HOME    WORLD    U.S.    POLITICS    CRIME    ENTERTAINMENT    HEALTH    TECH    TRAVEL    LIVING
July 7, 2009
Democrats should act now
Posted: 08:54 AM ET
Share this on:
Share | Permalink | 4 Comments
Comedian, author and radio host Al Franken can now add senator to his resume.
Comedian, author and radio host Al Franken can now add senator to his resume.

Julian E. Zelizer
Special to CNN

Democrats are elated because Sen. Al Franken, former comedian and radio host, is finally coming to town. The gates of political heaven seemed to open when former Sen. Norm Coleman finally conceded.

During his much awaited victory speech, the senator-elect said that "I am not going to waste this chance."

With that statement, Franken started his senatorial career with an important message to his colleagues. Without any doubt, 60 votes in the filibuster-happy Senate is a lot better than 59.

Keep reading...

4 Comments
More about: 360° Radar •  Democrats •  Raw Politics
4 Comments
Annie Kate   July 7th, 2009 6:41 pm ET

The Democrats need to get busy not only to take advantage of the position they now hold but because the American people need them to get some legislation passed – legislation that probably wouldn't get passed if they lose their majority status. I'd like to see some action and less talk.

RLWellman   July 7th, 2009 7:32 pm ET

If you want to spend more money, you had better do it before the senator and congressmen re-elections. America is getting tired of all the money being spent and no help for the middle class.

Lampe   July 7th, 2009 7:33 pm ET

Yes, by all means hurry up and pass another Stimulus Bill. I mean after all they said we needed to first one or the unemployment rate would rise to 8%. Seems to me that the unemployment rate is now above 9%. What happened Obama and Democrats, something went wrong, and guess what this is not something you can blame on The Republicans.

Marc   July 7th, 2009 7:35 pm ET

The Franken victory was long delayed. There is a need to address the disruption in the delay of seating Frankin. It's 9 months since the election and important issues have been addessed without his participtation. I would make the same argument for a Republican victor.

After the debacle of the 2000 presidential election we continue to allow drawn out questionable challenges that undermine our elective process. That stolen election will remain a stain in American history.

I am glad that the Democrats have theit 60 votes. Hopefully our sitting President will be better able to address the serious problems of the war, health care, the economy, and the need for accountability of the Bush Administration.

Its time to move forward and take a hard look at policies that allow an undermining of our elective process.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About this blog

A behind the scenes look at “Anderson Cooper 360°” and the stories it covers, written by Anderson Cooper, the AC360° staff and a network of contributors. Insight you can’t find anywhere else.

We search the news each day to show you what’s on our radar and what we’re planning for the show each night.

For more details, read our tips on how to win 360° approval for comments.

Send your instant feedback to Anderson Cooper 360°.

Featured Contributors
Candy Crowley
Candy Crowley is CNN's senior political correspondent and an AC360° contributor
David Gergen
David Gergen is CNN's senior political analyst and former presidential advisor
Roland S. Martin
Roland S. Martin is a nationally award-winning journalist and AC360° contributor
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Justice  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Opinion  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences  |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2009 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP