U.S. Senator-elect Al Franken (D-Minn.) comments on how his addition to the Senate will amount to 60 Democrats in the legislative body. However, he said he is focused on is “the number two” and primarily sees himself as the second Senator from the state of Minnesota. (0:12)
By Courtney Ann Jackson-Talk Radio News Service
Senator-elect Al Franken (D-Minn.) is receiving a warm welcome from Congressional Democrats, complete with a press conference alongside Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). During his brief statement, Franken struck a more serious tone than that of his days as a comedian.
“I am going to work day and night to make sure that our kids have a great future and that America’s best days lay ahead. I’m ready to get to work,” said Franken.
Franken will raise the total number of Democrats in the Senate to 60. However, Franken said all he is focused on is the number two, noting that he sees himself as the second Senator from the state of Minnesota.
“Much has been made of the expectations of Al Franken joining the Senate,” said Reid. “Here are my expectations. He, of course, is going to work hard for the people of Minnesota. They’ve gone far too long without full representation…I expect him to help deliver on the change that this country is demanding.”
Franken described Minnesotans as practical people, adding that his constituents want to make sure the work being done in the Senate makes sense and has a “strong return for investments.”
Franken highlighted health care, economy, energy policy, and education as some of his major concerns.
International Affairs Correspondent Blanquita Cullum interviews the former Texas Democratic Party Chairman Molly Beth Malcolm about Obama’s future, Texas, and female participation in politics. (11:55)
Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader comments on why liberal and progressive voters will vote for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama in the 2008 election. ((0:32)
Interview with College Democrats of America Communications Director Clark Gascoigne. He discusses the increasing importance of the youth vote in the 2008 election.
By Christina McAusland
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