al franken snl characters
Franken resigned on January 2, 2018, after allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him. The COVID-19 pandemic put the show on hold, but when clubs reopened, he made unannounced shows at the Comedy Cellar in Manhattan, where he lives. (Dont be fooled by the charred Red Lobster sign out front this club is a burned-down Red Lobster!) No matter what kind of hellhole hes in, Stefon truly believes this party has everything. [143] On December 6, two more accusations surfaced, one by an anonymous congressional aide about an attempted kiss at his radio show studio,[144] and one by congressional aide Tina Dupuy that Franken squeezed her waist at a party before he took office. AI Singers Are Unnervingly Good and Already Ubiquitous. [40] In November 2003 Franken talked about moving back to his home state of Minnesota to run for the Senate. Hardly a mere parody of Mr. Rogers Eddie Murphy created a whole new character, a criminal-minded charmer with a streak of inner-city anger lurking behind a sweet smile for the kiddies out there. Best line: "Your presence intimidates me to the point of humiliation. Fortunately, both SNL and Franken survived the early 80s, and when Michaels returned to produce in 1985 he cast Franken again as a featured player (as well as promoting he and Davis to producers). I've seen a less depressing play starring a hundred cats it was called Hoarders") and music: "To answer your question, Bono without you! Michelle Obama and Bruce Springsteen Tore Up the Stage with Glory Days. ", America learned the word "ho" from this man. Best line: "Hey, I got a question for ya. (Video: Elyse Samuels/The Washington Post) Go have Angelina Jolie cook it.' Would you care to strike me?". When Franken was four years old, his family moved from New York City to Minnesota, where his father ran a factory. In September 2021, Franken began a 15-city live tour, his first since semi-retiring from comedy during his time in the Senate. The perfect example of a one-joke character who appears the exact right number of times (once) with the exact right number of jokes (one). [98], Citing the case of Jamie Leigh Jones, Franken introduced a limit to the arbitration policy of the 2010 Defense Appropriations bill that withheld defense contracts from companies that restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery, and discrimination cases to court. Al Franken and Tom Davis were among them, primarily as the officially recognized comedy duo Franken & Davis. Only Jon Lovitz could create this over-the-top ham, dedicated to the pursuit of "Acting!" [35], Franken also co-wrote the film When a Man Loves a Woman, co-created and starred in the NBC sitcom LateLine, and appeared in the 2004 remake of The Manchurian Candidate. April 4, 199512:00 AM ET. [86][87], On August 6, 2009, Franken presided over the confirmation vote of Sonia Sotomayor to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. [18] Franken returned to the show in 1985 as a writer and occasional performer. Categories He would host a self-help TV show where he would end with "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me". And there's nothing funny about that. *Sorry, there was a problem signing you up. Former Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing in 2017 on Capitol Hill. They don't got enough going on? [151], Reporting in 2019 by New Yorker journalist Jane Mayer documented substantial inaccuracies in Tweeden's allegations. At one point in that skit, Smalley (in reference to the film, its glowing reviews, and the film that beat it at the box office) commented: "But you didn't want 'funny' and 'poignant'. Perhaps Chevy's most well-rounded SNL original character. And quite possibly the finest use of Sandler's musical skills. He has acknowledged using cocaine and other illegal drugs while working in television and stated that he stopped after John Belushi died of an overdose. I don't agree with all of his positions, but he is a very impressive guy, and I think he should be in the Senate. Best line: "You know what? McCain Needs Rove", "Franken Declares Senate Race Win After State Ruling", "Coleman Asks High Court to Look Again at Rejected Votes", "Al Franken Is the Winner of Minnesota Senate Race, Court Rules", "Franken Widens Lead in Minnesota Senate Recount", "Supreme Court Recount Timeline Called Reasonable", "Norm Coleman Concedes Minnesota Senate race to Al Franken", "Pawlenty Will Sign Franken Election Certificate", "Statewide Results for U.S. [123] Roger Stone circulated news of the allegations to right-wing media. Dan Aykroyd specialized in two-bit hustlers, from Richard Nixon to his Bass-O-Matic salesman. Best line: "Did you ever have a lollipop kiss? [154] In response, Franken told New York, "Two years ago, I would have sworn that Id never done anything to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but it's clear that I must have been doing something. It's called the Vita Est Lavorum. Wood had the second most-watched week among the first 11 guest hosts the numbers don't include recent stints by Jordan Klepper and Desi Lydic only Al Franken did better. Al Franken dispensed wisdom like "Compare and despair" or "I'm shoulding all over myself," in a bold crusade against stinking thinking. We must do everything in our power to lower the capital gains tax. CLIP 05/20/78. His paternal grandparents emigrated from Germany; his maternal grandfather came from Grodno, Russian Empire; and his maternal grandmother's parents were also from the Russian Empire. In 2005 they moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. "It got pretty dark, I became clinically depressed. The character originated on the television show Saturday Night Live, in a mock self-help show called "Daily Affirmations With Stuart Smalley." [146], Although Franken had asked to be allowed to appear before the Senate Ethics Committee to give his side of the story, on December 6 Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told him he had to announce his resignation by five oclock or he could be censured and stripped of committee assignments. Born in New York City and raised in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Franken first struck up a friendhip with his longtime writing partner Tom Davis during childhood. His first piece of legislation, the Service Dogs for Veterans Act, which he wrote jointly with Republican Senator Johnny Isakson, passed the Senate by unanimous consent. Franken resigned on January 2, 2018, after several allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him. Alan Stuart Franken (born May 21, 1951) is an American comedian, actor, author, screenwriter, political commentator, radio host, and Senator for Minnesota, noted for his work on Saturday Night Live and liberal socio-political views. [10] Franken says that he scored 800 (out of 800) on the math section of his SATs and 662 on the verbal section. [12], Franken began performing in high school, where he and his longtime friend and writing partner Tom Davis were known for their comedy. [4][5] He has an older brother, Owen (b. circa 1946), who is a photojournalist,[6] and his cousin Bob is a journalist for MSNBC. (Oh, those innocent Seventies.) Shearer was recommended to Lorne Michaels by writer Al Franken, . "[155], In a February 9, 2022, interview with Washington Post Live, Franken said he regretted resigning from the Senate and might run for public office again.[156]. "[40] In 1999 Franken released a parody book, Why Not Me?, detailing his hypothetical campaign for president in 2000. Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: As part of your account, youll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime. (As such, there is a warning label on the box that says, "Do not listen while driving," a joke that doesn't make sense until one has actually listened to the tape. Based loosely on a Fifties TV series, the Continental was a highlight whenever Walken hosted, offering a glass of "champagne-a" like a nightmare version of a Bryan Ferry song come to life. [82][83], Franken was sworn into the Senate on July 7, 2009, 246 days after the election. In the recount, ballots and certifying materials were examined by hand, and candidates could file challenges to the legality of ballots or materials for inclusion or exclusion. And his dork cardigan really qualifies for its own slot on this list. Mike Myers based this chatty yenta on his real-life mother-in-law, who eventually wrote her own self-help book, because the Nineties. He has also said he believes in God. For all his schmaltz, Murray put real heart and soul into this crooner no matter how miserable the dump where he's singing, he wants to win the audience's love, one rendition of the Star Wars theme at a time. [9] Franken is a second cousin of the actor Steve Franken, known for his appearances in the television series The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. When Lorne Michaels left at the end of the season and NBC hired associate producer Jean Doumanian to replace him, Franken who had his sights set on the gig for himself became one of the most vocal critics of SNLs early 80s incarnation, even appearing in an Update segment in season 6 to proclaim: No English-speaking person could do a worse job than Jean. During the end of the segment, Franken took those complaints even further: Its clearly time to yank this tired old format off the air.. [11] As a student, Franken wrote comedy and idolized comedians Dick Gregory and Lenny Bruce because they did acts about hypocrisy and corruption while making the audience laugh. But nowadays, we know that Isabel is suffering from an imbalance of bodily humors perhaps caused by a toad or a small dwarf living in her stomach. He is an effeminate man with a perfectly coiffed bleached-blond hairdo, who regularly wears a yellow button-down shirt with a powder blue cardigan. Operaman was a key figure in SNL's early-Nineties renaissance. [69] Coleman's campaign reacted, saying, "Once again, he proves he's more interested in entertainment than service, and ridiculing those with whom he disagrees. She's a regular guest on the Seventies game show Secret Word, except she'd rather gush about her triumphs in productions like Juicy Boots of 1961 and "the unnecessary revival of the play The Incoherence of Miss Tiffany. He died on November 8, 1994 in New York . As Linda Richman might say: Neither motivational nor a speaker? Bill Haders dazed Chelsea club kid hyperventilates about the latest parties, dropping names like Gaye Dunaway or Tranny Oakley or lazily named drag queen Melvin in a Dress. Wherever he goes, Stefon always truly believes this party has everything. He was previously married to Cheryl Hardwick and Janice Bickel. Dan Aykroyd and Laraine Newman as a pair of cosmic hippie lovers Sunshine was sometimes known as Sunset, for no special reason. An inspiration to us all. Tina Fey put it nicely in a 2011 New Yorker piece when she wrote If Harvard is Classical Military Theory, Improv is Vietnam. While the Harvardlings mostly occupy writing positions at SNL (see Conan OBrien and Jim Downey), it was Al Franken who, like recent Weekend Update addition Colin Jost, transformed his scribe-only gig into not only a cast member spot but namesake recognition with the SNL audience, which for Franken stretched across a nearly 20-year period. He won reelection in 2014 with 53.2% of the vote over Republican challenger Mike McFadden. In 2015, during Loretta Lynch's confirmation hearings, Franken asked her about the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, reiterating concern for the aggressive prosecution of Aaron Swartz in United States v. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [89], A video of Franken at the Minnesota State Fair on September 2, 2009, engaging in a discussion with a group of Tea Party protesters on health care reform, began circulating on the Internet and soon went viral. Alan Stuart Franken (born May 21, 1951) is an American politician, comedian, writer, actor, and media personality who served as a United States senator from Minnesota from 2009 to 2018. The left one is salted and the right one is courtesy of Land O' Lakes.". Unlike Jost, however, Franken never got to bask in the Weekend Update anchor glory hed always hoped to achieve, but thats never taken away from his place as one of the original Saturday Nights founding fathers and most passionate defenders and detractors. As such it is full of humorous errors, including one gag in which Stuart tells his listeners who are driving to work to "close their eyes and envision" something. Steve Martin's horrifying medieval doctor, treating his patients with leeches or boar's vomit. The skeeviest of lotharios, played by Christopher Walken, leering into the camera to address the viewer. The Al Franken Podcast on Apple Podcasts. [Season 18, 1992]#SNL #SNLHalloween #AnyQuestions?Subscribe to SNL: https://goo.gl/tUsXwMGet more SNL: http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-liveFull Episodes: http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-livLike SNL: https://www.facebook.com/snlFollow SNL: https://twitter.com/nbcsnlSNL Tumblr: http://nbcsnl.tumblr.com/SNL Instagram: http://instagram.com/nbcsnlSNL Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nbcsnl/ With Barry on the loose, all Gene, Fuches, Hank, and Sally can do is crumble as they wait to see who hes coming for first. In 2014, he objected to efforts to privatize Social Security or cut benefits, favoring raising the cap on wages to which Social Security taxes apply. [159] In 2013, Franken received the Stewart B. McKinney Award for his work fighting homelessness. He had been a strong supporter of Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone and was deeply affected by Wellstone's death in a plane crash shortly before the 2002 election. Saturday Night Live has been home to over a hundred cast members throughout the past 38 years. He was reelected in 2014 with 53.2% of the vote over Republican challenger Mike McFadden. Best line: "The champagne-a you have thrown in my face stings my eyes. As a result of this sketch, Silverman declined Lorne Michaels's recommendation for Franken to succeed him as the producer, and Franken left the show when Michaels did, at the end of the 197980 season. In our column Saturday Nights Children, we present the history, talent, and best sketches of one SNL cast member every other week for your viewing, learning, and laughing pleasure. Stuart is Franken's middle name. [7], The Frankens moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota, when Al was four years old. [46][47] In 2005 Franken announced his move to Minnesota: "I can tell you honestly, I don't know if I'm going to run, but I'm doing the stuff I need to do in order to do it. An audiobook was also released, You're Good Enough, You're Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like You. Coleman appealed to the Minnesota Supreme Court on April 20. Al Franken, Writer: Saturday Night Live. (Better one dose of Gene Frenkle than a herd of Goat Boys.) But, Davis reveals that the duo are actually homosexual lovers. Franken paid a $25,000 fine to the state of New York upon being advised his corporation was out of compliance with the state's workers' compensation laws. Irwin Mainway showed up up on Consumer Probe to defend his line of children's toys, including "Mr. (And only the SNL incarnation, so no Blues Brothers, who had to wait until their movie to hit Were on a mission from God mode.) [49][50], Franken was the subject of the 2006 documentary film Al Franken: God Spoke, which The New York Times called "an investigation of the phenomenon of ideological celebrity. "[70], Preliminary reports on election night, November 4, were that Coleman was leading by over 700 votes, but the official results, certified on November 18, 2008, had Coleman leading by only 215 votes. Senator Al Franken, Democrat of Minnesota, said on Thursday that he plans to resign "in the coming weeks" amid mounting accusations of sexual harassment against him. Best line: "She has legs to die for. [1] In September 2021, Franken began a 15-city live tour, his first since semi-retiring from comedy during his time in the Senate. Saturday Night Live has been home to over a hundred cast members throughout the past 38 years. Brad Barket/Getty; Stephen Boitano/Getty (2);. ", Dan Ayrkoyd's tuxedo-clad culture vulture, the host of Bad Playhouse, Bad Ballet and Bad Opera. No. As the Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer, he now seems like a template for the entire Republican platform of the 21stcentury. [137][138] The same day, Stephanie Kemplin, an army veteran, told CNN that Franken held the side of her breast for 5 to 10 seconds "and never moved his hand" while posing for a photograph[139] with her during a 2003 USO tour in Iraq. Anna Kaplan. According to Michaels, The writing was on the wall with Al when he didnt get Update and Norm Macdonald did. Amy Klobuchar Said Former Senator Has A Third Act", "Sen. Al Franken takes dig at Trump, Moore in resignation speech", "Transition time: Franken moves out, Smith moves in", "The Gillibrand Test Case for Women in Politics", "Franken scandal haunts Gillibrand's 2020 chances", "Coming Forward About Sexual Assault, and What Comes After", "Another Woman Says Al Franken Groped Her", "Al Franken: 'It would be tempting' to run for office again", "Steve Franken, 'Dobie Gillis' Actor, Dead at Age 80", "U.S. Sen. Al Franken Will Receive Stewart B. McKinney Award Tonight in D.C.", "The Daily Show: Here's a List of Upcoming Guest Hosts", Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Al_Franken&oldid=1150722142, This page was last edited on 19 April 2023, at 19:54. Franken took up over 20 minutes of C-SPAN airtime to deliver a power eulogy in his honor, and in a twist of sardonic Franken and Davis-style humor, went into painstaking detail about how well Davis worked the blood pump during Aykroyds famous sketch as Julia Child. Shortly after the court's decision, Coleman conceded. The U2 singer called his Zelenskyy portrait a few squiggles and I just got out of the way.. Franken, a Minnesota senator and former "SNL" cast member, is accused of repeated acts of sexual harassment and groping two women. [90][91] The discussion was noted for its civility, in contrast to the explosive character of several other discussions between members of the 111th Congress and their constituents that had occurred over the summer. It's also the coldest month of the year, just in case we wanted to have a parade.". ", Best line: "Iggy, smell the Azaleas: you're white. "[106], The National Journal reported in 2013 that Franken supported the National Security Agency's data mining programs believing they have saved lives, and that "I can assure you, this is not about spying on the American people."[109]. He told her he was bothered by her off-set behavior, particularly how she always seemed to be playing dumb. An editor! [12] In March 2023, Franken guest-hosted The Daily Show after Trevor Noah's departure. At a 2004 Democratic presidential campaign event, Franken tackled a man who was allegedly threatening other attendees and heckling Governor Howard Dean. It took the legs out from under him. But there is one thing I do know. Audio will be available later today. He's the man so black he goes to funerals naked, so black they counted him four times in the Million Man March, railing against institutions like chess: "A game that for some racist reason cannot start unless the white piece moves first." I'm a warm person; I hug people. He brings his audience the very worst in contemporary performances, from the stage ("Voorstraat's early plays dealt with 'the existentialism of being' difficult to understand because they were so very poorly written") or screen ("tonight's selected bad film really bites it"), while applauding with cries of "Awful! He is asked to oversee the sale of her home, bringing much-needed money to all of the family. At the time the seat once held by Wellstone was occupied by Republican Norm Coleman. The tapes played guided visualizations meant to help the listener relax and focus; however, Stuart makes a vow at the beginning not to make any edits or corrections in the recording process because "I'm a perfectionist and if I start making changes, I'll never stop." ("You get to meet new people, travel, wear nice clothes, make money, and have lots and lots of sex.") Whether you remember him for the characters Mango, the exotic dancer, Mr. Peepers, the monkey man, or Doug Butabi, the head-bopping clubgoer opposite Will Ferrell (on both SNL and the movie A. [94] He authored an amendment to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act called the Medical Loss Ratio, which required that insurance companies spend at least 80% of premiums on actual health care costs, and 85% for large group plans. Smalley made 19 SNL appearances between 1991-1995, returned for a cameo in 2002, wrote a 1992 book, and led the 1995 box office flop Stuart Saves His Family. I shouldn't have done it. Liz and Candy Sweeney manage to channel all their frustrated hopes and dreams into intricate medleys, even when they're stuck singing in the Holiday Inn lobby. The velvet song stylings of Bill Murray. I really believe in due process." As the two candidates were separated by less than 0.5 percent of the votes cast, the Minnesota Secretary of State, Mark Ritchie authorized the automatic recount provided for in Minnesota election law. Aside from his work on SNL, Franken has released several books and spoken word albums, appeared in a handful of film and TV shows, and hosted his own Air America Radio show, but the majority of his more recent professional endeavors has been his political work as a US Senator for Minnesota since 2009. Al Franken SNL He and Tom Davis were recruited as two of the original writers and occasional performers on Saturday Night Live (SNL) (1975-1980, 1985-1995). On January 5, 2009, the Minnesota State Canvassing Board certified the recounted vote totals, with Franken ahead by 225 votes. Franken was born in New York City to Joseph P. Franken (19081993), a printing salesman, and Phoebe Franken (ne Kunst) (19182003), a real estate agent. The Man gives us February because it's the shortest month of the year. Thank you! His guests are very often celebrities; however, Smalley is seemingly unaware of his guests' fame as he never uses their full names so as to "protect (their) anonymity." Sucker!". Rounding up our favorite funny videos of the month. A Canadian relative, Leon Smalley, played by Kiefer Sutherland has a show called "Today's Meditation", which is a big hit in Canada. In the Senate, Franken served on the following committees: After his resignation, Franken went into a period of self-imposed isolation and, in May 2019, started The Al Franken Podcast, which is now in its third season. As the two youngest players in the cast, Aykroyd and Newman knew the culture they were satirizing. [156], Reading "Operation Chickenhawk", a chapter from his book. [67] In a July 2008 interview with CNN, he was endorsed by Ben Stein, a noted entertainer, speechwriter, lawyer and author known for his conservative views, who generally supported Republican candidates. ", Taram Killam's mega-bitch 1860s newspaper critic one of the only signs of life on Weekend Update these days. Tags: 1980, Daily Affirmation, Stuart Smalley talks about politics and his alcoholic father., Stuart Smalley, Al Franken Stuart Smalley, Stuart Smalley Daily Affirmations Most Recent Behind the Scenes Onski always rolled out a big intro for Chris Farley as his pal B-Fats: "Sitting by my side, my main man, my ace in the hole, my New Jersey toll, my Esther Rolle, my 10-foot pole, my Billy Joel, my Nat King Cole, my Dead Sea Scroll, my Dr. Scholl, my Helmut Kohl, my grassy knoll, my Kid Creole, my La! Or undress the viewer: "Forgive me if my hungry eyes feast on the banquet of your sumptuous decolletage." So, it gets a little crowded in the booth when Al talks public policy and . The solo show, called The Only Former US Senator Currently on Tour Tour, continued into 2022. Best line: "Look, we put a label on every bag that says, 'Kid! Phoebe was from Allentown, Pennsylvania. The letter, signed by six prominent GOP women, including a state senator and state representative, called on Franken to apologize for what they called a "demeaning and degrading" article. Linda Richman was all America's Jewish mother, hosting Coffee Talk to discuss Barbra Streisand or anything else that makes her verklempt. Around the same time, Franken went on tour with a non-comedic show that he did from a podium and with notes. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. : Daily Affirmations with Stuart Smalley. [129], In response, Franken said, "I certainly don't remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but I send my sincerest apologies to Leeann As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasn't. He won the August 12 primary election, in which he was challenged by Sandra Henningsgard, with 94.5% of the vote. . Naturally, however, things go wrong in the writing process, and thus the affirmations branch off into Stuart's own commentary about what a hard time he is having writing it, etc. A spontaneous little I mean, I picked it up Al Franken: Now I'm gonna look like a BUDDHIST!! [102] Negotiations between the Senate and House, whose version of financial reform did not include such a provision, resulted in the amendment's being watered down to require only a series of studies being done on the issue for two years. Franken and Meadows are former "Saturday Night Live" cast members. [124], During the 2006 tour, Franken was photographed holding his hands above Tweeden's breasts while she was asleep wearing body armor and a helmet. ", Best line: "Your mother got so much hair under her arm, it looks like she got Buckwheat in a headlock.". Be careful broken glass!' [14] They soon found themselves in what was described as "a life of near-total failure on the fringes of show business in Los Angeles".[15]. It doesn't seem fair. [13] Franken received 15 Emmy nominations and five awards for his television writing and producing[16] while creating such characters as self-help guru Stuart Smalley. Sam and Joel reach a new level of intimacy. Al Franken, one of the original writers on Saturday Night Live, reacts after former cast member Rob Schneider said the show was "over" after Kate McKinnon's 2016 performance of. [115][116][117] By late 2015, his political action committee had raised more than $5million in donations. ", "Franken gets serious about flipping Senate to Democrats", "Sen. Todd Young urges action to end Muslim genocide in Myanmar", "Cosponsors S.720 115th Congress (20172018): Israel Anti-Boycott Act", "U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 115th Congress 1st Session", "Senator Al Franken Kissed and Groped Me Without My Consent, And There's Nothing Funny About It", "Al Franken accused of forcibly kissing, groping Leeann Tweeden", A teenaged accusation against Brett Kavanaugh is no excuse to rehabilitate adult serial sexual predator Al Franken, "Senator Al Franken Apologizes for Groping a Woman in 2006", "Leeann Tweeden: Video With 10K Views Shows Her Throwing Her Leg Around Robin Williams, Slapping His Backside", "Al Franken Apologizes After Being Accused of Groping, Kissing Radio Host Without Consent", "Read Al Franken's apology following accusation of groping and kissing without consent", "Woman who accused Franken says she accepts his apology", "Woman says Franken inappropriately touched her in 2010", "Al Franken hit with groping allegation from second woman", "Two More Women Accuse Sen. Al Franken Of Inappropriate Touching", "Al Franken sorry he 'made some women feel badly', "Army veteran says Sen. Al Franken groped her while she was stationed in Middle East in 2003", "Al Franken: two more women accuse senator of sexual misconduct", "Army veteran says Franken groped her during USO tour in 2003", "Fifth woman comes forward with accusations against Al Franken", "Pelosi, Ryan Call on Conyers To Step Down; Franken Under Senate Ethics Inquiry", "Franken's ethics investigation: a field guide", "Another woman says Franken tried to forcibly kiss her", "Woman tells magazine about 2009 Franken groping incident", "More than two dozen Democratic senators call on Franken to resign", "Sen. Al Franken says he's resigning live stream updates", "Could Al Franken Make A Comeback? A birthday bash, a wedding, a bachelorette party you can always count on Debbie to be there to bring up feline AIDS or the latest earthquakes. A birthday bash, a wedding, a bachelorette . A noted political commentator and satirist, Franken .