Franken releases new statement, calls for ethics investigation of himself

[DonViejo]

Source: The Hill




BY AVERY ANAPOL - 11/16/17 12:49 PM EST

Sen. Al Franken has called for an ethics investigation into his behavior after a woman accused him of groping her.

In a statement issued Thursday, Franken apologized for the incident, in which he groped television host and sports broadcaster Leeann Tweeden while she was asleep in 2006.

“I understand why we need to listen to and believe women’s experiences,” he said in the statement. “I am asking that an ethics investigation be undertaken, and I will gladly cooperate.”

Here is Franken's statement in full:

“The first thing I want to do is apologize: to Leeann, to everyone else who was part of that tour, to everyone who has worked for me, to everyone I represent, and to everyone who counts on me to be an ally and supporter and champion of women. There's more I want to say, but the first and most important thing—and if it's the only thing you care to hear, that's fine—is: I'm sorry.

“I respect women. I don't respect men who don't. And the fact that my own actions have given people a good reason to doubt that makes me feel ashamed.

“But I want to say something else, too. Over the last few months, all of us—including and especially men who respect women—have been forced to take a good, hard look at our own actions and think (perhaps, shamefully, for the first time) about how those actions have affected women.

“For instance, that picture. I don't know what was in my head when I took that picture, and it doesn't matter. There's no excuse. I look at it now and I feel disgusted with myself. It isn't funny. It's completely inappropriate. It's obvious how Leeann would feel violated by that picture. And, what's more, I can see how millions of other women would feel violated by it—women who have had similar experiences in their own lives, women who fear having those experiences, women who look up to me, women who have counted on me.

“Coming from the world of comedy, I've told and written a lot of jokes that I once thought were funny but later came to realize were just plain offensive. But the intentions behind my actions aren't the point at all. It's the impact these jokes had on others that matters. And I'm sorry it's taken me so long to come to terms with that.

“While I don't remember the rehearsal for the skit as Leeann does, I understand why we need to listen to and believe women’s experiences.

“I am asking that an ethics investigation be undertaken, and I will gladly cooperate.

“And the truth is, what people think of me in light of this is far less important than what people think of women who continue to come forward to tell their stories. They deserve to be heard, and believed. And they deserve to know that I am their ally and supporter. I have let them down and am committed to making it up to them.”

###



Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/360697-franken-releases-new-statement-calls-for-ethics-investigation-of-himself

[Glorfindel]

1. Well, you can't get fairer than that.

Good for Senator Franken, and I hope that he's totally exonerated.

[A Morpheus Felinae]

20. I couldn't agree more.

Franken's apology seems very sincere and introspective. I believe he gets it. Let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater.

[MFM008]

2. It's the perception of offense

Plus an investigation will show her right wing ties.

[Cary]

5. ????

Did I miss something?

I don't get what you're saying at all.

[leftynyc]

7. May want to read this thread

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029850108

[Cary]

9. Thanks.

I see maybe I did.

[LittleGirl]

3. I feel really bad for this woman

because hopefully, she likes Al as much as I do. His behavior is unacceptable and I'm willing to forgive him because I believe he's on our side, but damn it men, this shit needs to stop. Grow the Fuck up already. I appreciate that Al is taking ownership of this.

Thanks for letting me vent.

[LanternWaste]

15. You consistent oppression today is noted and given all the credibility it in fact, warrants.

You consistent oppression today is noted and given all the credibility it in fact, warrants.

[Saviolo]

18. Please take your #NotAllMen stuff elsewhere

This isn't about men, it's about women. If we've learned anything in the last couple of months with the incredible spate of harassed and assaulted women coming forward, it's that it may not be all men, but it's pretty much all women that have been affected by it. Like it or not, men have long enjoyed a privilege of not being held accountable for such actions because the women that come forward would not be believed, or would have their lives torn apart trying to justify the behaviour "Maybe she asked for it" "Look at how she dressed that one time" "He doesn't act that way around men"

The issue is alive. It's been festering and growing and getting worse and worse for years and years. Now that it's finally getting light and air maybe we can do something about it instead of keeping it an open secret.

[LittleGirl]

36. You know what.

You don't know me. You don't know my life. I was a very attractive woman in my day. I'm an old shit now and I have PTSD from ALL of the men I encountered constantly trying to get me alone, or grope me so if I want to paint all men that way, that's my right. I'm somewhat thankful that I'm overweight and gray haired and am invisible lately.

I happen to be married to a wonderful man that would never act that way so NOT all men isn't quite true in my first post.
fuck this shit.

[BainsBane]

37. Yes, men are totally the victims here

And every time a woman is assaulted, it is men who are the aggrieved parties because they have to live in a world in which their power is on great occasion challenged. If not for such sexism, rape wouldn’t even be illegal. Thank you for pointing out that the true victims are not the women assaulted but men. Just like white people are the true victims of Jim Crow, slavery, and the black people who dare to challenge a police officers right to kill them on sight. However do they endure such a world in which they are continually oppressed by inferior people believing they have a right to equal citizenship? Every time a woman speaks out, she keeps the issue alive because revealing her assault suggests that all men might not be superior in every way. How dare women denounce sexual assault when men’s feefees are so much more important than their lives.



My view is that if men take comments about sexual assault personally, they probably have a very good reason for doing so.

[SunSeeker]

12. It was posted that, per the photographer, it was a staged photo as part of a skit.

Last edited Thu Nov 16, 2017, 09:22 PM - Edit history (1)

How in the world could she have really been "asleep," sitting up, with people in the room and a photographer clicking away? Certainly an argument can be made that the "joke" was sexist. It appears the woman was a voluntary participant in the skit. It has also been posted that she is a Trump supporter according to the photographer, has appeared on Hannity and may have an ax to grind. Franken has been ripping Sessions and is one of the Senate's most outspoken Dems.

Link to tweet

But regardless, Franken made the appropriate response, and the investigation will show the truth.

[onenote]

14. What is the point of the picture on the right

And why does it matter whether she’s a trump supporter?

[SunSeeker]

19. Republicans want to distract from the Moore firestorm.

And I assume the photo on the right is her. I did not post it, but I assume Benjamin posted it to show she is not above doing "sexy" or campy shots, which this skit shot was supposed to be. Like I said, the skit can certainly be argued to be sexist, and it does make me cringe.

[BainsBane]

39. Your comments disappoint me

And they are exactly what Fox and Al Republicans have said in defense of Moore. Furthermore your implication that because the woman once posed in a bikini means she has no right to control over her on body, or that it means she is a liar, is truly horrific.

I am sickened by some of the comments I’ve seen today.

[brush]

42. Come on, with Franken grinning into the camera don't ya think that is a staged photo?

But she says she was asleep during all the camera clicking and other people right there.

How many sexual abuser grinning into a camera as they abuse someone?

[SunSeeker]

67. That is not what I am implying, Bains.

As I said up the thread, I did not add the photo on the right. That was in the Twitter post I linked to regarding the photographer. I assume Benjamin posted it to show she is not above doing "sexy" or campy shots, which this skit shot was supposed to be. Like I said, the skit can certainly be argued to be sexist, and it does make me cringe. I certainly DO NOT think that because she posed in a bikini to sell auto parts means she has no right to control over her on body. That is a horrible thing to say about me. You should know I firmly believe a woman has a right to control her own body at all times.
Although I find the bikini ad she did quite sexist because it objectifies women, she had every right to do it.

[brush]

41. There is no point to the photo on the right but the other photo is obviously staged.

But she says in the interview today that she was asleep and didn't know it happened.

How did she sleep through that with other people and a photographer clicking away, and Franken grinning into the shot, not to mention his hands were not touching her (note the shadows in the photo).

There's more to come on this story as the photo certainly looks like a gag shot — not in the best of taste but others seemed to be in on it, possibly even her.

Oh, and Roger Stone last night tweeted that Franken had something coming today.

Was this whole thing coordinated by some on the right?

[INdemo]

44. The reason it matters is because as a Trump supporter would make false

accusations is take the focus off of Moore. She is reading from a script she is lying.

[rockfordfile]

52. Of course it matters. During these times

It was a stupid joke.

[LudwigPastorius]

56. The most disturbing aspect to me was...

Sen. Franken's response to the other part of the allegation.

There's a big difference between, I didn't forcibly stick my tongue in her mouth, and, I don't remember forcibly sticking my tongue in her mouth.

There seems to be a lot of folks here going out of their way to disparage this woman's character and/or excuse the alleged actions of the senator, just because he's a solid liberal.

...and people still wonder why women don't always report these incidents, or only bring them up years later.

[videohead5]

24. If you look close

He's not touching her.he's close but he's not touching her.

[Denzil_DC]

26. That is NOT "per the photographer".

It's per a low-follower partisan Twitter account who doesn't even name the photographer, let alone offer any way of verifying this alternative description of events.

Whoever does find the photographer will probably have a scoop on their hands, so I reckon we'll know when it happens.

[SunSeeker]

64. Point taken.

I edited accordingly.

[Denzil_DC]

65. Cool. See my OP about the alleged claim from the "photographer":

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029852049

[ancianita]

32. Oops, you beat me. Definitely the most credible witness to the event, and not Tweeden.

[Jose Garcia]

34. Who is the photographer? Does he/she have a name?

[LittleGirl]

38. oh good grief.

Thanks.

[wryter2000]

47. I'm heartened by what the photographer said

But what she wore on another occasion has nothing to do with this. Unless you think she was"asking for it."

[pnwmom]

21. I don't think she likes him, not based on her statement. And she's very rightwing.

If he actually groped her (I'm not sure because of the shadows on the photo), that's wrong. And even pretending to grope her is wrong, because groping a sleeping woman isn't funny.

[LittleGirl]

59. ah yes

as the time has passed since my first post, the truth is coming out. the photo was staged and I believe the photographer too.

[Cary]

4. Fascinating

I honestly don't recall having ever been inappropriate with women. Yet I still feel the kind of shame that Al is referring to.

I'm trying to figure that out.

[OnDoutside]

6. What a great example to set. Thank you, Senator

[humbled_opinion]

8. I like that he is taking

responsibility but there is a photo after all kind of hard not to fess up when the proof is visual. Anyway I hope he does the right thing here we don't need any faux comparisons from the other side.

[Skittles]

10. brilliant move

take that, repuke fuckers

[rainin]

13. A nice contrast

to Republican men. Very classy!

[Steerpike]

16. wow

wow...i do like this guy as a politician...never did like him toooo much as a comedian....

[L. Coyote]

17. Republicans are in deep shit when their best defense is a nothing burger offense.

They need to protect the Pussy-Grabber-in-Chief at all costs, truth be damned.

[m-lekktor]

22. Clever move. nt

[yurbud]

43. it almost sounds like a joke, but I get it.

[msdogi]

23. Thank you Senator Franken

This statement is perfect, sincere, respectful and genuinely apologetic. I can say with certainty that most if not all of the women I know can cite incidents in our lives when a man has behaved badly, and we were insulted, offended or scared. The men we want to keep in our lives apologize and learn.
Now I'm going to donate some$$ to help keep Al in the Senate. We need him, and I don't even live in Minnesota.

[PatSeg]

25. This is the kind of response

that I would expect from Al Franken and is the smartest way to react. Others need to pay attention, as Franken will not be the last Democrat to be attacked from the right. Republicans are desperate for a distraction right now. They picked the wrong senator I would think.

[Kimchijeon]

27. Don't apologize, obviously was a staged gag photo

Repukes count on liberals being such self-immolating suckers, and this just takes it to a new level. Get a grip people... Yes, it was a jokey setup gag. Who cares. Meanwhile the alt Reich are rightfully laughing their asses off at all this self righteous worried hand wringing. Ugh. Just say "yes it was a joke. Get the fuck over it. " (would a repuke even bother to respond? Prolly not)

Love Franken, he's my Senator & has 100% support from me.

[UCmeNdc]

28. Yes, investigate. It is a fair solution.

But also investigate all other Senators that have committed some form of sexual harassment. (Plus for that matter any other unethical behavior. Lying under oath....... Coordinating the undoing of a special prosecutor's investigation. etc.etc.)

[DesertRat]

29. Then let's start an ethics investigation on the POTUS. nt

[Paladin]

30. Smart move by Franken. (nt)

[ancianita]

31. First up in the investigation: the photographer who claims the photo was staged.

Link to tweet

[DeminPennswoods]

49. Is that the picture?

Are you kidding me? That was obviously taken as a joke regardless if she was asleep or not. He's looking into the camera and smiling. Heck, I can't even tell if he's actually even touching her. His left hand definitely isn't.

[ancianita]

50. So far it's the only one. We need to know the name of this photographer.

[DeminPennswoods]

53. I'm sorry but that picture was clearly taken to get a laugh

Is it 13 yr old male juvenile level humor? Yes. Is it boorish behavior? Yes. Is it sexual assault? No way.

[ancianita]

55. Clearly. But the political hate machine will amplify its evil interpretation. We have to fight that

[Denzil_DC]

66. That is NOT a statement from the photographer.

See my OP here: https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029852049

[peggysue2]

33. No One Could Ask . . .

for a better response than this one. Al Franken is the real deal, a man who I was leery about when he first entered the Senate but someone who has proven himself a worthy representative of his state and country ever since. This response is an example of character and honesty. He doesn't make excuses. He doesn't blame the woman. He openly invites an ethics investigation.

If only there were more men willing to be this upfront for accusations far worse than this one. Then we might have a chance of changing the toxic dynamic that women are fully aware of and that men frequently deny.

So, kudos to Senator Franken. He'd get my vote in a heartbeat.

[ollie10]

35. This seems to be much ado about a lousy joke

1) based on what I can see and what the photographer said, Franken was not touching her....
2) since she was wearing a flak jacket....anyone here ever wear one?..... this argues for the proposition it was a joke rather than an actual attempt to fondle a woman's breast.....I mean, really
3) so we are supposed to believe that Al Franken would choose a time/place where a photographer was present to actually molest a woman?
4) does the photographer agree that this was groping? or was this part of a skit where the woman was participating in?

Was this a bad joke? Yes. Was it sexist by nature? Yes. Was it in bad taste? Yes. Is this the first time a comedian was horsing around in a joke gone bad? No.

The "victim" voted for someone who bragged about doing much worse

[RandomAccess]

68. It's a photo,

not a video:

Based on what I can see and what the photographer said, Franken was not touching her....

Sheesh.

The "victim" voted for someone who bragged about doing much worse

Matters not one whit.

[Turbineguy]

40. Obviously, this means

that Jeff Sessions was telling the truth, there was no collusion by the Trump campaign, the Russians were never involved and the brussels sprouts found in the dining room planter were not mine.

I hope they do a good investigation of this and get to the truth of the matter.

[SpicyBoi]

45. It's just a joke...

Al only PRETENDED to sexually assault a woman, so it's okay.

I get us wanting to circle the wagons for Al, but I'd rather us be consistent.

[yuiyoshida]

46. I hope the Republicans don't impeach him...

He is one of the many good allies we have, but knowing Trump he will ask for an investigation and try to have him impeached.


shit, shit, shit, this is not good...

[xor]

62. Franken asked for the investigation on himself.

I, of course, don't know Franken or have any personal knowledge of this so I have no idea how that will turn out. However, the fact he is handling it the way he is does give hope that he knows he did not behave in a way things are being portrayed. And if it does turn out he is some creep like so many others have been outed as being, then he'll hopefully do the right thing.

[ancianita]

48. He shouldn't appease the right wing by capitulation called an "investigation." Scuttle that shit.

It hurts him, the Senate investigation and makes the party look weak.

The apology is enough.

Link to tweet

[MaryMagdaline]

51. He gets it

Excellent apology and excellent road map for where this goes in the future. We all need to examine our past behavior and get our future behavior right. Roy Moore could do the same thing. (Doesn't he believe in redemption?)(What's the hold up?)

[Polly Hennessey]

54. Really, really hope

all of these sexual assault statements do not become so pervasive that they end up being a “shrug of the shoulder” non-issue. All it will take is for one of the accusers to be found in a lie.

[red dog 1]

57. If she truly 'was asleep"..then I'm the Pope!

Bless you all!

K&R

[Brother Buzz]

58. LOL, Franken discombobulated Mitch McConnell so bad that the turtle....

moved on to calling for an investigation of the next shiny thing, Senator Menendez.

[healthnut7]

60. Latest

I saw that the photographer who took the picture said it did not happen that way. The bodyguard who was there also said it was a joke and this woman was in on it. Hmmmmmmmm, kind of interesting if you ask me.

Al has been a thorn in the Republicans side and they would love nothing more than to bring him down. Maybe that is why Roger Stone knew it was going down. Plus anyone that works for FOX News I would find very suspicious. So glad that Al is asking for an investigation. Also anything to get people off of paying attention to their new terrible Tax Plan.

[xor]

61. Let there be an investigation into it and then we'll see.

I'm not going to knee-jerk defend Al Franken just 'cause he one of the "good guys", nor am I going to assume that every accusation that comes out is absolutely true. I usually keep quiet on these things until more information comes out. It usually does. It happened with all the celebrities and happened to Moore. It could still happen to Franken. We'll see. I don't understand how so many people can can feel comfortable making absolute declarations of innocence or guilt straight from the start.

[The_jackalope]

63. Not just a stand-up comedian, but a stand-up guy. Way to show us how it's done, Al! nt