Topic: Al Franken

A discussion on "cancellation" compared Al Franken's 2017 resignation to modern commentary by Matt Walsh. The hosts argued that Franken "knuckled under" to pressure from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand during the Me Too movement, whereas Walsh argues that no one is truly canceled unless they consent to the role.

The hosts revisit the 2008 Minnesota Senate election, where Al Franken won by 314 votes after a lengthy legal battle. They cite reports claiming that over 1,000 felons voted illegally in that election, potentially providing the margin of victory. This win was crucial as Franken became the 60th vote needed to pass the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

Reports indicate that Alaska's glaciers are losing 75 billion tons of ice annually, contributing to an eight-inch rise in sea levels over the last century. A heated exchange between Rick Perry and Al Franken focuses on the validity of the 97% consensus figure, with Perry calling it "bogus." The discussion also touches on Pope Francis's support for climate action, with Franken questioning why religious skeptics don't show more humility toward the Pope's position.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faces allegations from eight women regarding sexual harassment and a toxic work environment. While Cuomo denies the claims, the Democratic party is struggling with his refusal to resign. The hosts suggest that the focus on sexual misconduct serves to distract from Cuomo's controversial nursing home policies during the pandemic.

Speculation continues regarding Vice President Mike Pence's role in the upcoming Electoral College vote count and whether he can delay the process or allow alternate slates of electors. The hosts discuss potential conflicts of interest involving Dominion Voting Systems and legal firms representing Chinese interests.

A report on data privacy reveals that apps like WhatsApp send over 41 million pings to tracking servers every minute. In political news, former Senator Al Franken appeared in a media interview to support the idea of Democrats adding seats to the Supreme Court if they win the Senate. The show concludes with a "No Agenda ABCs" reading by Sir Chris Wilson and a montage of clips from the presidential debate.

A California lawyer explains the legal thresholds for sexual harassment, noting that behavior must be "severe or pervasive" to qualify. The hosts discuss the lack of legal cases in many high-profile "Me Too" accusations, such as those against Al Franken. They emphasize that Human Resources departments exist to protect the company, not the employee.

The "Me Too" movement continues to impact various sectors, including the resignation of a second Columbia University professor and the suspension of executives at Vice Media. The hosts discuss the firing of Andrew Creighton and Mike Germano at Vice and the departure of Senator Al Franken. They predict that Hollywood figures will use the Golden Globes to contrast their behavior with the President's.

Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia expressed regret over the pressured resignation of Senator Al Franken, calling the Democratic party's treatment of him hypocritical. Manchin argued that Franken should have been allowed to go through a formal Ethics Committee investigation rather than being forced out prematurely. Some Democrats are reportedly considering "un-resigning" Franken.

The hosts discuss the resignation of Senator Al Franken, suggesting it was a strategic move by the Democratic leadership to pressure Republicans. There is speculation that Franken was a potential 2020 running mate for Hillary Clinton. His departure is viewed as a "falling on the sword" to maintain a moral high ground against Roy Moore and Donald Trump.

A former colleague of Al Franken from Saturday Night Live defended the senator, describing him as respectful and attributing his behavior to "frat boy humor." The defense suggests that Franken should remain in the Senate to fight the current administration's policies, despite the allegations against him. The commentary highlights a perceived double standard in how political allies are treated compared to opponents.

Psychological warfare expert Steve Pieczenik claimed responsibility for the downfall of Senator Al Franken, asserting he targeted the senator after Franken failed to intervene in a Florida water rights dispute involving Mosaic Mining. Pieczenik suggested he used his intelligence connections to surface evidence of Franken's past misconduct during USO tours. The hosts find the claim of a "side pocket shot" intriguing but potentially exaggerated.

Senator Al Franken announced his resignation from the U.S. Senate following multiple allegations of groping and sexual misconduct. Franken cited a double standard, pointing to President Trump's presence in the Oval Office despite similar accusations. Simultaneously, Representative Trent Franks resigned after reports surfaced that he offered a staffer $5 million to act as a gestational surrogate.

Senator Al Franken announced his resignation from the U.S. Senate following a coordinated push from over 30 Democratic colleagues. The move followed allegations of sexual misconduct from eight women, including Leanne Tweeden and an anonymous accuser who alleged a forcible kiss. Democratic leadership utilized the resignation to create a moral contrast with Republicans supporting Roy Moore in Alabama.

Writer Tina Dupuy detailed an encounter where Al Franken allegedly groped her waist during a photo opportunity, an account published in The Atlantic. Speculation exists regarding Roger Stone's potential involvement in orchestrating the timing of these revelations via social media. The discussion explores the distinction between professional power-dynamic abuse and general boorish behavior in social settings.

A fifth woman, Army veteran Stephanie Kemplin, has accused Senator Al Franken of inappropriate touching during a 2003 USO tour in Kuwait. Amidst this news, Adam Curry discusses plans for a potential "boots on the ground" broadcast from Kandahar, Afghanistan. The logistics of performing a live show from a military base are briefly explored.

Senator Al Franken faces mounting allegations of sexual misconduct, including a new claim from former Bay Area radio host Melanie Morgan regarding persistent harassing phone calls in 2000. The discussion contrasts the media's framing of Franken's "mock groping" of Leeann Tweeden during a USO tour versus how similar actions by Republicans would be reported. Analysis focuses on the "alternate universe" of media defense where forced kisses are minimized as rehearsed skits.

Los Angeles radio host Leanne Tweeden accused Democratic Senator Al Franken of forcibly kissing and groping her during a 2006 USO tour. A photograph showing Franken posing with his hands on Tweeden's breasts while she slept has surfaced, leading to calls for his resignation.

Senator Al Franken is criticized for his aggressive questioning of Jeff Sessions. An anecdote from a former banker mentions a pro-marijuana Democrat challenging "Tom Cruise" (likely meaning Ted Cruz) in Texas. The hosts discuss the potential for national marijuana legalization once Sessions, a vocal opponent, is removed from office.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, facing questioning from Al Franken and Lindsey Graham regarding Russian election interference and the Steele Dossier. Graham inquires about a potentially incriminating email between the DNC and the DOJ that may have influenced James Comey's actions in 2016. Sessions declines to provide specific details on the matter during the public hearing.