Politics Daily
Inside Politics Daily
At Fort Hood, America Needed a Hero, Quickly
NASA Declares It's Not the End of the World (Whew!)
No, the Church Is Not Threatening to Abandon the Poor over Gay Rights 
Britain Plans to Tighten Rules on Immigration
Greg Craig Out as White House Counsel, Replaced by Bob Bauer
Peter Galbraith -- Rich, Dedicated, Sleeping Easy
National Donor Sabbath: Organs not Alms
Do Leaked Cables Mean Obama Is Rethinking Afghanistan?- Tax Hikes on the Wealthy May Bankroll Health Care Reform
Levi 'Is Part of the Family,' Palin Tells Oprah
Michelle Obama 'in Awe' of Military Families
Losses at the Polls a Bitter Pill for Gays
Al Franken's Playboy Problem
Funny man Al Franken is taking heat from Minnesota Republicans over a 2000 "Porn-O-Rama" column he wrote for Playboy.
ABC News today reports that the Minnesota Republican Party on Thursday released a letter, signed by six
prominent GOP women, calling on Franken - a former Saturday Night Live star - to apologize for his "demeaning and degrading" article. Franken is the front-runner for the nomination of the Democratic Farmer Labor Party (DFL) in Minnesota. If he wins, he will try to oust incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman from his Senate seat. But now, some are questioning whether he has the right "values" that Minnesotans want in their Senate rep.
"The words and descriptions you write about are beyond vulgar," reads the GOP letter. "They demean and degrade women as thoroughly and disrespectfully as any article we have ever seen, and we are horrified to believe that someone running for the U.S. Senate could have written them. This column shows flagrant disregard for women, and an extreme objectification of women as sex objects for your pleasure. While you may attempt to defend your writing as satire, we hardly find anything defensible about your finding humor in your desire to have sex with women or robots that look like women simply to give yourself a good time.
"Denounce this article and apologize immediately."
In the 2000 column, Franken wrote about visit to a made-up sex institute where he takes part in sexual acts with humans and machines. They are explicit, disgusting, and it's disturbing to think someone running for office actually put these words on paper for the world to see. Because I like this gig, I'm not going to directly link to them - you can find them on your own easy enough.
PD toolbar!
But I will say that one blog gleefully posting the latest on the Franken flop is "Minnesota Democrats Exposed," a political blog created by former Republican Party researcher Michael Brodkorb. He has been an apparent thorn in Franken's side, broadsiding the campaign with news that Franken owed $25,000 to the State of New York for not paying workers' compensation insurance and that his corporation was in forfeiture in California. The reports led to Franken hiring new financial advisers to take stock of his money situation.
The New York Times reports on how many Minnesota Democrats are writing Brodkorb off as a mere mouthpiece for the GOP trying to utilize back-alley tactics. But the paper also details the partisan ping-pong going on between various blogs as they try to dig up dirt on the candidates. Hmmm, wonder if there's anything in Coleman's closet that can rival a Playboy column about Sexbots...
The Star Tribune, meanwhile, details Franken's relationship with Playboy. CEO Christie Hefner on Monday night held a campaign fundraiser at her Chicago home for Franken. (Just to be fair, the Tribune also notes that DFLers want Coleman to give up nearly $10,000 his campaign received from the political-action committee and employees of a lobbying firm that represented Myanmar's military regime.)
Follow PoliticsDaily On Facebook and Twitter,
and download the new Politics Daily toolbar!
ABC News today reports that the Minnesota Republican Party on Thursday released a letter, signed by six
prominent GOP women, calling on Franken - a former Saturday Night Live star - to apologize for his "demeaning and degrading" article. Franken is the front-runner for the nomination of the Democratic Farmer Labor Party (DFL) in Minnesota. If he wins, he will try to oust incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman from his Senate seat. But now, some are questioning whether he has the right "values" that Minnesotans want in their Senate rep."The words and descriptions you write about are beyond vulgar," reads the GOP letter. "They demean and degrade women as thoroughly and disrespectfully as any article we have ever seen, and we are horrified to believe that someone running for the U.S. Senate could have written them. This column shows flagrant disregard for women, and an extreme objectification of women as sex objects for your pleasure. While you may attempt to defend your writing as satire, we hardly find anything defensible about your finding humor in your desire to have sex with women or robots that look like women simply to give yourself a good time.
"Denounce this article and apologize immediately."
In the 2000 column, Franken wrote about visit to a made-up sex institute where he takes part in sexual acts with humans and machines. They are explicit, disgusting, and it's disturbing to think someone running for office actually put these words on paper for the world to see. Because I like this gig, I'm not going to directly link to them - you can find them on your own easy enough.
PD toolbar!
But I will say that one blog gleefully posting the latest on the Franken flop is "Minnesota Democrats Exposed," a political blog created by former Republican Party researcher Michael Brodkorb. He has been an apparent thorn in Franken's side, broadsiding the campaign with news that Franken owed $25,000 to the State of New York for not paying workers' compensation insurance and that his corporation was in forfeiture in California. The reports led to Franken hiring new financial advisers to take stock of his money situation.
The New York Times reports on how many Minnesota Democrats are writing Brodkorb off as a mere mouthpiece for the GOP trying to utilize back-alley tactics. But the paper also details the partisan ping-pong going on between various blogs as they try to dig up dirt on the candidates. Hmmm, wonder if there's anything in Coleman's closet that can rival a Playboy column about Sexbots...
The Star Tribune, meanwhile, details Franken's relationship with Playboy. CEO Christie Hefner on Monday night held a campaign fundraiser at her Chicago home for Franken. (Just to be fair, the Tribune also notes that DFLers want Coleman to give up nearly $10,000 his campaign received from the political-action committee and employees of a lobbying firm that represented Myanmar's military regime.)
and download the new Politics Daily toolbar!
-
PRINT
-
IM
-
E-mail
65 comments
+ add your own
Liza Porteus Viana
Liza Porteus Viana has been a political journalist for almost 10 years, both in Washington and New York. She loves politics - the smell of it, the sport of it...more
Comments (65)
heartsnbears
12:27AM May 24th 2008
You know how the saying goes.....RIGHT?? "Trash will say, and do trash". Just look at him. He looks like an idiot who would read trash like that. All of those magazines whether it be playboy, penthouse, and all the other ones that are on the market are degrading women. The problem is this....if the woman herself were decent and respectful, she wouldn't be allowing people to take her picture for the magazine anyway. Anyway, forget about that. Franken is "TRASH".
RATE THIS COMMENT:
(0)
(0) 
David S.
12:49AM May 24th 2008
Franken is a funny guy, but comedians do not make good politicians (Lord, did I say that?). Seriously, Minnesota will re-elect Coleman, but that won't be enough for the GOP to take back Congress.
And, really, Heartsnbears, if you seriously believe Republicans don't read magazines like Playboy and Penthouse, you would likely believe anything the GOP tells you.
And, really, Heartsnbears, if you seriously believe Republicans don't read magazines like Playboy and Penthouse, you would likely believe anything the GOP tells you.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) emelpe
3:12AM May 24th 2008
I haven't yet been able to find the complete article online, so I am unable to decide whether it is truly offensive, or whether this is just another example of Republican pretend-prudes making a fuss for political purposes while secretly prowling around public toilets in search lowdown sex ala Sen. Larry Craig, and John McCain's former Florida campaign manager.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) notankforfrank
4:13AM May 24th 2008
offended??about a made up place where made up people and machines do made up things??ask yourself why.
RATE THIS COMMENT:
(-1)
(-1) jnipe
8:21AM May 24th 2008
Wait...you're implying that you can tell Al Franken is an "idiot" just by looking at him? That's so wrong! I mean, look at George Bush! He looks like the biggest idiot who ever came down the pike and...oh...yeah...I guess you CAN tell by looks!
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) Christine Reed
8:29AM May 24th 2008
Minnesota elected a professional wrestler - why not elect another comedian!
RATE THIS COMMENT:
(2)
(2) Ike
8:59AM May 24th 2008
Well, where to begin? First, Ms. PORTeus Viana, the article was called PORN-o-rama, not Port-o-rama so stop fantasizing.(The "N" and "T" aren't even close on the keyboard, so don't plead typo)
Next, Franken has always been a satirist and his stock-in-trade has been saying outlandish things, like enjoying bestiality--and saying them in a way that makes it seem as if he believes everybody also does it. See, that's the HUMOR key there.(Google 'humor')
When asked on stage which historical figure they wish they could have been, Ann Coulter replied FDR, so she 'could have avoided introducing his liberal programs'. Then using the same logic, Franken replied, "Well then, I would be Hitler....." and the entire room broke up with laughter. See how it works? Maybe the authors of the 'for dummies' books should write one titled 'Humor for Republicans'. Whaddaya think? And while we're printing books, let's bring back Lynne Cheney's lesbian fantasy-fest called 'Sisters'. O'Reilly wrote some bad porn too. About the only attempt at Republican humor is Rush. Consdering his metabolism, I'm sure you all get the joke.
Next, Franken has always been a satirist and his stock-in-trade has been saying outlandish things, like enjoying bestiality--and saying them in a way that makes it seem as if he believes everybody also does it. See, that's the HUMOR key there.(Google 'humor')
When asked on stage which historical figure they wish they could have been, Ann Coulter replied FDR, so she 'could have avoided introducing his liberal programs'. Then using the same logic, Franken replied, "Well then, I would be Hitler....." and the entire room broke up with laughter. See how it works? Maybe the authors of the 'for dummies' books should write one titled 'Humor for Republicans'. Whaddaya think? And while we're printing books, let's bring back Lynne Cheney's lesbian fantasy-fest called 'Sisters'. O'Reilly wrote some bad porn too. About the only attempt at Republican humor is Rush. Consdering his metabolism, I'm sure you all get the joke.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) Ike
10:10AM May 24th 2008
One or two more things, Ms.Viana.
I realize you 'like this gig', but why not post a link so the rest of us can be more informed on the ACTUAL TEXT of all this 'horribly offensive material' and make up our own minds to see if it's truly satire or just filth? You don't have to write any 'dirty words', just let the rest of us have an opportunity to judge for ourselves, instead of accepting carte-blanche the opinions of outraged prominent (but un-named in your article) Republican women.
Since you 'like this gig', you also might want to use correct grammar and spelling more frequently, since you're aspiring to journalism. The phrase you're looking for is 'you can find them EASILY enough', not 'easy enough'. Maybe you were just trying to write colloquially, so I'll give you a pass on that one. I'm not trying to be a member of the anal-retentive spelling police here, but your article is definitely attempting to influence perceptions, so the appearance of an education will add to your credibility . Also, the expression is 'back-ALLEY' not 'back-ally'.
I realize you 'like this gig', but why not post a link so the rest of us can be more informed on the ACTUAL TEXT of all this 'horribly offensive material' and make up our own minds to see if it's truly satire or just filth? You don't have to write any 'dirty words', just let the rest of us have an opportunity to judge for ourselves, instead of accepting carte-blanche the opinions of outraged prominent (but un-named in your article) Republican women.
Since you 'like this gig', you also might want to use correct grammar and spelling more frequently, since you're aspiring to journalism. The phrase you're looking for is 'you can find them EASILY enough', not 'easy enough'. Maybe you were just trying to write colloquially, so I'll give you a pass on that one. I'm not trying to be a member of the anal-retentive spelling police here, but your article is definitely attempting to influence perceptions, so the appearance of an education will add to your credibility . Also, the expression is 'back-ALLEY' not 'back-ally'.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) Tommy Christopher
9:28AM May 24th 2008
It doesn't surprise me that Republicans don't get satire. They took Swift's "Modest Proposal," and made it the spiritual backbone of their entire movement. They distribute copies, Gideon-like, in airport rest rooms for maximum penetration, and there is a spotlit copy on a marble pedestal (with a sign on it that says "Do not interpret pedestal as phallic symbol") in the Reagan Library where they kneel and pray for the day that they can actually make the poor eat themselves.
See, it's not that hard if you try.
See, it's not that hard if you try.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) CRY-BABY-BAMA
8:41PM May 24th 2008
DEAN, PELOSI, REID, KENNEDY, KERRY AND CARTER ARE DESTROYING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. THEY DID NOT LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO PUT THEM IN OFFICE. WE NEED TO REPLACE THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
THE BIASED MEDIA AND THE BIG-WIG DEMS ARE PROTECTING CRY-BABY-BAMA AGAIN!
Oh give me a break — why should she apologize to Obama or the Kennedy family? That doesn’t even make any sense. She was saying that Bobby Kennedy’s campaign went into June, and the only thing that knocked him out of the race was death — and her race is closer than his was, so why should she stop? What are you people even talking about?
There is nothing wrong with pointing to a historical event to remind people that the primaries were still in full contest in June 1968, when RFK was assassinated? There is nothing evil or wrong about that, just like there was nothing wrong with pointing out LBJ’s role in the civil rights legislation getting passed. People just don’t like Hillary and they will ‘CLING’ to anything to try and make her look bad.
People just like to twist every word the Clintons say. I’m no longer amazed. Hillary was merely citing a historical political fact that there have been other primaries that went well into June or the Convention.
Let’s not forget — even Senator Ted Kennedy went all the way to the Democratic convention against President Carter.
SENATOR CLNTON WAS SIMPLY POINTING OUT THAT THE BIASED MEDIA, THE BIG-WIG DNC AND THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS ARE TRYING TO GET HER TO DROP OUT BEFORE IT’S OVER. IT WON’T BE OVER UNTIL THE CONVENTION!
WE CAN’T GO THROUGH THE NEXT 4 TO 8 YEARS WALKING ON EGGSHELLS FOR “SENSITIVE” OBAMA. HE IS SUCH A GIRLY MAN.
WE NEED EXPERIENCE IN OUR WHITE HOUSE. OBAMA’S GREATEST EXPERIENCE IS CONSTANTLY LYING, HIDING BEHIND THE BIASED MEDIA AND BIG-WIG DNC MEMBERS, AND “RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT”.
NO BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!
THE BIASED MEDIA AND THE BIG-WIG DEMS ARE PROTECTING CRY-BABY-BAMA AGAIN!
Oh give me a break — why should she apologize to Obama or the Kennedy family? That doesn’t even make any sense. She was saying that Bobby Kennedy’s campaign went into June, and the only thing that knocked him out of the race was death — and her race is closer than his was, so why should she stop? What are you people even talking about?
There is nothing wrong with pointing to a historical event to remind people that the primaries were still in full contest in June 1968, when RFK was assassinated? There is nothing evil or wrong about that, just like there was nothing wrong with pointing out LBJ’s role in the civil rights legislation getting passed. People just don’t like Hillary and they will ‘CLING’ to anything to try and make her look bad.
People just like to twist every word the Clintons say. I’m no longer amazed. Hillary was merely citing a historical political fact that there have been other primaries that went well into June or the Convention.
Let’s not forget — even Senator Ted Kennedy went all the way to the Democratic convention against President Carter.
SENATOR CLNTON WAS SIMPLY POINTING OUT THAT THE BIASED MEDIA, THE BIG-WIG DNC AND THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS ARE TRYING TO GET HER TO DROP OUT BEFORE IT’S OVER. IT WON’T BE OVER UNTIL THE CONVENTION!
WE CAN’T GO THROUGH THE NEXT 4 TO 8 YEARS WALKING ON EGGSHELLS FOR “SENSITIVE” OBAMA. HE IS SUCH A GIRLY MAN.
WE NEED EXPERIENCE IN OUR WHITE HOUSE. OBAMA’S GREATEST EXPERIENCE IS CONSTANTLY LYING, HIDING BEHIND THE BIASED MEDIA AND BIG-WIG DNC MEMBERS, AND “RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT”.
NO BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) tfitz1017
10:13AM May 24th 2008
We all knew that Franken would get heat for his comedy writing, but Liza, you are a person of letters. You know that if your average American actually read the writings of our great heroes of literature they would be shocked and offended. But you? Really.
Read Al Frankens book, "Why Not Me?", a satire of political campaigns. I laughed aloud throughout. Especially when his alcoholic brother in law/campaign coordinator accidentally kills a hooker. Has the real Franken had any real hooker problems? Let me know when he does.
Read Al Frankens book, "Why Not Me?", a satire of political campaigns. I laughed aloud throughout. Especially when his alcoholic brother in law/campaign coordinator accidentally kills a hooker. Has the real Franken had any real hooker problems? Let me know when he does.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) tfitz1017
10:16AM May 24th 2008
heartsnbears12:27AMMay 24th 2008
You know how the saying goes.....RIGHT?? "Trash will say, and do trash".
Heartsnbears, you must live in a part of the country where they have a quaint old saying deficit. That one doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.
You know how the saying goes.....RIGHT?? "Trash will say, and do trash".
Heartsnbears, you must live in a part of the country where they have a quaint old saying deficit. That one doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) Ike
10:35AM May 24th 2008
heartsnbears12:27AMMay 24th 2008 wrote:
You know how the saying goes.....RIGHT?? "Trash will say, and do trash". Just look at him. He looks like an idiot who would read trash like that. The problem is this....if the woman herself were decent and respectful, she wouldn't be allowing people to take her picture for the magazine anyway.
------------------------------
Besides judging people on what they 'look like they'd read', I'm curious to know your reaction to the racy photos Coleman's wife used in her own publicity. Do you still think she's a 'decent woman'? I'd post the link, but I 'like this gig'. (search 'Coleman wife pictures')
You know how the saying goes.....RIGHT?? "Trash will say, and do trash". Just look at him. He looks like an idiot who would read trash like that. The problem is this....if the woman herself were decent and respectful, she wouldn't be allowing people to take her picture for the magazine anyway.
------------------------------
Besides judging people on what they 'look like they'd read', I'm curious to know your reaction to the racy photos Coleman's wife used in her own publicity. Do you still think she's a 'decent woman'? I'd post the link, but I 'like this gig'. (search 'Coleman wife pictures')
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) Tommy Christopher
11:07AM May 24th 2008
Tom, hilarious as usual. "deficit of quaint old sayings."
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) Tommy Christopher
11:08AM May 24th 2008
Tom, you're a satirist. Which story do you think would most derail your political career?
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) hank
11:14AM May 24th 2008
Here we go again - if the author of an action that brings attention to the (illegal, immoral, outrageous, insulting, etc.) acts of a Democratic candidate, then the author is obviously a member of the vast right-wing conspiracy, is not to be believed, and the liberal media will neither report it nor follow up on it to verify its truth or disprove it, nor even ask the candidate for comment. Instead, an attack will immediately be mounted against the author.
Turn it around and if the candidate is Republican, the charges would be on the front page of the NY Times, the Washington Post, and all of the other major media outlets (CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC), and there will be fifty microphones jammed in the candidate's face.
Turn it around and if the candidate is Republican, the charges would be on the front page of the NY Times, the Washington Post, and all of the other major media outlets (CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC), and there will be fifty microphones jammed in the candidate's face.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) Ike
11:23AM May 24th 2008
I have to correct my statement--you can find the text of the letter sent to Franken with the names of the women who authored it. They're all Minnesota Republicans and they have a right to their opinions. Still no actual text of the article anywhere. I'd like to know if he wrote something demeaning or it was obvious satire. Franken's brand of comedy is to say something so outrageous that you know it's a joke immediately. (see Hitler comment above for an example)I can understand people taking offense at it--it's not for everybody. Neither are dirty jokes, but they're sometimes funny anyway. Still, the idea of robot sex creates some weird pictures in my mind---"Orgasm!....orgasm, Will Robinson!"
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) Tommy Christopher
11:28AM May 24th 2008
Ike,
you've accomplished the rare feat of making me LOL. Watch out, Fitzi.
you've accomplished the rare feat of making me LOL. Watch out, Fitzi.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) Ike
11:29AM May 24th 2008
Thanks Tom. I'll be here all week. Tell your friends, tip your waiters. :)
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) Tommy Christopher
11:47AM May 24th 2008
I think I've read this piece before, maybe in one of Franken's books. I enjoy his work as a provocateur, but never really found his satire or character work that funny, a bit one-note for my tastes. But to take the work of a satirist seriously, to hold satirical quotes up for condemnation? I expect Al will have a field day with this.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (0)
(0) 
Politics Daily on Facebook
Now Commenting
- metalmolder2 on:
Justice Scalia: 'I Have Religious Views...They Have Nothing to Do with My Job' - John Gallien on:
Ayn Rand: The Fountainhead of Greenspan's Errors - cowboybill117 on:
At Fort Hood, America Needed a Hero, Quickly - Truth on:
At Fort Hood, America Needed a Hero, Quickly - pgbrooke on:
Justice Scalia: 'I Have Religious Views...They Have Nothing to Do with My Job' - cowboybill117 on:
At Fort Hood, America Needed a Hero, Quickly
Submit Your Favorite Links
No.
Props
Props
- 64
- 31
- 39
- 22
- 16
- 8
Follow Us
Other News
- In Asia, Obama pushing arms control with Russians
- Republican bashes Dems over health proposals
- Obama wants to delay Fort Hood probe
- Obama courts Asian partners
- Jefferson given 13 years for corruption
Politics Daily More Links