Al Franken’s comic past has lost him support of Planned Parenthood:
In an e-mail Tuesday that went out to most DFL legislators, Connie Perpich, Planned Parenthood senior legislative director, said the group’s political arm could find it “very difficult” to endorse Franken, saying the comments had gone “beyond the boundaries” for anyone seeking elective office.
Here’s the latest “joke” that’s causing a problem:
Meanwhile, Republicans heaped another log on the fire Thursday by unearthing a 1995 New York magazine article that mentioned Franken discussing a possible “Saturday Night Live” skit involving “60 Minutes.”
The skit idea centered on a sedative pill bottle found in essayist Andy Rooney’s desk. According to the article, during a brainstorming session, Franken, adopting a Rooney-like voice, suggested several possible lines for the Rooney character:
“And ‘I give the pills to Lesley Stahl. Then when Lesley’s passed out, I take her to the closet and rape her.’ Or ‘That’s why you never see Lesley until February.’ Or, ‘When she passes out I put her in various positions and take pictures of her.’”
When another writer suggested that the rape comment be about Mike Wallace, Franken said, again assuming the Rooney role: “What about ‘I drag Mike into my office and rape him. Right here! I guess that makes me bad.’”
What an odd race this is going to be. The group that advocates for the killing of babies is refusing to endorse a comic for statements that, although offensive, don’t harm anyone.