Sen. Al Franken plans to resign. On Thursday he caved to mounting political pressure and announced his intention to leave the Senate within the next few weeks. Far from being apologetic, however, Franken still insists on his innocence.
“Some of the allegations against me are simply not true. Others I remember very differently,” the Minnesota politician said.
In addition to defending himself, Franken also attempted to discredit President Trump.
“I, of all people, am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits the Oval Office,” Franken said bitterly.
“And a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaign for the Senate with the full support of his party. But this decision is not about me. It’s about the people of Minnesota.”
Franken’s resignation speech was defiant but not unexpected. He resisted the calls for his removal for as long as he could.
“Nothing I have done as a senator, nothing has brought dishonor on this institution… I am proud that during my time in the Senate I have used my power to be a champion of women,” continued Franken.
Referring to yourself as a champion of women in the same speech where you talk about your sexual abuse victims is an odd, tone-deaf choice.
Franken clearly doesn’t feel remorse for his actions. He might be upset that Leann Tweeden went public with her account, but he doesn’t feel guilty for groping her while she slept.
(Source: Daily Mail)