Saying it may not be possible to “regain Minnesotans’ trust,” the editorial staff at the Minneapolis Star Tribune said Sen. Al Franken’s (D-MN) apology for the allegations of sexual misconduct that have come out against him in recent weeks doesn’t go far enough.
In an editorial published Monday evening, the newspaper’s editorial board called Franken’s press conference apology Monday afternoon a “necessary move,” but said the senator appears to only be sorry for what the women think he did.
“With a Senate ethics investigation looming, Franken remains on politically shaky ground,” they wrote. “It’s debatable whether he is, as he said, ‘holding myself accountable.’ Without saying he didn’t do it, he nevertheless has countered every allegation except the one that carries indisputable proof — the infamous photo of him appearing to grab at (Leeann) Tweeden while she slept. Under such circumstances, Franken’s apology is less a statement of accountability and more akin to ‘I’m sorry for what you think I did.’”
Franken was recently accused by Tweeden, an LA radio host, who said Franken aggressively kissed her and groped her while she was sleeping when the two performed on a USO tour together in 2006. Several other women have come forward since, saying Franken groped their butts while they were taking photos with him. Franken apologized when the Tweeden allegations came out and asked for the Senate Ethics Committee to probe the allegations. He has since apologized on several occasions for making the other women feel disrespected, but claims he doesn’t remember them or taking the photos.
The editorial team said it thinks Franken is trying to “ride out the political storm” by saying he needs to get back to work, but they think the damage may be irreversible.
“Franken is right — he has much to do to regain Minnesotans’ trust. It may not be possible. As he continues his reflection, we urge the senator to consider what is best for Minnesota and to weigh that more heavily than what might be best for his political career,” they said.
“Franken apologized when the Tweeden allegations came out and asked for a Senate ethics committee to probe the allegations.”
Star Trib needs to dial it back a little. Of all the accused, I think Franken is the ONLY one encouraging an investigation. Can we let that play out prior to calling for him to step down!?!
No, no!’ said the Queen. ‘Sentence first—verdict afterwards.’
‘Stuff and nonsense!’ said Alice loudly. ‘The idea of having the sentence first!’
‘Hold your tongue!’ said the Queen, turning purple.
‘I won’t!’ said Alice.
Off with her head!’ the Queen shouted at the top of her voice. Nobody moved.
Where is the MST on the disgusting predator behavior of Moore ,Trump ,Conyers etc. Are they on a mission to clean up the sleaze so pervasive in DC or reserving their vitriol for Franken. Maybe they will get with the Don and buy into his new claims that the access Hollywood tape was fake news…nice work…snark off.
See, this is the reason why I get pissed when Franken insists on throwing himself on the funeral pyre with apologies. it just doesn’t matter with some; they’ll never believe or forgive even if Tweeden does.
The Strib isn’t reading carefully … Franken hasn’t countered any of the stories; he said he simply doesn’t remember them, but acknowledges the hurt he caused. That’s very different from what the paper describes as his position.