Now that we’ve got all this Obama stuff out of the way, let’s turn our attention to another landmark race this election year: Al Franken’s attempt to become the first comedian-turned-national politician. As of this morning, it looks like Franken, who is trying to unseat Minnesota’s Republican incumbent Senator Norm Coleman, may wind up in a recount, as the two remain deadlocked this morning. For much of the race, it didn’t seem like Franken really had a chance, but most pundits say the economic crisis helped the Democratic comedian pull even as October rolled around. While that makes fine sense to me, I can’t help but wonder if the fact that Saturday Night Live (Franken’s old stomping ground) became such a factor this October also made a difference for Franken. And speaking of comedians going pol, SNL politics, and barrier-breaking elections, anyone wanna buy a "Fey 2016" button?
Nov 5
2008
12:52 PM ET
Al Franken's race still too close to call
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Well, we’ve had plenty of elected officials turn (inadvertent) comedian, why not try it the other way around for once?
I believe George W Bush was the first comedian-turned-national politician.
What a joke…DUH,in this case that’s a true statement!
From Minnesota, I say this senatorial seat was a crap shoot either way. It was a eenie-meenie-miny-moe moment for me.
I’m a Minnesotan too and I voted for Franken. Can’t say it looks good, but can’t say that I ever expected a victory in this race either. He wasn’t the best candidate to run in my opinion. Coleman had a lot to lose and he would have had the Dems run someone who doesn’t rub most people the wrong way as a person.
Um… so the old-school comic stylings of Sonny Bono weren’t good enough for ya? Apparently not, you amnesiacs…
Nick, Sonny wasn’t a comedian, he was a singer who tried to be funny on his variety program. Of course, there are some who would say that Franken isn’t a comedian, either.
Also a Minnesotan. Never thought Al would pull it off anyway, but it says a lot about how unpopular Coleman is that it’s even this close. He should take note of that…
You are forgetting Fred Grandy. He may have been an actor, but Gopher was comic relief. There are a lot of people didn’t think Sonny Bono was a singer.
What about Gopher from Love Boat?
Gopher was not a comedian as much as an actor who did some comedy. Not a big distinction i guess but there is a difference.
“There are a lot of people didn’t think Sonny Bono was a singer.”
Bwahaha! Touche, bellniece.
Fred Grandy was an actor, just like Fred Thompson, Clint Eastwood, Ben “Cooter” Jones and Ronald Reagan. Okay, so they’re not all of equal caliber.
He can just look himself in the mirror if he loses and tell himself that he’s good enough, smart enough, and that gosh-darnit…people like him.
And what about Jesse Ventura? Pro wrestling is at least 90% comedy.
Also a Minnesotan. I don’t think that SNL had anything do with Franken coming close to a victory. If anything, Franken was trying to pull away from his comedic roots…and it was never mentioned. I don’t think Franken was the best choice, but it was the decision the DFL made. For many, myself included, I don’t think the vote was so much for Franken, as it was against Coleman. This is a seat that formerly belonged to the Paul Wellstone, one of the greatest politicians in recent memory. I think many just wanted this seat to return to the hands of the dems. Franken was the only choice. And, while a clear majority did not elect either candidate. A clear majority did not vote for the incumbent, Norm Coleman.