Al Franken takes over the U.S. Senate floor to explain a newspaper cartoon to the waiting nation

All we can say is thank goodness Minnesota's newest Democratic U.S. senator, Al Franken, was on duty Thursday.

We were poring through one of America's most glorious man-caused treasures -- the 31 years of C-SPAN video archives, which The Ticket detailed with effusive praise here earlier this year.

And we realized suddenly that somehow we had inexplicably missed the comedian's detailed explanation of a newspaper editorial cartoon enlarged so that he could identify the symbols and characters in it so the elderly senators could see it. The current White House's pedantry is apparently infectious.

Additionally, Franken takes many moments to explain the drawing and its symbols as documentation for his argument for more government regulation of yet another part of the financial industry.

No, this is not a "Saturday Night Live" skit. This is the real thing from the Senate floor where the 100 members are paid $174,000 -- each -- for this work. The folks back home must be very proud of the honorable gentleman.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Why search archives when you can get Twitter alerts of each new Ticket item by clicking here? Follow us @latimestot.  Or Like us over on Facebook here.

Video courtesy of C-SPAN

Comments

[SA]

Stuart finally found something that he thinks he understands. What an amazing moron he is.

[carlassare]

I never thought Frankin was funny - now hes a expert on explaining cartoons to congress.

Note - Hes carefull not to say Fannie Mae which is a really funny word.

[carlassare]

He always sounds drunk - thats the way he talks

[David Begley]

What does all this matter? Look at the seats behind the Senator. He is doing this to get his comments into the record, not promote or defend a position.

[grumpyoldb]

Al Franken was, is, and always will be one of the MORON royal family...

[Stan]

The people who think Jon Stewart hosts a news show thinks Al Franken is using a "tool" to make his point and not an error-filled cartoon.

[carlassare]

He has reached his level of incompetence a while back- - now he has become a comic explaining cartoons to congress.

Note - Hes carefull not to say Fannie Mae which is a really funny word or SEC which could be a dirty word.

[Rick J]

As a Minnesotan, I am very ashamed of being a citizen of this state that would elect this man to be in the US Senate. He made a name for himself as a comedian in our society. He migrated across into the radio world as a CRASS liberal commentator. Then he made way into the US Senate, I think, based on his name recognition. In my opinion he does not possess the serious mind and demeanor of a gentleman to be a US Senator. Yes, this state elected Jesse Ventura (pro-wrestler) to be governor of Minnesota. Yes, they also blessed us, electing Al Franken (comedian) as a US Senator.

[Brock]

Where's the charactor representing Congress, pouring pollution, labelled subprime mortgage rules, into the pond making it treacherous for wall street?

Al is right about the credit rating agencies being a problem, but the WORST problem of all was a democratic congress and presidents, starting with Carter and continuing with Clinton, polluting the system with people who could not repay loans.

The repackaged loans were not the problem. The problem was the original loans which congress forced the banks to make. If the credit rating agencies had done their job, the ONLY difference would be the loans would have been recognized earlier. Congress still would have forced the banks to make the loans.

Where is the outrage about this. Isn't it convenient that Congress has called hearings to tar and feather everyone except themselves?

And don't forget Franklin Raines, the crook who cooked the books at Fannie Mae to get his bones, got a free pass in this mess. Why hasn't he been tarred and feathered? Of all the bankers, he deserves it more than all others.

The entire system is corrupt...

[Kenia]

I think the author's point is that the enlarged cartoon was unnecessary and the most ridiculous of arguments.

He could have had graphs, numbers, things that actually provide information, rather then deciphering a cartoon. There are REAL companies that allegedly do the things that he is talking about, so why not show that?

It doesn't further his point in the least and it was a needless cost to the taxpayers (i.e. you and me). I have no problem with enlargements, but this one was needless.

I agree with the accurate ratings point he is making, but I don't know that his amendment would actually lead to more accurate ratings and I don't like the bill in it's entirety because of its penchant for picking winners and losers, depending on political connections.

[Randall]

Hummmm, a Cartoon Character explaining a Cartoon...who better?

[jim haas]

In Oh, Franken is known as the Mn Gasbag!

[arnold]

He is either drunk or is having a stroke, could also just be an idiot!

[chris w]

If I worked in DC politics I'd kill myslef - such rubbish day after day

[jerry]

I have lost all respect for Minnesota. I know there are a lot of good people in the state but if Al Franken is the best they can elect to represent their interest in the Senate something is seriously wrong.

[Kyle]

Since when did the LA Times start criticizing politicians on both sides of the aisle? Whatever is in the water cooler up there, keep drinking it!

[pp]

When Al Franken was on Celebrity Jeopardy, he demonstrated for all time just what a dolt he is. This cartoon is his speed and speaks to the general intelligence level of his colleagues in the US Senate. May Heaven help us!

[Bernie Goulet]

Andrew are you a moron or just playing dumb? Anyone with a brain realizes he is using an excellent visual metaphor for the corrupt conflict of interest of credit agencies that "rate" credit while recieving $ from the same. Please don't insult your Republican readers that were just as screwed by the big banks as everyone else!

[Good speach]

He makes an excellent point. The fact that he uses a visual aids and humor doesn't diminish his message and in fact enhances it.

[USNavyChiefRet]

It's obvious to me that Franken is drunk in this video. If you listen closely you can hear him slur his words, quite often, I might add. He must have had one of those Washington D.C. "POWER" lunches (you know, 6 martini's). As a resident of Minnesota, and a veteran of 23 years service to my country, this disgusts me. We pay this gentleman how much? Any yet they voted to NOT give a COLA (Cost of living allowance) to retirees, veterans, etc! Ladies and Gentleman, it's time to take back America from the hands of these liberal, socialistic, marxist politicians! Come this November, go to the polls and vote them out!

[jbnwc]

Since I work for one of the credit ratings agencies, I can tell you for a fact that Franken does not know how it works. Issuers pay us for the OPPORTUNITY to receive a rating, not for the rating itself. If we do our research and find that the company is failing and does not even deserve to be rated(it happens), we do not lose a dime.

The conflict of interests he presumes does not exist. In fact,I have seen employees at my company are rewarded for refusing to give a rating to a failing company. Unlike in DC, we are rewarded for Honesty and Integrity. Those two principles come before all else at my company.

[swami poobah]

Franken is a cretin.

[Mark]

Al is a socialist, a horrible person with no morals.

I pray he, and his liberal socialist cronies will be healed.

[Bert]

I'm drunk and high.
I find this hilarious.

Stoners for CSPAN!!!
You rock, Al!!!

[Frank Frankerson]

This was an effective use of a teaching tool to demonstrate a point. There was nothing reminiscent of SNL about it. On top of that, it's a pretty dull topic, props to Franken for making something about it interesting.

[Bryan Abbott]

He really does seem to be drunk.

[student1776]

It makes sense that one would want to explain a cartoon in detail to the Senate given that they live in a cartoon like mental space filled with two dimensional characters, vapid bubble thoughts, black and white world models bereft of connection with the complexities and colors in the real world and minds at the level of children.

[xerakis]

AN absolute moron who knows nothing about the financial markets..lol. Go back to telling jokes you idiot.

[critical theory]

whats funny about this is this:

this could be the greatest comedic performance of al frankens life. the only thing that was missing was the bozo outfit. but i'm sure minnesota wouldnt mind picking up the tab on that for future performances.

[LoneWolfArcher]

If I lived in Minnesota I would definitely move. Any state that elects this moron isn't worth living in.

[Randall]

Is he still stoned?

[Susan Wood]

Regarding the students booted from school for wearing the American Flag on Cinco de Mayo: Imagine you are an ex-pat living in Europe or an Asian nation. Would you want to wear something with the American Flag on it on July 4? Sure you would. And most countries (including teenagers) wouldn't give it another thought. So why do we Americans make a big deal of this situation?

[Red Ruffansore]

Minnesota should have it's right to vote revoked. Decade after decade after decade you elect moonbats, raving left wing idiots and now Al Franken which is the equivalent of a talking slug. He is a not ready for Prime Time Player and proves it every day.

[Augustus Westes]

Progressives are the cancer of society. They believe they know what's best for "the people", therefore, they must create a larger government to regulate the society. More government always means less freedom.

Progressives use issues "that we all can agree on" like regulating those "evil Wall St. goons". But they fail to share with the public that it is those "evil Wall St. goons" that financially invested in their guy Obama more the any other candidate. It is sick irony.

Progressives have been regulating more pieces of our system each and every year, and things just get worse. The progressives and their wealthy friends end up getting rich while they regulate us.

Fortunately the truth is becoming more clear to more people. When the truth exposes progressive policies and ideas, it is like salt on a slimy slug. Got any sea salt?

I believe it is time pass some regulation on the size of government...yeah, that sounds about right.

[George]

If that dome that BP is trying to put over the blown oil well in the Gulf is as big as Franken's mouth and as empty as his head it should be able to contain all the oil in North America and the Middle East combined

[JDAZ]

This reminds me of how people who see actors playing a particular role, ie. a Doctor,Lawyer, Police officer etc.. they think that the particular actor would make a great one in real life or knows what they are talking about.

Since the left's primary "intellectuals" are comedians (Al Franken, Bill Maher, Colbert, Jon Stewart) who in engage in political staire, they in fact think that they would make great politicians. This video proves otherwise.

[Emile Zola]

I hope that whoever wrote the introduction to the video was being sarcastic when he states:"The folks back home must be very proud of the honorable gentleman." I don't see any thing wrong with senator's Franken presentation. We, contrary to what republicans say, need government oversight of Ali Baba and his thousands of thieves. We can't afford another fiscal meltdown. If this second great depression brought us to the brink and since we are broke, what part of broke the Wall Street thieves don't understand. I support senator Franken whole heartly. He is 1000% right.

[Patrick J Feyerisen]

Senator Al Franken comments

[WarEagle]

You have got to be kidding? This guy is a senator? What a pompous idiot...

[Really?]

I think Al Franken has exposed his reading level and his depth of knowledge. A living caricature.

[Matto]

Let's be fair here and not jump to conclusions. Franken is not drunk, he's just stupid. The lenders do not pay to be able to make loans, they pay to help them make loans that are more likely to be paid back. It's called business.

[gennie]

hmmm, undercurrents of american thoughts reflect in political cartoons? what are you? a cartoonist? political cartoons are satire and skew humor using 1% facts to paint a portrait of funny. They're not undercurrents nor a reflection of american thoughts! Thinking too deep and take you overboard!

[RevSantiago]

Al should run for Pres - he's at least as smart as the one we got.
Al READS the paper unlike Bush who couldn't read - hey the cartoons are part of the paper, too!
Snigglet What do you call a Minn moron? Minnidiot? No, call him Al, duhhh!

[Timmay]

I'm not 13 yet. I turn 13 tomorrow. So I guess I won't get posted because I am not old enough to participate. But if I ever do get a chance to participate. I'm going to say that Al Franken reminds me of chester the molester. only he does it with other peoples money, instead of their kids. - love, Timmay!

[jesse]

What a buffoon.

[Kevin]

He actually does an excellent job of explaining the serious problem of conflict of interest in the securities market rating agencies using a visual aide. Give him a break for his lack of eloquence. He is new at this but obviously takes his job more seriously than most of the self serving deviant morons on the hill. A picture really is worth a thousand words. Any situation in which a group of people who are given the task of rating a product are beholden to the sellers of that product for their success should be called into question. That’s simply common sense. Human nature is to do what’s best for you and yours and screw the other guys and in this case the other guy is the consumer. The fact that the writer of this article dismisses Senator Franken’s remarks because he used a satirical cartoon to illustrate his point says allot about him too. Spend less time hating and more time studying the facts and you will probably see the light eventually.

[Chris]

When traveling in Germany a few years back, I was disgusted to find that the only thing our German acquaintances knew of Minnesota was that Jesse Ventura, a professional wrestler, was chosen for Governor. NOW look what the liberal fools in our state have foisted on the nation!!!! When we leave Minnesota these days and people ask where I'm from I proudly and honestly say, "I was born in North Dakota!" (the truth) I don't even MENTION Minnesota! If Franken is the best my liberal neighbors can come up with for IQ and Morals, they're a very SORRY group of Americans! In all the criticism of the "Credit Rating Companies" why doesn't he expound a few HOURS on how the Democrats FORCED THROUGH CONGRESS the destruction and blatant IGNORING of the CREDIT CRITERIA NEEDED FOR PEOPLE GETTING LOANS!!! Republicans FOUGHT that lifting of Credit-Meeting Criteria when President Bush was in office....BUT NOBODY REMEMBERS OR ADMITS TO THEIR MORONIC, SPOILED-BRAT FORCED LIFTING OF THE SAME CREDIT REQUIREMENTS MOST HOMEOWNERS HAD TO LIVE BY WHEN BABY-BOOMERS BOUGHT THEIR HOMES!!! NOW, those SAME BABY-BOOMER are being forced to FOOT THE BILLS FOR THE DEMOCRATIC-RUN CONGRESS OF BUSH'S LAST YEARS OF PRESIDENCY!! AND WHO GETS THE BLAME, THANKS TO THE LIBERAL-OWNED MEDIA??!!!! PRESIDENT BUSH!!!!! REPUBLICANS, GET OFF YOUR BUTTS, GET EDUCATED AGAIN, AND VOTE THE MORONS, FAILED COMICS AND WALKING COMOTOSE LIBERALS OUT OF OFFICE BEFORE THERE'S NO COUNTRY LEFT TO SAVE!

[EagleEyes66]

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......

[Ralph D Bredahl]

The state of Minnesota should be embarrassed. Of course maybe this was the only way to get him out of the state.

[Simplymarvelous]

WHat he means is "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and dog gone it, people like me". I think it is time for him to go back to SNL to be believable. Does he really think we are buying his reasons for yet another Government regulation of our financial industry? Wasn't it Acorn who coerced the banks into give out loans to people with bad credit with no colladeral and selling those loans to Fannie and Freddie that got us here in the first place? Why is he talking about a Bill to regulate credit? Why isn't he talking about securing our boarders, oh that's right-we need more people with no credit rating to take out more bad loans so they can hire more people to regulate it. I get it now..