General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Al Franken still hasn't denied grabbing women [View all]LBM20
(1,580 posts)1) He fully admits that the STAGED USO tour picture for COMIC purposes (what he has said and what it WAS) was inappropriate and apologizes profusely.
2) He has said, clearly, that he disagrees with her account of the kissing matter. BUT, as a gentleman, he does not want to attack her if she in fact felt uncomfortable. So he is taking the high road with that.
3) He OBVIOUSLY is saying he disagrees with the other Minnesota Fair photo-op allegations and categorically denies asking anyone into a bathroom. But he is being generous and saying that IF someone somehow felt uncomfortable with his hug, then he is sorry for that.
Don't you see what he is obviously doing? He is taking the HIGH ROAD. He disputes these allegations, but he doesn't want to sound like he is attacking these women on the chance that they actually did PERCEIVE that he somehow crossed some kind of line, even just with hugs or an arm around the waist during a picture. He doesn't even remember who these people are. There were hundreds if not thousands of greetings and pics.
Do you really think he would be a serial groper in PUBLIC for all to see with HUSBANDS right there? It makes NO sense.
Do you really think that DOZENS of women he worked with for DECADES would have signed statements saying he NEVER acted inappropriately around them, over decades and with tons of opportunities to do so, if he was a chronic serial groper? Again, it makes NO sense.
Franken is disputing the allegations but trying do so in a way that is sensitive and fair on the chance these people actually did feel uncomfortable with the hugs. He is being a gentleman about it.
One thing is certain. Al Franken is NOT a serial sexual harasser. If he was, you would have women he worked with for decades making such claims. They have made just the opposite.
These reporters want to sell papers. So they go on and on with this shit. Remember that.