Franken: "I know that I won"

[sabra]

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/20/1938644.aspx

Although Al Franken was unable to appear in person today at the America's Building Trades Union's 2009 Legislative Conference in Washington, he did show up on live video via satellite.

...

But he was classic Franken today, with lots of pro-union rhetoric and barbs for Norm Coleman. And he was unyielding in his conviction that he won the Minnesota Senate race. For Franken, the word “if” doesn’t exist; it is “when” he will be seated.

"I owe all of you a huge thank you. When you win an election by 312 votes, you know that not one bit of effort went to waste. And it's safe to say that without all of your help, I wouldn't have won this election,” he said.

Franken continued, “Now speaking of this election, many of you have been wondering when it's finally going to be over. We're almost done here with the legal proceedings here in Minnesota. But to tell you the truth, I don't know exactly when I'll get to be seated in Washington, but here is what I do know: I do know that Minnesota had a fair election and a careful recount and I know that I won."

Franken also addressed the fact that if he's seated, he could give the Democrats a filibuster-proof 60 votes (now that Arlen Specter switched parties). "We now have strong majorities in both houses of Congress ready to invest in working families. In fact, by my math, we're only one seat away from having enough Democratic senators to overcome Republican roadblocks and make real progress in President Obama's agenda, and that seat has my name on it."

Franken concluded his speech in pure deadpan, saying, “I can't wait to get to work. Thank you all for your support. And thank you for the hard work you do everyday. I'll be seeing you soon ... really soon ... I promise.” The audience of supporters responded with laughter, proving that five-and-a-half months after the election, the ex-comic still has a sense of humor.

[Cha]

1. Thanks for this positive

upbeat update on Senator Franken, sabre. He made me laugh just reading it.

[Wednesdays]

2. K&R

:kick:

[Initech]

3. So why isn't he a senator yet?

[lafayettelonewolf]

4. Why is Al not a senator yet?

Two words: Crybaby Coleman

[mykpart]

8. The entire Republican Party is financing Coleman's suit.

He's the last best hope they have to try to block and Democratic legislation. They are hoping that Kennedy will die before they have to give up the Senate seat won by Al Franken.

[earthworship]

11. Buncha sore losers

[nilram]

5. jeeze, pretty soon it'll be time to raise money for his re-election -nt

[defendandprotect]

6. With Kennedy and Byrd out that leaves us in some trouble . . .

I'd sympathize with Kennedy not retiring -- but shouldn't Byrd go?

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. Here are several reasons why we need Byrd to stay:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuCrVpYw1z4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxMiOSYbrug&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TZERVE8I7k&feature=related

[defendandprotect]

10. I've watched quite a few of his speeches over the years . . .

I've been disconnected from C-span-Senate for a while -- back now . . .

but I agree . . . good stuff.

OTOH, I think his age is becoming a danger and if there is an opportunity to

move a liberal/progressive in, I'd be in favor.

If Emmanuel is controlling and hatching Blue Dog eggs .... I'd wait!

[ControlledDemolition]

7. I know how Coleman 'won' in the past ! n/t