Franken's accusers need to come forward.

[Yavin4]

If Trump's, Moore's, and Conyers' accusers can come forward so too can Franken's. And, no, Leeann Tweeden's accusation is not evidence of harassment given the overall tone of humor of that USO show and other photos.

If we let anonymous accusers force our progressive politicians to resign, then we are done. Absolutely done. The Koch-Mercer-Murdoch-Breitbart right wing complex will cut a check to anyone willing to make an anonymous accusation, and poof! We have to resign.

The accusers of Trump, Moore, and Conyers came forward, offered detailed evidence, and spoke on the record about what happened. Saying that Franken grabbed by butt during a photo or tried to kiss me without coming on the record in person is not enough to demand that a senator resign.

Anyone who is demanding that Franken resign is giving Trump and the Republicans a huge, big fat weapon to destroy us with. Meanwhile, they gleefully elect sexual predators to the senate.

[MelissaB]

1. K&R!

[wiley]

90. Please explain K and R?

Thank You!

[MelissaB]

91. Kick and Recommend n/t

[leftynyc]

2. ABSOLUTELY

I quite simply don't believe any woman who remains anonymous. I know it's hard but this is BS.

[dicksmc3]

24. what's wrong with this picture?

Al has apolgized to the lady DJ in LA for the photo. A woman said Al groped her while her husband took a picture of her with Al. I find that questionable. Any decent person would have called out that moment. Now we have 6 Democratic senators asking him to resign. I have seen ABSOLUTELY nothing about comments these senators have made against Roy Moore. Everyone knows Trump is a sexual predator but once again these Democratic women don't press him to resign!! Seems to me republicans are held to a different standard than DEMS. That should be the issue, not destroying the great progressive senator Al Franken!

[FBaggins]

53. They weren't anonymous to the Politico reporter(s)

So the spin only makes sense if there's reason to believe that she is complicit or duped.

Given the fact that roughly two dozen of Franken's Democratic senate colleagues are now calling on him to resign... I think it's time to give up on the possibility that he didn't do it.

[leftynyc]

55. I'm talking about THIS accuser

As long as she remains anonymous, I wont believe her, it's that simple. It's anti-American not to be able to face your accuser. Anonymous charges are all the rage in fascist countries. The Democrats are acting like cowards - which is exactly what the republicans are counting on. It's time to stop playing into their hands.

[FBaggins]

58. THIS accuser is NOT anonymous to the Politico reporter

She knows who the person is (a then Democratic Congressional staffer who is confirmed to have been with a Representative on Franken's radio program)... and who the two others that she told at the time are. The accuser doesn't want the public to know who she is (for obvious reasons if we account for how others are being treated). In one of the prior reports (not sure if it was the same Politico reporter), the reporter was one of the people who had been told at the time.

This isn't a call from a cryptic voice on a burner phone... it's either a real accuser or the reporter (indeed, multiple Politico reporters) are in on the scam.

[leftynyc]

61. Unless the reporter was THERE

they don't know jack shit. I think the woman exists, but she's lying.

[FBaggins]

62. "He said - She said" abusers all around the world thank you for your position

It becomes clearer and clearer why abused women desire anonymity.

[leftynyc]

66. Spare me the drama queen BS

In THIS country, the accused gets to face their accuser. I already said I know it's hard but they must come forward publicly - otherwise, what exactly is stopping me from going to a reporter and saying donnie raped me when I was 10 years old. We're both NYers, I can prove we were in the city at the exact same time. THIS is why I wont believe those who choose to remain anonymous.

[FBaggins]

67. And your response to his latest accuser?

Liberal woman with her byline right in your face.

Let me guess... you'll find a different reason to believe that it just isn't significant.

[leftynyc]

69. I have no idea what

you're talking about. When she chooses to identify herself, my opinion will change. It's that simple.

[FBaggins]

71. Another accuser came forward a couple hours ago

She isn't anonymous and she isn't a right-winger.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=9935646

"I Believe Frankens Accusers Because He Groped Me, Too"

[leftynyc]

72. Ah yes, the woman

who calls a photo op where he put his arm around her WAIST and squeezed groping. Excuse me for not being OUTRAGEOUSLY OUTRAGED. It appears I'm not alone. No, not a right winger, just a drama queen.

[FBaggins]

73. Just as I predicted

It really didn't matter whether the woman was anonymous or not - so long as the politician votes the way you want. Just like Moore's accusers, it's enough to call them liars... OR irrelevant because they're anonymous... OR that the claim just isn't that big a deal.

Nowhere is the recognition that after a certain critical mass... it's clear that there are LOTS of women that he has considered himself entitled to if he wants them. If there are eight... then there are probably twenty eight. Given the treatment here of those who did come forward... I wouldn't be surprised if there were fifty or more.

Oh... and here's just a general hint for mainstream progressive thought: The woman gets to decide what level of touching she's comfortable with.

[leftynyc]

78. You hear what you want

The anonymous one was the first one I don't believe. This woman is what makes so many people scoff at the idea of harassment. If she wants to call a squeezed waist in public GROPING, she is the one making it harder for those actually truly harassed, not me. I dont need hints from you on harassment, this isn't it.

[MrModerate]

76. What he did was put his arm around people while taking selfies . . .

Which they have decided was, or been convinced to consider, harassment.

It's utter nonsense, and the fact that leading Democrats can't see that is embarrassing and despair-inducing.

Folks this is a scam to get Democrats to wreck the career of an effective Senator solely to weaken the party. Why are we colluding in our own destruction?

[FBaggins]

77. On what basis could you imagine him resigning for that?

[MrModerate]

80. Based on the fact that 30 of his colleagues have lost their nerve . . .

. . . in the face of popular excitement that sounds more like the McMartin Preschool craze every day.

[FBaggins]

85. Does that really make sense to anyone?

I can't imagine even considering resigning from the position of that importance over something that I know that I did not do… Just because 30 people asked me to.

Just thinking of the awful precedent that that would set would keep me from doing it

[Collimator]

87. It's not "spin", it's due process.

A person has been accused. The actions alleged by the accusers have not been clearly defined as misdemeanors or felonies or faux pas. Yet, a person's career and reputation are being threatened.

Nothing resembling a thorough investigation has been undertaken. The accused has requested such an investigation and has instead been asked to forgo an examination of the evidence and simply submit to punishment.

So what if two dozen of Franken's colleagues are calling him on to resign? How many people have expressed their support of his continued service? Numbers don't establish facts, careful inquiry does.

The women accusing Franken don't have to undergo the humilation of relating lurid, intimate details of personal violation. They won't suffer flashbacks from recounting their experiences. They won't be labelled "damaged goods" if they come forward. The types of contacts they describe have weight and should be censured if verified. However, their unwillingness to publicly speak regarding their own grievances does not give weight to the veracity of their accounts.

[hexola]

3. Aren't there enough clues to figure out who some these accusers are?

Some have enough backstory - that I think you could figure it out - or narrow it down.

[mopinko]

6. thinking the same.

tho there were certainly many members of congress on franken's show, it is a finite number.

[brush]

33. Why do we have to figure it out. Moore and trump's accusers came forward, so should they...

if what they say happened really occurred.

[hexola]

52. But they're not - if this was a right wing politician

4Ch or somebody would be working overtime on some of the backstory to figure out who these people are...or aren't

[brush]

57. Don't you mean if it was a Democratic politician?

4Chan is extremely right wing.

[hexola]

59. No - if this was a right wing poltico - they would be trying to debunk accusers

Sorry if the previous post didn't make sense.

[CatMor]

4. Yes they do need to come forward.

[flamingdem]

5. Absolutely! This looks like Bannon's work

We need to see the real people behind these accusations and determine if they were paid off or are lying

[Butterflylady]

16. No, this is Stones work,

He was a partner in Manafort's political consulting firm and look what and where he is now. This is definetly a hit job.

[bdamomma]

86. Bannon

I think he's behind this too. Why is he being shown all the time, put him under his rock again.

[mopinko]

7. isnt that convenient.

several people here predicted that there would be a new accusation against franken as soon as cheato endorsed moore.

[dalton99a]

12. Indeed.

[MFM008]

41. I said there would be one

Once a week until Franken caved.

[mopinko]

43. sounds about right.

[Bengus81]

54. Yep,about right on track--especially when they get NO traction....

[Demsrule86]

8. It is the right wing...attack machine.

[Arkansas Granny]

9. I agree. You need more than anonymous sources before asking for resignation.

[Saviolo]

10. I said a couple weeks ago that this was a trap for us, and it's lose-lose

Back here: https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029880126

Though apparently that combined with my low post count made people suspicious of my motives? We know the GOP will never stand on principle nor treat their own creeps the way they demand Democrats treat everyone.

[dalton99a]

11. Maybe the Russian troll factory won't let them

[ProudProgressiveNow]

13. K&rR nt

[ancianita]

14. These women won't. They're lined up by the Roger Stone gang to attack this man for anything

from a hug, to a kiss to a look.

They all know they'd be laughed out of any courtroom.

[Owl]

15. K&R!

[Nevernose]

17. The latest one claims that Al Franken

Had never met her before and then didn’t kiss her. That’s the allegation.

At first I thought “Shit, maybe I was wrong about Al.” Then I actually read the Politico story.

[gademocrat7]

18. K&Rnt

[maddiemom]

19. YES!

And what happened to the investigation that Franken, himself, called for? Was that just for Tweeden?

[Mr. Evil]

20. I just sent Sen. Al Franken a letter of support.

I'm also about to send one to DNC Chairman, Tom Perez about how I feel about his feelings on the matter. Step it up DU'ers! Let them know how you feel too!

[KPN]

64. Did the same and called

Pelosi's office as well. This is capitulating on our frigging democracy and our kids' future for high minded ideals and moral ground which R's and their supporters don't give a rats ass about. Really????

[Mr. Evil]

68. Exactly.

[scipan]

81. Al Franken's email:

https://www.franken.senate.gov/?p=email_al

[Snotcicles]

21. Read this elsewhere

Who would've guessed that Al Franken had such a penchant for Republican women, all with links to far right groups?

[Dawson Leery]

22. Is there not someone who can out them?

[cynatnite]

23. Would you wanted to be outed against your will?

I've been reading through some of the responses here at DU about this and frankly, much of it makes me cringe. I'd want to stay anonymous after reading the vitriol.

[Dawson Leery]

25. Anonymous allegations mean anyone can scream "witch" at every turn.

[cynatnite]

27. Anonymous also means trying to protect yourself after already being victimized. n/t

[atreides1]

32. Anonymous can also mean you're lying and getting paid to do it. n/t

[cynatnite]

36. That actually makes zero sense...

If you're being paid to lie, why be anonymous? If someone is being paid to lie about this, they would give their name.

For decades, women have kept silent and anonymous for exactly what you're accusing them of. Why should they put their name out there. You've already called them a liar and a whore.

I hope Al Franken steps down. He did this to himself. His apology was very heartfelt and I do believe it. I also think despite this shit he's done, he still has a fragment of character left within him. If he resigns, it's because he wants to do right by his accusers, by his party, his state and for the country. He can't effectively serve in the senate and he knows it.

Plus, I think he will admit to a lot of this, give the kind of apology that everyone will know came from the heart.

He may be on his way out, but he'll get a bit of redemption in the process, IMO.

[Yavin4]

49. "If you're being paid to lie, why be anonymous?" Because maybe they don't want to be outed as liars.

And their claims are complete b.s.

[brush]

35. Do they really exist? Who knows if any anonymous accuser is real? They must come forward.

[cynatnite]

37. So, are you saying that the media which is reporting this are lying?

Kind of like "fake news"...right?

[brush]

44. IMO they're fake until there is a face and name to these so-called anonymous accusers.

How about this: Senator Gillibrand sexually assaulted me but for my protection I want to remain anonymous, but please print it and posted it online.

[cynatnite]

48. You do know that there was a fake accuser and the NYT debunked her story?

Unless it's some asshat place like Breitbart, most reputable organizations do investigate claims being made. They have to have some sense of responsibility. Last I checked, Politico, NYT, and the other legit ones were not being sued for liable when they publish their stories about these.

[brush]

51. My point is anybody can make accusations. Where is the proof? The two who had photos showed nothing.

Seems like repug hit jobs to me.

[scipan]

82. I wouldn't assume they always do their due diligence.

And it was WaPo, not NYT

[Yavin4]

50. We just saw Project Veritas try to pull this shit on the WaPo

Luckily, they have strong journalistic standards to check out these stories. These other news outlets? I don't know.

[blimablam]

26. He needs to come out swinging and calling this what it is... a right wing hit job or he is toast.

[kcr]

30. I don't think it matters

If we're at the point where calling for an investigation makes you a bad person. If it's to be instant resignation (but only for our side, cuz we're the good guys!) and you're smeared as a sex abuse apologist if you don't go along with this? Then Franken and a whole lot of people in the future are in trouble. It's hopeless.

[blimablam]

34. nicely put.

[kcr]

42. Did you mean this reply for me?

I'm a Franken supporter.

[brush]

45. Sorry, I clicked on the wrong post.

[traladeda]

89. I'm depressed

It does feel hopeless. I know I can't get off the roller coaster because our democracy is too important, but damn I need more good days. I need to believe the Democratic leadership is able to and will fight for me, but when they throw one of their own under the bus without due process, I wonder how the hell we're going to come out of this--all of it--as a democracy? And you're right about being smeared as an apologist. Acquaintances of mine have been quite offended by my call for an investigation before resignation. SMH. So many outrage addicts.

[Miigwech]

28. Hear, hear

[Lil Missy]

29. I think he is being set up.

[delisen]

31. Anti-democratic calls for resignation

What does the vote of the citizenry mean in Minnesota if senators from other states can overturn an election without due process?

[Gin]

38. Agree..

Its a setup.

[bdamomma]

39. well we can then say

trump is filling the Senate with swamp dwellers and bible thumpers.

Call his DC office to show your support for Senator Franken this means war: 1 202 224 5641. I just did.

[scipan]

83. Franken's email:

https://www.franken.senate.gov/?p=email_al

[Honeycombe8]

46. I agree. In order to be considered credible, they first need to come forward & state what happened.

That's pretty elementary.

I disregarden the rightwingnut Tweedon's allegations. I didn't see any groping in that picture, and think her other accusations were ridiculous.

[Dawson Leery]

47. +1

[Kimchijeon]

56. Agreed 9000% -

Anyone demanding Franken resign is simply a fascist enabler, either unwittingly or complicit. Makes no difference.

The end result is unforgivable.

[MattP]

60. Project Veritas might have pulled the same shit they pulled on WaPo

Politco doesn't have the same editorial standards maybe or maybe not but the anonymous thing.....

[SHRED]

63. They won't now

Not considering our circular firing squad.
They are enjoying their popcorn.

[oasis]

65. I'm disappointed that so called "allies" went wobbly this early.

[zentrum]

70. K&R +100000

[George II]

74. They never will, they're probably all republican men or Russians.

[MrModerate]

75. I want to see CGI of the supposed harassing acts . . .

Which are going to look a lot like someone putting their arm around you for a photograph.

[58Sunliner]

79. Damn straight!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rpannier]

84. I do agree with this

It's hard to know without some form of context to hang your hat (memory) on

[DAngelo136]

88. It's not just Franken

It's also John Conyers...He may have stayed too long, but he was owed due process.
It's also Shirley Sherrod. Remember how Andrew Breibart smeared her and the Obama Administration threw her under the bus before she had a chance to answer? I wonder if she collected her award before that bastard died?
It's also ACORN. Remember how fast Democrats threw THEM under the bus because of a dumb ass named James O'Keefe? Now he's getting an award presented by Virginia Thomas (wife of Clarence another sexual harasser)
It's also Bill Clinton. The whole affair started with a B.S. accusation from Paula Jones and Juanita Broderick. And how many Dems were privately pushing Bill to resign? George Stephanopolus sure got a job stabbing him in the back, didn't he? How about Susan McDougal? She went to jail rather than to be used by the Rethugs against the Clintons-now THAT'S loyalty. When Paula Jones got her case dismissed in court, do we hear from her? Hell, no. All you hear about is "Monica Lewinsky". But she never said anything, the snitch Linda Tripp did. Another Rethug supporter.
Difference is that Bill called their bluff and it backfired on the Rethugs.
Now we have Kirsten, DiFi and Kamala leading the charge. Hey, I know all about #MeToo but how about "Due Process"?
You think you're getting those women who supported Trump? Think again. These are the women who not only voted Trump but now a portion of them are going to vote Moore.
If you're thinking about higher office, don't come to me for money; I don't contribute to those who are more than willing to throw their fellow Dem under a bus because...the optics.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

92. Sad, disgusted K and R. 😭🤬. n/t