Joe the Plumber, George Bush the Younger, or Sarah Palin?
Not funny? I guess you missed his Stuart Smalley character . . . skewered the oh so serious human potential movement with wicked truth.
Do the American thing, Foonman, and give the guy a a chance, willya? You're sounding like a sore loser.
What makes someone an effective senator is not the same as what makes someone an effective comedian. But what makes someone a good writer just might translate.