Al Franken should take a seat with someone about the recent poll numbers that came out of Quinnipiac University.
It says that here in Minnesota, the man heading the Democratic ticket, Barack Obama, is up by 17 percentage points while Franken is losing his Minnesota Senate race by 10 percentage points.
Not so good. Franken needs counsel, someone who can relate.
He needs a coffee... maybe a lunch... perhaps an all-night bull session with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Why just nine years ago, it was Clinton trying to break into the Senate. Hillary soft-launched her bid n New York on the farm of then-Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Of course,she had to move into the state. She held a listening tour. Then found out Rudy Giuliani would oppose her. Then she learned he wouldn't. Then she got a little-known congressman named Rick Lazio as her foil.
And through it all, Ms. Clinton had one undeniable fact - people knew her and had their minds made up about her. And there were those who were never, ever going to vote for her. Plenty.
No name-recognition building needed for a sitting First Lady. So she spent her considerable campaign money on two things: Maintaining her appeal to those who liked her ... and trying to attract the meager few who were still on the fence.
Clinton spent plenty of time in Upstate New York (read, places outside of the Big Apple). She embarked on trying to show she was no doctrinaire liberal hell-bent on socialized medicine and unwilling to hear from Republicans. No, she would get things done... and do it by working across the aisle.
And it wasn't going to be easy. People forget that when Giuliani was the Republican candidate it was a nip-and-tuck affair. And that was before Rudy became "America's Mayor." Clinton got a break when Giuliani stepped away and a second one when the clearly not-ready-for-prime-time Lazio entered the race.
She won by winning over the more conservative hearts of those outside on NYC, at least as many as could be swayed. It was a remake of sorts.
Franken has clear name recognition. And he clearly has many more people in his state who have made up their mind about him. The poll shows that nearly one in five Democrats jump the aisle and go with Republican Norm Coleman. Can they be swayed?
Franken better find out. He has money - just as Clinton did. What should he do with it. Clinton would probably tell him -- shore up the base. And then remake yourself to appeal to those on the fence.
Clinton could probably tell him what her strategy was to get the centrist, the fence-sitters -- talk about working to get things done. Coleman's already doing that, so Franken's climb might be steep.
And maybe the senator from New York could talk about learning from her own recent strategy misfire. In her 2008 presidential run, she rode the experience horse. And Clinton was overtaken by Obama's message of change by comity.
She could relate that recent lesson, if Al would just pull up a chair at a table with Hillary.
But hurry, Al, get on the former first lady's calendar, before it's too late.
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Comments: 32
I'll keep reading your stuff.
Best,
The Other Michael Caputo
Miami
ReasonableShadeofGreen.com
Imagine a News Organization losing a slander suit to him. Tsk, tsk.
If he loses, it will be the only consolation prize the Repubs will get.
Just like the Repubs went after the man Cheney called "Obstructions" Tom Dashcle. Repubs will do anything to get this Franken guy. With tight right wing money, the sacrificial Franken may deliver more Dems to Congress.
For RINO's we have Pawlenty, Coleman, Arne Carlson, Dave Durenberger, and Rudy B., just to name a few.
The progressive Democrats like to think that their message is working, but it is moderate Democrats that are being elected nationally. Franken could have been elected, if he had gone with the Independence Party, and taken Colmans role of aisle-crosser, but he didn't.
Too late.
I must respectfully say that I think you are off on this one, but this is not surprising. Truth is much more difficult to present to the public than an image or perception, a fact that Republicans have been capitalizing on for decades.
This is evident in the events that lead to the DFL party convention. There were all kinds of controversy surrounding Al just prior to the convention, even from a member of his own party (Betty McCollum)!
MPR's Gary Eichten and Mike Mulcahy were making hay of this, predicting that Al still might pull it off on the second or third ballot, and wondering like so many others why there was no apparent effort on Franken's part to address the controversy.
Those of us in the know were still expecting that Al would get the party nomination on the first ballot, as indeed happened. What did we know that others did not?
We know Al Franken. This is a brilliant individual with a big heart who knows what he is doing. Al is well-aware of the challenges he will face due to his celebrity and former career as a satirist and comedian.
This patriot is under no illusions at all and has been masterful so far in breaking through the bull and getting to the truth. This is what he does, whether through his best-selling books or his radio program, Al Franken is the champion of reality-based politics.
Al was smart enough to realize that the time was not right to address the public concerning the controversies. He knew that if he did not spend his time wisely by talking with his supporters and the delegates that once again smear and character assassination would win the day and that the truth would be buried, obscured and made impotent.
He won over the delegates (over 60% on the first ballot I believe), received the endorsement of NOW and established a strong foundation in preparation for the next step. It was brilliant, astute, reasoned and well-done.
We are so lucky. Just wait, this is going to be great!
Anyway... you are right ... I'm not sure we've heard a Franken message.
The other MC -- yes, I am the same Michael Caputo who worked in Rochester NY for years.
Mike W.... you say I'm off-base but don't tell me how other than that he got his party's nomination. I say... look at the poll numbers.
Tim .... I think you are on the mark... but the Democrat who win have to model the idea that they can play with the other side. That's the "new politics" as articulated by Obama.... that's also a theory that we have yet to see in practice.
Coleman wouldn't be Senator if not for the Wellstone Memorial Service! He had no chance if the Dem's would have played their cards right!
I'm not sure if it's truly Franken that is causing the poor ratings or the disgust over watching their fellow democrats downplay his offensive past!
Betty McCollum is a winner in all this. I'm suprised MPR doesn't ask her more about Franken!
Micheal, what do all you liberals at MPR think about your favorite candidate Franken?
And Mary Ann S. - I think that labels have been fairly incoherent since 1988. Bush 41 really softened the Reagan Conservatism. Clinton yanked the Democrats over to the Conservative side. Bush 43 talked conservative... but didn't act.
I said you were off, not off-based.
You are off to suggest that the poll means anything at this point. Let's come back and review the poll numbers one or two months from now. We need more than one data point to discern any trend.
The race is over for Hillary but just beginning for Franken, yet you seem to draw some parallel here. It seems that you are not interested in giving Al a chance.
I agree with you and Tim, the general public has not yet heard his message. They will, and once they do you will see those poll numbers change.
Tim - Franken is the anti-Coleman. He would never be a hypocritical self-serving, aisle-crossing, flip-flopping lap-dog such as Coleman, no matter what, and certainly not to win an election!
Unlike Coleman, Al is not in politics for personal gain. He is not after power or money. He's after Coleman! Al has said he doesn't care who defeats Coleman as long as somebody does. It's just that Franken is the best person for the job.
Al was good friends with the late Senator Wellstone and closes all his speeches with a Wellstone quote. He is simply dedicated to carrying on his friend's legacy.
Winston suggests the poll numbers are due to Democrats downplaying the controversy. I think it's just a typical poll result for an unknown challenging an incumbent early in the race.
By the way, Franken does not have an offensive past. He does say some offensive things as part of his work as a satirist, but to say he has an offensive past is irresponsible. He's really one of the most decent guys I know.
Winston, you have been saying many offensive things since I've been on Gather. Does that mean you too have an offensive past? Am I to presume that you are an indecent individual? Of course not.
Offensiveness is in the eye of the beholder. What is offensive to some is not to others.
Let me put it another way. Just because Arnold Schwarzenegger's character kills people in his movies does not make Governor Schwarzenegger of California a murderer!
Now, she had an easier time of it as the days went on. We'll see how it works out for Franken.
But your point on polls is very true... so much can happen in four and half months.
How is Mr. Franken going to explain to the voters of Minnesota that the first thing he did upon learning his employer at Air American stole $850,000 from a Boy's and Girl's club to shore up the enterprise -- was to demand a huge raise -- and to be paid in cash -- and to be paid before the stolen money is returned?
History like that, and a history of aspiring to become the left's version of Rush Limbaugh, is something you run from, not run for senate from.
If this were true I would have thought we would have heard about it by now. It sounds to me like right-wing radio hate-speech. Hannity perhaps? Fox News? If so, end of discussion.
Rudy (Rude D) commented about Fox News losing a slander suit against Al Franken for his book "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them". What does this suggest to you?
I read this as Franken must be right and telling the truth, and that Fox News isn't about news so much as it is about right-wing propaganda. "Fair and Balanced"? I don't think so.
Michael C - I still think the Hillary-Al parallel is off the mark.
Hillary's high-negatives could be due to the fact that she was First Lady for eight years and with the health care reform she was trying to champion. The prospect of having Bill as First Husband and establishing yet another political dynasty might have contributed to her problems as well. I for one am suspicious of political dynasties (Jeb in 2012?)
I'm not sure that Hillary had any strong ties to New York prior to establishing residency there in order to get a Senate seat. She is a career political insider, and that scares some people (including me). I do believe she is a decent person and really cares about people, but Obama is clearly the candidate for the times.
I think the parallel you are drawing is that both Hillary and Al moved to a different state in order to run for Senate. This comparison is apples and oranges, yet both are fruit.
Al has roots here, his father Joe moving the family to Albert Lea when Al was 3 years old. Al then lived in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. I have friends from there who went to high school with Al. It's not like he's never been here before.
Al is not a career politician and told me he was ready to retire and spend more time with his wife Franni but was so incensed by Norm Coleman's behavior in the Senate that he felt he needed to take action. Al thinks the people of Minnesota deserve better than what they have in Coleman. I couldn't agree more.
The Frankens are a cute couple, and I've never seen one without the other. They are truly each other's best friend.
The great thing about campaigning for the last year and a half is the time they get to spend together, driving all over the state and talking to people.
They work tirelessly, always on the go and I do not know how they do it. Obviously they are driven by a very deep commitment and concern for Minnesota and the country.
I apologize for the very long posts, but I feel I have something to say in these matters. It's hard to get the truth out there (at least the truth as I see it). I feel strongly about these things and feel it is my duty as a concerned American to fight for what is right.
If Franken doesn't plant himself squarely in the aisle, I see no reason why I would vote for him. The majority of Independents don't see any reason either.
Air America-Gloria Wise loan controversy
The issue with Al Franken was not only demanding a eye-popping raise as Air America teetered on the financial brink, but demanding it be paid up front --- in other words BEFORE the illegal loans were repaid to Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Clubs.
I find it HIGHLY suspicious that one who claims such intimacy with the Frankens, has no knowledge of the sordid affair at Air America. I wonder why this is. Is it selective knowledge or is it typical of how Mr. Franken has hid the real Al Franken from supporters and voters?
Either way, Al Franken deserves nothing more than a footnote in the political history of Minnesota -- right under that Jesse (The Body) Ventura.
Maybe it's the cold weather. Dave Barry once referred to Minnesota as "the only state located entirely within the Artic Circle."
What I remember are the fields and fields and fields of sunflowers. Lovely place.
FRANKEN FIRST: How Al's Bloated Compensation Threatens Air America
Michael, how play will this get on MPR? What's the bigger story? The Franken campaign getting desparate or the fact that Coleman got a worse deal than Schumer?
Now Franken doesn't want a tax increase? Did he stick his finger in the air and found out that isn't a very popular thing now?
I am part progressive (strongly believing in universal healthcare and with a very solid personal argument for that, VERY MUCH pro-my children...that is to say I'll gladly pay for the sins of my parents so my children are handed a better deal...and pro-environmental causes), part libertarian (strongly believing that if what someone is doing isn't hurting someone else, it isn't a crime) and part conservative (being pro-life and having no problem with the majority faith being a part of civic life).
I am a former US Senate staffer for an enshrined DFL'er. I was also a DFL state delegate and one of the 38% who voted for Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer. I probably would have voted against Al whether I had Jack to vote for or not though and will have a very difficult time marking the box next to Al Franken's name in November. My presidential vote is unquestionably for Obama.
Why? Franken is the ultimate ambitious panderer and a man who values "important" people with money over my family and my neighbors. At the conventions (SD5, CD8 and State) he name-dropped important Democrats like and insecure junior-high schooler. He promises to deliver this and that but completely doesn't understand why so many new people have come out to DFL party events (caucuses, conventions, etc.), which is that they see that the only way out of the very deep puddle we are in right now is to spend their time, thought and energy on solving everything as a community together and finding common solutions. Frankly, Franken is also a carpet-bagger. Al is - "HEY! I grew up here! REALLY! See...I have a yearbook picuture even! I went off and made a bunch of money talking about politics and being funny and making important friends! I've come back so you can give me an even better job because, well...I'm pretty much FAMOUS! You want to hear the list of people I know again???? If you do so, I'll do this for you!"
Why are so many Democrats pro-Coleman? That is beyond me as I could not vote for him myself. Why are so many Democrats (nearly two in ten state-wide, almost four in ten delegates) not supporting Franken? Because he is playing everything by an uninspiring playbook with nothing personal to offer, which never gets you far in Minnesota politics! (See: Wellstone, Ventura, Coleman (the party-switcher), etc....or, on the other side...Hatch, Moe, Luther, etc.)
If Democrats don't grow a real spine, learn to listen to the people they claim to represent, quit celebrating themselves and learn that the American people themselves are the answer to everything so long as the leadership is deserviing...well...they deserve 6 more years of Coleman!
The State Convention was a disappointment through and through. Why do Democrats think they are entitled to the rulership just because Bush is such a momumental failure??? BUSH WAS NOT A GIFT TO DEMOCRATS! We have MORE work to do now, not LESS!!!
Mike - Go get 'em...but Franken is so typical the race for US Senate from MN sets up like this: East Coast rich guy who says this vs. East Coast rich guy who says that.
Where and when does Minnesota come into play????
Question: Where do you suppose Al will live when he loses the election? Do you suppose he'll go home or stay in Minnesota?
Point: None of Al's family was at the SD5 or CD8 conventions. Inseperable.
As a former DFL'r and now Republican stalward, I have to say, if there were more people like you and less people like Al Franken in the DFL, I never would have left the party.
Norm wants to be a D.C. go getter, but he's a local boy. I don't see much further promise for him nationally. He should stick with what he knows, Minnesota and Minnesotans. Nice guy! Too bad he wastes so much time trying to be something he's not.