Posted on 06/27/2014 8:18:09 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
With Republicans in Washington thus far successfully fending off insurgent tea party challengers in competitive races, odds makers are now indicating that the GOP has a better than even chance of retaking the upper chamber of Congress in November.
President Barack Obama’s sinking job approval rating is not helping boost Democrats’ chances. Speaking anonymously to The Hill, one Democratic Senator said Obama’s “unpopularity” is troubling. “It’s a tense time,” the source said.
It is with this backdrop that Obama descended on Minnesota on Thursday where freshman Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) is seeking reelection. Franken has spent the last six years maintaining as low a profile in Washington as possible, shying away from national press and casting himself as a lawmaker exclusively focused on the interests of his constituents.
Obama won Minnesota by 10 points in 2008 and 8 points in 2012. With one exception, no public opinion survey has shown Franken leading his likely GOP opponent, businessman Mike McFadden, by less than 10 points in over a year. Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight indicates that Franken has a 90 percent chance of being reelected in the decidedly blue North Star State.
And yet, Franken in taking no chances. On Friday, CNN reported that the comedian-turned-politician is avoiding being caught on camera in proximity with the Democratic President of the United States.
CNN anchor John King reported on Friday that both Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Franken cancelled a scheduled appearance with Obama and a flight on Air Force One. He noted that both Senators intend to be in Minnesota, but appear to be going out of their way to avoid Obama.
“Is the president that toxic?” King asked his panel. “Are they that worried about Minnesota that they’re trying to over-manage this?”
The Washington Post’s Jackie Kucinich supposed that Franken was merely trying to cover his bases. “He doesn’t want to cozy up to the president and then pay for it later,” she said.
“It’s the bluest of blue states,” King marveled. “If Al Franken will not stand next to President Obama in this election year, it tells you everything you need to know about Arkansas, Alaska, North Carolina.”
Franken spokesman Ed Shelleby said on Thursday that the senator had to cancel a flight on the presidential airplane and a joint town hall in order to cast a vote to confirm new ambassador to Iraq. Shelleby added, however, that the senator expects to be in Minnesota today to attend an economic policy speech by the president.
Comedian??? Is that what he was? Never thought he was very funny.
How many times has the clown voted against Obama? We all know the answer for that one. That’s why he should be voted out so forcefully that no amount of Democrat voter fraud can recount him back into the Senate.
There is no way at all that the socialist hellhole would not re-elect the zero-boyking in a landslide if it could.
But will he vote to support Obama’s policies?
Yes, yes he will.
Comedian??? Is that what he was? Never thought he was very funny.
Was very Dry and ZZZZZZZZZ Boring
Diaper boy is in trouble. Queue the mini violin.
I want to see Franken living in a van - down by the river.
He is a comedian... Obama’s plan is not Al’s plan... doh Al....
He looks more like the Joker every day.
He’s avoiding any association with Obama because Barry isn’t anti-American enough or Stalinist enough. You watch... That clown is running for President someday (if we still even have elections then).
I thought Obama was going up there to campaign for the diaper wearing bunny rabbit?
The voters in Minnesota are much funnier than Al Franken.
No Democrat running for office this year wants to seen with or near “Nutcase” , “Insane”, Obama!!! Fact is: Unless the Democrats throw Obama under the bus, by forcing him to resign or impeaching him.....most of them will lose their elections anyway!!!
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