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Much ado about Franken

Posted at 7:56 PM on June 28, 2010 by Bob Collins (5 Comments)
Filed under: Politics

Did Al Franken fall asleep during Elena Kagan's opening statement at her Supreme Court hearing on Monday? No.

Let he who has not closed his/her eyes for 10 seconds in a meeting cast the first stone!

The Web site Mediaite is making a big deal out of Sen. Al Franken closing his eyes -- dozing, is the word the website used -- during Elena Kagan's opening statement at her Supreme Court nomination hearing today.

Dozing? You be the judge

From what I could tell, Al Franken's eyes were closed for four seconds.

Comments (5)

At least they didn't complain about Sen. Byrd's lack of focus on the hearing.

Posted by Bob Moffitt | June 29, 2010 7:33 AM

Did you hear that thing? I nearly fell asleep during the 10 second except on Morning Edition.

Besides, since nearlty everyone agrees Kagan is going to be confirmed, the only purpose these things have is for the Senators to grandstand.

Posted by John P. | June 29, 2010 8:36 AM

It IS is big deal. If it was Norm or any other Republican you would be all over it. Minnesota's US SENATOR was FALLILNG ASLEEP. He embarrased not only himself, but MN as whole. We are a laughing stock for electing him. Take the blinders off !!!

Posted by barryl | June 29, 2010 10:36 PM

Would someone please explain to mean what is meant by the expression "FALLILNG ASLEEP?" It sounds like some kind of celtic dream.

Posted by Rusty | June 30, 2010 3:46 PM

@barryl:

Franken = Liberal
Coleman = Not Liberal

Accepting the above definitions then:
Franken nod off on Fox News
Coleman nod off on MSNBC

Conclusion: Cable news networks will show that which supports their main audiences concept of proper or outrageous behavior by politicians.

I suspect if one hunted clips from MSNBC some Republican Senator can be found having a similar reaction.

As to his qualifications he does have a degree in Political Science. Of course it's from a slacker institution in Massachusetts that no one has heard of called Harvard.

Posted by JackU | June 30, 2010 4:27 PM