I don't personally go for crusaders that throw out due process but it's your vote to do with what you will.


Hopefully she never convicts you on flimsy evidence. I am going to do everything I can to make sure she doesn't do it to me.

You ever notice some Democrats never seem to support strong opinionated Democratic women?

I'm seeing a pattern here.

Good point!

It's all about being a team player and not a phony.

Franken was targeted by the alt-right and not one of the senators who threw him under the bus seemed to notice. What if they are targeted next? Will anyone come to their defense?

If I had a nickel for how many times I have heard, "It has nothing to do with her being a woman," I'd probably be a Republican by now! ( all that money and taxes and...you know what I mean)

...what do you expect?

Better to deflect than to look at the truth, right?

We all live in a world full of rainbows and unicorns. No one would ever attack or falsely accuse the lynch mob of senators who threw Franken under the bus.

I expect the same for all other members of Congress, Democratic or Repuke...male or female.

Rep Farenthold is even getting due process.

The issue here is that due process was not allowed.

Is that you probably say that every criticism is BECAUSE the person in question is a woman. That makes the problem yours.

And you think only Repubs are wealthy? Or that Dems who attain wealth then become Repubs?

regarding Roy Moore.

I don't think this is a coincidence.

I think a trap was set to get good Democrats to demand "due process" for things done with no witnesses and no evidence. I think a 'higher standard' is being sought where any amount of victims doesn't matter.

I think WE are being played.

tweeted about Franken's scandal before the news broke.

Tom Arnold tweeted a couple of days ago about Tweeden being coached by Roger Stone:

"I’m disappointed with my friend Leeann Tweedon [sic]," he said. "Her partner at KABC John Phillips is a Roger Stone pal & they coached her for weeks to bring Al Franken down. I’d hoped she’d use her voice to speak out for all women again predators like Roy Moore & Donald Trump but she’s a birther."


Tweeden is friends with Donald Trump Jr:

https://upload.democraticunderground.com/10029943676


Yeah, I think I'll take "Hit Job" for 800, Alex.

You do understand the intent of the photo. It wasn't a joke. It was surreptitiously included in her photographic records overtly sexually objectifying this woman and a threat of power over a helpless person.

Hey - didn't she act slutty and do nude photographs? And dress provocatively?

It wasn't a joke from a comedy writer who was touring with the USO. But you can spin this until you're dizzy.

I'm still not going to support a phony senator who was looking out for herself - There's no need to worry b/c she won't get 3% out of the primaries, so I'm not too worried about having to support her in the 2020 election.

who have a lot to say about that picture and the long, long history of comedian and political pundit Al Franken.

You do know this is just getting started?

3 announced their resignations last week.

Major investigative reporters say dozens more to go.

Don’t care much about them, do we?

Female voices.

Link to tweet

I am pissed that Senator Franken got taken out this way.

I don't think Al sexually harassed anyone. I don't think he did worse, and sexually assaulted anybody.

I think he was a comedy writer on a USO tour trying to entertain the troops. In a war that I didn't fucking agree with, launched by Bush-the-lesser, who also stole elections.

I think he was the target of rat fucking ops by the vast right wing conspiracy. You betcha.

I don't see why he has to give up his Senate seat so that it can be filled by vote riggers/russians with a wingnut/fascist/stooge.

a guitar player's ass and another of her grinding on Robin Williams so who is she to accuse someone of groping?

She, Roger Stone, Hannity and the crew at her right wing radio station concocted a hit job on Al Franken and Gillibrand and others were gullible enough to fall for without investigating.

The photos of Tweeden groping are easily found, they've even been posted here on DU.

First, the photo and the accusation.

Then the excuses and distractions.

The photo stands as a mean, ugly act by "a man who never thought he would become a senator."

Why?

Take the blinders off.

Is it ok for her to actually grope but he gets booted out of the Senate for a gag, posed shot where is not even touching her;

What's up with that?

"Threat of power?" Wow.

"Militant" comes to mind.

... is strong and opinionated does not automatically make her opinions correct.

The "pattern" you're seeing here is that a lot of us disagree with Gillibrand's "opinion" on this matter, and therefore do not support it, nor adopt it as our own.

Whether she is "strong and opinionated" has no bearing on it, and does not render her every opinion as something to be deferred to.

I want to support someone who is smart, will fight for me and those who are less fortunate than me.

She is not smart: she took the rat fucking bait.
She is naive: she thinks the mobbed up Russia party is going to do the right thing. They're clearly not going to.

A seat is now open for the vote riggers to steal for the far right. Making me less safe and secure. And I'm not that bad off. Think about the poor, the disabled (that the pig mocked at a rally). Piss on that.

Thank you. It is not automatically sexist to disagree with an opinion expressed by a member of the opposite gender, even if that person is progressive.

Hide behind the misogyny card.

Couldn't have made a more perfect example of how this played out. No critical thought just jumping on the woman card. Why is not surprising you use the same strategy in her defense.

She was the point person. She happens to be a woman. My first letter went to Schummer as senate leader for the Dems he should have gotten this witch hunt under control but he apparently was cowed by the same BS you just tried to push.

Your attacks are because I disagree with you.

Enjoy!

Al did not want to resign he wanted an investigation. Every single one of his accusers did not want one, funny that. The last one did not want one but had no issue going on TV to talk about it so don't try to tell me they did not want to be dragged through the mud.

He never apologized for anything but the picture and any hurt feelings from any of his actions. The picture taken when he was comedian entertaining our troops was part of a USO tour with a long history of sexually charged comedy offensive to some sure but hardly groping or sexual assault.

I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you never looked farther than the number just like the politician you are supporting.

Otherwise you are lying willfully.

Couldn't possibly be that particular woman or those particular opinions? Don't agree with her it must be a sexist thing... give me a break.

I don't twitter. I just peep in.

But I would have thought that would have been going already!!!

old and not used much. I will have to add it to some of my tweets.




Angela Burns? @amb567
Dec 7
Replying to @amb567 @slipperyhero @ezlusztig

You guys are the, "it's not like I smack you around!" crowd. Good riddance. #IStandwithGillibrand
0 replies 0 retweets 1 like
badwolf303
❄️
🌊
🎄
🇺🇸
🌎? @badwolf303
Feb 1

#IStandWithGillibrand #IMPEACHTRUMPANDPENCE #nohearingsnovotes on #gorsuch @SenDems
0 replies 0 retweets 0 likes
JustAPumper? @justapumper
Jan 31

RT if you support and agree #IStandWithGillibrand #ResistTrump #RESISTANCE #Resist #DemocracySpring
0 replies 14 retweets 13 likes
JustAPumper? @justapumper
Jan 31

JustAPumper Retweeted miles reed

#IStandwithGillibrand

JustAPumper added,
miles reed
@milesjreed
0 replies 0 retweets 0 likes
(((BarbaraEdelman)))? @barbedelman
Jan 29
Replying to @kitty62862 @HAFowler and

#istandwithgillibrand
0 replies 0 retweets 1 like
Robynn Murray? @robynnlm
13 Feb 2014

#standwithgillibrand and #standupforvets by supporting #MJIA Military Justice Improvement Act #IstandWithGillibrand
0 replies 2 retweets 1 like
(((L'EtatC'estMoi)))? @letat_lechat
15 Jun 2013
Replying to @LeslieNeidig

@LeslieNeidig It's why #IStandWithGillibrand. Military commanders are part of #RapeCulture and inherently unqualified for judging rape cases

First thing that popped up!

who feels deeply ambivalent about Gillibrand and the other female senator's calls for Franken's resignation and his subsequent compliance, I resent being accused of not supporting strong opinionated Democratic women when I disagree with their actions. I'll be the first to say that the bias against Hillary was because she is a woman. And I certainly understand why the women in the Senate felt that they should take a stand. I still think that it was a stupid move in the current political climate and hurts us more than it helps us.

Do not allow yourself to become the boy who cried wolf, if you will. Just as criticism of Israel is not always anti-Semitic and criticism of African Americans or other minority racial/ethnic groups is not always racist and criticism of members of the LGBTQ community is not always homophobia, criticism of women is not always misogynistic.

Gillibrand expressed her opinion.

She didn't make any demand. Others followed her lead - and now SHE is the one to pay. Forever!

Come on.

you are implying it is because she is a woman. I have a problem with that.

I think the vitriol is because we, as Democrats, feel like we are losing and we feel like our own side just kicked a goal for the other team. She happens to be the most well known and vocal of the group calling for his resignation and she appears to have spearheaded it. It feels like et tu and feels like a constant pattern with Democrats. We are all extremely on edge because we feel like our country is f**ked.

It can't be wrong for them and OK for us.

She mentioned Bill Clinton a while back. The Republicans mention it all the time!

There is too much hypocrisy in Washington, DC - and apparently everywhere else! - and i stand with someone who agrees!

Just don't call me misogynistic if I disagree.

Kirsten Gillibrand was my congresswoman. When she won in 2006, she was the first Democrat to win here for as long as I can remember. And the politician who came to her initial rally to campaign for her was President Clinton. I have no doubt he made a big difference. There was a standing-room-only crowd who came out to see him at the airport, he was hugely popular. We don't get too many presidential visits here in the North Country.

She's a wimp, IMO. A nothing.

There are women to run for President. She ain't one of 'em.

As far as Gillibrand, she can forget it.

Gullibility and ambition is not a combo we want in our presidential candidates.

She actually fell for the obvious repug hit job on Franken.

...who delights in supporting other strong, opinionated women, it is my strong opinion that Franken was railroaded and I do not support Gillibrand in her effort to remove him from office. It has nothing to do with her strength or her womanhood, I simply believe she made a foolish mistake.

Last edited Sun Dec 10, 2017, 11:02 PM - Edit history (1)

in assessing such accusations... the two are not mutually exclusive.

why we can't be allowed to draw distinctions between sexual assault, sexual harassment, and boorish behavior or comedy.

I don't think Al committed any crime. The USO thing appears to be rat fucking, the other allegations--esp the one about touching some lady's waist during a selfie--are flimsy nothings that he denies even happened.

His conduct certainly does not rise to the level of having to give up his senate seat. Especially when Obama seems to warning us about the fall of democracy and Nazis. Especially not when the mobbed up with Russia GOP is stealing and taking away health care, and will start on Social Security and Medicare/caid next.

This has been such blundering. It's embarrassing and infuriating to not be smarter than to fall for this shit. I'm no genius, certainly not a US Senator, former prosecutor or a lawyer, and I see the dirty tricks being played on us. Why can't the "leadership"?

Yes, Yes, Yes

What you said.

She's willing to throw our best out to advance her career, then throws out this flimsy attack on tRump and republicans to try and save face.... NOT BUYING IT.

I'll probably forgive her someday, but no time soon. But she does post a good tweet, I'll give her that.

The narrative will be "Al stepped down he was guilty, but not our guys!" Brilliant!

but maybe not the one she had in mind.

The tweets are strongly attacking her.

Ms. Magazine would pass on putting Kirsten Gillibrand on their cover, let alone do a feature story on her.

This isn't about a crime.

This is about decent, acceptable behavior.

I agree with Senator Gillibrand on what I find to be unacceptable behavior.

so due process does enter into it

They have all expressed how his behavior made them feel.

Franken admits to crossing a line.

Franken says they should be heard.

Franken says he wants to resign.

That says it all.

Franken asked for an investigation.

He admitted to a picture in bad taste and apologized for it. That is it.

He never said he wants to resign ever and I defy you to point us to where he does.

You want to play word games and ignore what Franken has said all along. Fine.

I'll be on the right side of history on this matter.

You figure out what harassment, objectification, privilege is acceptable in the character and record of the US Senate.

Obviously, you don't want US Senators defining that.

"Today I am announcing that in the coming weeks, I will be resigning as a member of the United States Senate."

"I know in my heart that nothing I have done as a senator — nothing — has brought dishonor on this institution."

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/sen-al-franken-resign-senate-amid-sexual-harassment/story?id=51644964

"Will be" is a long cry from want to.

He admits the picture was offensive and you and your preferred senator use that to twist his statements into pretzels.

It would be funny if it wasn't so tragic.

Not only do you diminish his outstanding record as a senator but you diminish the cause you are supposedly supporting by claiming admitting to a bad picture is the same as sexual assault. If that is the standard of you and your senator I think you will find the continuing backlash wipes out any chance she had at dog catcher forget about any further political career.

I am inclined to support women in their quest for justice but if this is where it leads that support is gone.

Gillibrand has lost me.

As I said initially good luck with your fact twisting I think most see right through it.

You tell the women what you find acceptable, what behaviors they should accommodate.

Accidental groping? Joke pictures? Inappropriate kisses unasked for?

Throw in "due process" and evidentiary procedures, criminal review, depositions and sworn testimony on world broadcast.

You set the standard to save a "good" man. To "silence" once again.



I'll just follow Senator Gillibrand's lead on this, thank you very much.

and the one silenced here was Franken.

Pretending anything else is nonsense.

I'll continue to support Senator Franken and Senator Gillibrand can just take a flying leap.

Apparently only women are able to define correct behavior, by virtue of being women? Men should just act like women tell them to?

Neither you, nor any woman, has the market cornered on correct behavior. There are two sexes of humans to consider, as much as that seems to bother you.

Sheesh. Could you make this any easier for Limbaugh?

He announced that he would resign in the coming weeks because he could not be an effective senator while fighting a lynch mob.

He never said that he wanted to resign, you made that up in your own mind.

You are already on the wrong side of facts, so while you can be on the "right side", it won't be of history.

Nothing decent or respectable about using someone else's career as a spring board.

Especially when you clearly looked no further than the number of accusations.

Decent and respectable is considering the evidence before rushing to judgment. I would be willing to bet this fraud couldn't even tell you what these women claimed happened.

that rises to the level of a non-fascist Senator having to give up his senate seat so that a far right nut can steal it.

We are fighting sociopaths and mobbed up Russians here.

Putting your arm around someone during a selfie, well fuck me, doesn't seem like a good enough reason to rob me of my vote, nor the votes of my friends and neighbors.
It's all been such flimsy stuff. I remember the rat fucking surrounding the Wellstone memorial. They somehow turned that around on Democrats and I was like WTF?

Organizations have internal processes and procedures that ought to be followed

Everybody else can take mob justice. I think I’ll take a pass on her vision.

Pretty weak reckoning for a POtuS and his party that already see you and yours as ineffectual. Held accountable? How so? A stern lecture, a vote in the Senate that has no power or wouldn't even pass due to repubs? Oh no, certainly not the "I word? Dem leaders have shot that down. They can chase one of their own out, but the best she can do is to stand bravely using a nebulous word that has no repercussions. I can see dump as he peruses this tweet, with a smirk and an eye roll.

"held accountable"?? her comments should be no less than "He must resign... we will not stand for a sexual predator in any branch of Government"

I hope she would use your exact words, but doubt she will.

a job for a Republican lawyer. My parents, brother, and most of my uncles and aunts were smokers and died from lung cancer. I hate Big Tobacco and I will never vote for her for anything.

get rid of Franken who might have ran against her in the primaries

but not today. I stand with Al

Standing with Al.

The more I hear about her the more I like her.

levels of sexual harassment and male privilege regarding women.

Apparently "molesting women in their sleep" and "grabbing ass and breast" are OK?

Come on - Al Franken isn't Charles Manson, right?

... "molest a woman in her sleep"? And why are you assuming he "grabbed" anyone's ass or breasts"?

I slept story" that Tweeden put out? Or did Gillibrand act to remove Franken because she felt that too many others fell for Tweeden's account of what happened?

I'm not a lawyer, but loosely it's:

Sexual assault is the baddest, violence.

Sexual harassment mostly hinges around someone in a position of power making it difficult to do your job. Sean Hannity's friend seems to be dancing on stage, grabbing Robin Williams, twerking into a musician and patting him on the ass, so there's that... Dunno what happened, because nothing will be investigated now.

I don't think dirty jokes are crimes. I don't think boorish behavior is a crime. I'm not sure where groping falls. I don't believe Al groped anybody, so there's that. I don't think he did ANYTHING that rises to the level of giving up a senate seat to another rightwing nut job.

Anyway, I'm sure there are ways to research what the levels are. Stuff that other people who came before me and Kristen put into place.

Jesus Jumping Christ on a Pogo Stick

How do people think we arrived at a place where cops can no longer ignore a battered wife, or a federal workplace can function without a harassment policy, or a woman can't get legal representation if she's raped?

Women have already fought hard for protection

Yet we're supposed to believe some clueless opportunistic senator has come along to SAVE women?! How utterly insulting and regressive.

She is one of the very few likable things about New York.

They're putting money into the Roy Moore campaign and cheering.

Plus, I want some of what she's smoking if she really believes the party of grab em by the pussy are going to do the right thing and participate in the dismantling of their own stolen power.

Republicans are sociopaths. Sociopaths harm people, they lack empathy, their brains are not wired like regular people. They will hurt anyone and anything to get what they want. They are in bed with Russia, committing treason, stealing our health care, and pretty much shitting on everything.

The rat fucking by republican operatives (A friend of Hannity made the original USO complaints, and I read she's a rightwing radio d-lister?) worked and the Republicans got to decide what senate seats they get to fill. With more wing-nuts.

Even some people in the Grand Old Politburo Party are saying Franken was railroaded. So, with Roy Moore, they will be "Oh, we believe in due process! we must allow the allegations against Roy Moore to be investigated." Then they'll clear him, and they can be the victims. exonerated!

I need to find someone smart to support, not someone whose actions cause the further expansion of fascist power, which endangers my safety and the safety of others.

I thought I had that when I worked for and voted for Franken. That vote and (my) his voice in the Senate was taken from me and millions of other Minnesota voters.

We seem to be in the minority on DU at the moment, but that's ok.

Yes - they silenced them.

You're being disagreed with by fellow Democrats, get used to it.

In calling for Franken’s resignation, what Goody Gillibrand’s actions say is that the accusations against him require no proof, nor investigation into their veracity.

Her actions say that any allegations made are, in and of themselves, sufficient reason to assume guilt and treat the accused accordingly.

”Let's send a clear message none of this is okay." What is the “this” she’s referring to? The idea that a group of women levelling accusations at Franken – or any man – should be taken at their word, without any further scrutiny of their credibility?

Can we assume that if a group of men came forward to accuse Goody Gillibrand of having grabbed their ass during a photo shoot – or, heaven forfend, having touched their waist! – she would immediately resign? Would she apply the same standard to herself, whereby those accusations alone would be enough to warrant her stepping down from office?

Don’t make me laugh.

“I saw Al Franken with the Devil”

... of Al with a cat - aka his "familiar".

I hate it for Franken, but you can't say "trust the accusers" only when it suits you. You can stand up to one or two accusers -- say like the Duke Lacrosse team -- but when it's a bunch of unrelated people, it's tough. Even if everyone of the accusers are truthful, it still doesn't rise to Moore, Trump, etc.

It's just a cruddy situation, but for people open to the truth, it puts the spotlight on Moore, Trump, and the like.

That accuser put it over the top? Seriously?

I think that is lazy thinking but I understand where it comes from.

Apparently we're not entitled to our own opinions here.

On the other hand - has that ever shut us up?

Not buying it.

Perhaps they are doing the same thing they have done for years and went with the easy non controversial out.

No one wants to diminish the movement to find justice for women that are abused. Standing in front of that freight train on the democratic side is sure suicide.

As usual I don't think many of these senators looked past the headlines. Not like that has never happened before.