"Hi, I'm Al Franken and I am Running for US Senate"...

Finally...

See video of Al's announcement here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh8LfGIM62M&eurl=

MINNEAPOLIS — Comedian Al Franken said Wednesday he will run for U.S. Senate in 2008, confirming his long-suspected plans to seek the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Sen. Norm Coleman.
Franken's announcement came on the final day of his radio show on Air America. The former "Saturday Night Live" performer's celebrity instantly makes him a heavyweight contender and brings national attention to the Minnesota race.
"Minnesotans have a right to be skeptical about whether I'm ready for this challenge, and to wonder how seriously I would take the responsibility that I'm asking you to give me," Franken said in a video clip posted on his Web site.
"I want you to know: nothing means more to me than making government work better for the working families of this state, and over the next 20 months I look forward to proving to you that I take these issues seriously," Franken said in a transcript of the clip.
Though Franken has a well-known name and is likely to be well-funded, he's expected to be challenged by several other Democrats, including wealthy trial attorney Mike Ciresi.
Franken, 55, was born in New York City but grew up in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park. He graduated from Harvard University in 1973, and in 1975 he and writing partner Tom Davis joined the writing staff of "Saturday Night Live" during its first season. They soon started appearing in sketches, and Franken remained a fixture on the show well into the 1990s.

In 1996 Franken took his career in a political direction when he wrote "Rush Limbaugh Is A Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations," a broadside against the conservative radio host and other figures on the right. He's since published several other books critical of Republicans and the conservative establishment.
As early as 2003, Franken said he was considering a run for the Minnesota U.S. Senate seat previously held by his friend, the late Democratic Sen. Paul Wellstone.
In 2004 Franken joined the upstart liberal radio network Air America as its biggest-name host. He soon got more directly involved in politics, forming a political action committee that raised more than $1 million for Democratic candidates in the last election cycle.
In 2005, Franken and his wife, Franni, moved back to the Twin Cities, which was widely interpreted as laying the groundwork for a campaign. He announced a few weeks ago that Wednesday would be his last day on Air America, but continued to play coy about his aspirations while privately telling prominent DFLers about his plans to run.
Franken is stringing out his announcement over two days _ Wednesday's announcement, and a scheduled first public appearance as a candidate Thursday morning at a clinic in south Minneapolis.
In his Web site message, Franken acknowledges he's not a "typical politician." But he stresses his Minnesota roots, talking about his father's decision to open a quilting factory in Albert Lea that failed after two years, prompting the family's move to the Twin Cities.
"I grew up in a hard-working middle class family just like many of yours. And as a middle-class kid growing up in Minnesota back then, I felt like the luckiest kid in the world. And I was."
Franken's celebrity is likely to give him an edge over other Democrats in getting attention, but is no guarantee he'll get past the primary. Besides Ciresi, other names mentioned as potential candidates include state senators Tarryl Clark, Mee Moua and Tom Bakk, and state Rep. Joe Atkins.
Franken's candidacy will also test whether Minnesotans are in the mood for another celebrity-cum-politician, after the 1999-2003 governship of former pro wrestler Jesse Ventura. Ventura's fame and occasionally outrageous behavior regularly brought national attention to the state but after a while wore on the patience of many Minnesotans.
Coleman defeated former Vice President Walter Mondale in 2002 just a few weeks after the plane crash that killed the incumbent Wellstone.
Coleman is viewed as vulnerable after several years of Democratic resurgence in Minnesota and the continued unpopularity of his fellow Republican President Bush, but his proven skills as a campaigner and adept fundraiser make him a formidable opponent.
Franken has had little good to say about his potential opponent. In his latest book, "The Truth (with jokes)," he criticized Coleman in not-so-flattering terms for his former chairmanship of the Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
"The subcommittee's chairman, Minnesota Republican Norman Coleman, is one of the administration's leading butt boys,"

Check out his new website: http://www.alfranken.com/

This is a guy who could rightly claim the "Wellstone" mantle. Let's keep watching.

Happy Valentine's Day

Barak Enters the Race

It really seems like it's WAY too early for all of this political stuff...the Iowa caucuses are a year away and we here in Iowa are already seeing the candidates. Compared to the last election, it's about 2-3 months earlier. I remember seeing John Edwards sometime in April-May 2003 which then seemed early. By starting this early I really believe that the 2, maybe 3 frontrunners are going to push all the others out of the race. The money will become a big issue as far as who's in the race in the fall and who's not. I don't like that because it will not give the others a chance to voice their views and may even push them out of the debates, especially the early debates. I think I know who I like and I'm sure I have it narrowed down but as a voter I want to hear more than one or two views on such important topics as Iraq and health care.

What do you think?? Is it way too early for all of this? Are all of us going to get totally burned out on the politicians and politics by the time you're ready to cast a vote??

Moron of the Week.

I know I will get flack for saying this but the Moron of the week for this week will never get another opportunity.

This Moron was widely popular for being a no-talent who made money through no special skill.
She had an admittedly rough time of it in the past year and seemed largely incapable of moving beyond her use of drugs and her high opinion of herself.

Therefore, Anna Nicole Smith, may she rest in peace, is this week's Moron of the Week.

I am looking for nominations for Moron of the Week

Please comment with suggestions and reasons for their "moron"ness.

Random Music Shuffle

“Deportee” by Peter, Paul and Mary
“Lost Boys and Golden Girls” by Meatloaf
“Bicycle Race” by Queen
“One Day More” Les Miserables London Cast
“Stand” by REM
“The House you Live In” by Gordon Lightfoot
“I Am I Said” from HAN by Neil Diamond
“It’s a Miracle” by Barry Manilow
“Dust in The Wind” by Kansas
“The Marvelous Toy” by Peter, Paul and Mary

This is an informative site for all things political

This will be a great site for checking out basic positions of candidates as they declare for presidency or any other office nationwide.

This is the list so far: (according to ABC News)

And to think the primaries don't even start up in full swing for a year.

Democrats who are running:
New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton
Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd
Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards
Former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel
Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich
Illinois Sen. Barack Obama
Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico
Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack
Delaware Sen. Joe Biden (has said he is running, but has not yet filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission)
Potential Democratic candidates:
Retired Gen. Wesley Clark
Former Vice President Al Gore

Republicans who are running:
Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback
Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani
California Rep. Duncan Hunter
Arizona Sen. John McCain
Texas Rep. Ron Paul
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney
Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo
Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson
Potential Republican candidates:
New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg (also a potential independent candidate)
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich
Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
Former New York Gov. George Pataki

Most of the available web sites will be listed to the left (of course) on this page.

This guy is worth watching.

http://richardsonforpresident.com

The last six years are not a fair indication of how successful former Governors can be as President. Add to that Bill Richardson's depth of experience and I believe he brings an unique mix to the campaign. Check out his website.

John Edwards and the others

I worked for the John Edwards campaign in 2004 and I'm getting ready to sign up again. I was first attracted to him not by his looks (although he is easy to look at) but by his message of hope. When I saw him in Des Moines on Dec 28th his message was - we are in this together and if we want to make this country a better place for our children and grandchildren we have to work at it and we will have to sacrifice. He speaks of how it's going to be hard and if we as a country are not willing to work hard and fight for what we believe in we will never get out of this mess we're in. He talks of how we need to be respected in the world again and how it's going to take someone who is willing to stand up and say things that may not be popular but has to be said. In spite of his personal wealth I truly believe he is for the underdog and for those who struggle every day. To say it as plain as I can - I truly believe that his heart is in the right place.

In saying that I support John Edwards does not mean I do not support Hillary, Obama or even Tom Vilsak. Yes, Tom Vilsak, the ex-governor of my great state, Iowa. We are SO early in the process that I truly feel that anything can happen. Sure, Hillary is leading now with Obama and Edwards back in the pack. And maybe that's how it will stay but...maybe it won't.

I like Hillary and I believe she would make a great President but you have to admit she is much more of a moderate than the others and add to that she has what some would say, "some baggage." I think she's strong enough to stand up to what anyone wants to dish out at her but there are some on the left who will back away from her because of her moderate views.

Obama. I could see this coming when he gave the speech at the Democratic convention in 2004. I told my husband that night that he willl be President some day. But in saying that I'm not sure if this is the time. Sure, he's in the "rock star" status now but when it comes down to getting votes I believe some would hesitate to vote for him. Not because of his skin color but because he lacks experience. His no vote for the war will help but not enough to get him in the lead.

John Edwards' stand on Iraq is already separating him from the others. He's not afraid to say it's time to pull out of Iraq. No cap on troups, no slow withdrawal. Get out of there in a short period of time. He's also saying he would vote no to the funding. There are a lot of Democrats and Rebublicans who feel as he does so if it comes down to voting for Hillary, Obama or Edwards, he would get the vote. His big drawback would be his chance of winning against the Republican's strongest candidate. He is taking an early stand on health care, which in Iowa and maybe around the country, right behind Iraq as far as what's important to the voters. A week ago on some Sunday morning news a couple of those who were discussing the possible candidates on each side said to not rule out Edwards. He comes from behnid and he may be the best alternative for those Democrats who for a lot of reasons are not sold on Hillary or Obama.

Tom Vilsack. Don't laugh. He's in the same spot in the polls that Bill Clinton was early in the campaign. Vilsak is no Bill Clinton by any means but again, like Edwards, he is calling for quick withdrawal of the troups in Iraq which separates him from the others. He has the executive experience and he is very well liked by Democrats around the country.

My dream ticket would be Edwards/Obama or Edwards/Vilsak.

Hey, way to go Cowards!!! (see link)

guess another cycle goes by with the majority getting no representation.

Thank You to Jonathan for the invitation to contribute to this page

I hope to contribute the occassional entertaining piece from my unique perspective. Tell your friends.

Random Music Shuffle

Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas
The Sun is Burning- Simon and Garfunkel
I am a Rock - Simon and Garfunkel
Say Goodbye to Hollywood- Billy Joel
If you could read my Mind- Gordon Lightfoot
Philadelphia Freedom- Elton John
Second Hand News- Fleetwood Mac
Don’t Let it End- STYX
Hot Hot Hot- Buster Poindexter
Straw in the Wind- Neil Diamond

Moron of the Week- Joe Biden

He of plagiarism fame from his last failed bid for president has stuck his other foot in his mouth.
How is it possible that a man of singular quality for his stance over the years on equal rights could at the same time compliment an oponent and offend a large part of his constituency (people of color)? The answer has, probably more to do with media whores making something out of nothing, the way they like to do.

The fact is, that as far as moroninc behavior goes- this is small potatoes. But, if Joe wants to be more than a foot note or future Trivial Pursuit answer he needs to be much more careful about the way he presents himself.

A Paradox this year with the Academy Awards.

This year there is an interesting political battle brewing at the Academy Awards.

No, I am talking about the annual battle over best and orst dressed. I am referring to the global battle for the intellects of all people.

Two films have been nominated for the prestigious award in the category of 'best documentary':
"An Inconvenient Truth" and "Jesus Camp". Unlike the other categories, I have actually seen these two films in the same category.

"An Inconvenient Truth" is a respectable and introspective look at Al Gore as he presents the global warming in the slide show presentation that has taken him around the Globe. He presents the scientific data and he responds credibly to those who would deny the data:
"Even if man is not the cause, we have the ability to change our lifestyles in such a way that we can make a difference." The film is engaging and actually makes Al Gore look interesting- something millions of dollars and a cadre of advisors couldn't pull off in 2000.

Jesus Camp gives a balanced presentation of Evangelical Christians who participate in a summer camp for children that principally focusses on developing young Christians (Born Again). There are many reasons to watch this film most of which revolve around what has happened to these people since the film was made.

I would hope that people are informed enough to know what happens to Rev. Ted Haggard who, in the film, makes an odd comment about the youth and beauty of one of the young camp participants. The other is a direct assault on Global Warming. The mother of two homeschooled children says , "That is such a political issue! Can you show me how that position makes no sense?" to which the chld responds, "The temperature has only gone up .6 degrees."
The Mother tells him how excellent that is and points out that Christians need to constantly point out the 'lies' of science- evolution, global warming and the like.

The woman who runs the Camp announced recently that she will no longer run "Jesus Camp." The land owners were conerned, she said, over vandalism to their property and interest was not strong enough for her to attempt to relocate.

The juxtoposition of these films in this category is interesting to me. "An inconvenient Truth" achieved great accolades in getting Al Gore nominated for a Nobel Prize in Science and, in sharp contrast, "Jesus Camp" calls science a lie.

I doubt that either award ceremony will solve the debate- especially among those for who the scientific laws of our world that are clearly visible do not provide credible evidence. But, an afternoon of watching these two films will provide an entertaining- if not a little depressing- afternoon.