2 min readJun 16, 2019
- I think “taint” is applicable in this case (I’m not saying that groping taints Franken’s record on civil rights or other issues). The point of butt-grabbing (particularly in public — in front of the husband of one of the victims, who was taking a snapshot of Franken with his constituent) is to establish a man’s right to do with women whatever he wishes. So when Franken promotes legislation that furthers the cause of women, he is still the man in charge. Slave owners who were kind to their slaves were still upholding the institution of slavery — perhaps even more so than slave owners who were cruel.
- If Franken is not a butt-grabber, then surely he knows he isn’t. If Franken is innocent, then his response would be “I didn’t grope anyone. That’s not who I am.” His response is the answer of one who is guilty — although technically there’s probably not at this point enough evidence of guilt to stand up in court. But we’re not in court. Franken did consider requesting a congressional hearing.
- If Franken had not stood down when he did, then Alabama Republicans would have accused Democrats of hypocrisy in their condemnation of Roy Moore’s actions. And they would (for once) have been accurate. Taking the high ground may have made the difference with a small (but large enough) of voters who were committed to the Republican cause but found Moore’s actions objectionable. This is not just my personal analysis: https://www.vox.com/2018/5/21/17352230/al-franken-accusations-resignation-democrats-leann-tweeden-kirsten-gillibrand
- The Leann Tweeden photo is, well, photographic evidence. He admitted guilt for the photo itself (what choice did he have?), but he still refused to deal fully with other accusations from her. The fact that Franken allowed the photo to be circulated in an attempt to shame Tweeden (perhaps as revenge) speaks to his character.
