Al Franken (D-Minn.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) were off the charts on Monday, at least by the Senate's
typical debate standards.
In response to a speech by Thune, fourth in the Republican leadership, the freshman legislator honed in on claims made about benefits in the proposed health reform package.
"We are entitled to our own opinions. We're not entitled to our own facts," said Franken. "Benefits kick in right away, and if you're going to hold up a chart that says when taxes kick in and when benefits kick in, you say '1,800 days,' you better include the benefits that do kick in right away."
Later, while riffing with Brown, Franken added, "Senator Thune did say that none of the benefits started next year. He just, I guess, he hasn't read the bill."
Call it the pedant in me...
ReplyDeleteI love it when Al Franken nails conservatives on the facts.
Me too. He does it so well.
ReplyDeleteWe have to get Franken in a leadership position. I've read his books and the books by Moore, Begala, Carville and some of the righties as well. Franken is far and away the smartest of the bunch.
ReplyDeleteAl Franken is proving himself to be very worthy of the best Senator elected last year. He is strong, says what he thinks and has his facts in order when he speaks.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I like. I wish we could clone him and move him into LIEberman's place.
Great stuff, Lesley! Thanks for sharing it with us. Brown, Franken and Sanders - my three faves!
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Tom Degan
Truth: I'll take Franken over Moore (not 100% truthful), Carville (I like mucho but he can be a bit abrasive) and I'm not all that familiar with Begala (don't have cable).
ReplyDeleteAnnette: Wouldn't it be fun for Lieberman to wake and find out he's really Franken?
Tom: Thank you and thanks for the historical analyses of deregulation.