11 seconds ago 2009-11-10T10:45:03-08:00
So was he funny? No. Former comedian Al Franken, the newest member of the Senate, gave an opening statement that was as serious as those of his colleagues. And he was even interrupted by a protester. No indication that the man was a plant from “Saturday Night Live.”
The humor came from Sen. Arlen Specter, who switched from the Republican to the Democratic Party. He said: "You're replacing Justice Souter, who said that if TV cameras were to come to the court, they'd have to roll over his dead body. If you're confirmed, they won't have to roll over his dead body."
Franken, a Minnesota Democrat, was sworn in only five days ago. But there can be no doubt that he has a new career. It wasn't just that he told no jokes during his opening statement. He actually came across a bit boring, helped in part by his familiar monotone voice.
He noted that he was not a lawyer. He might yet need to define exactly what he'll be in the Senate.
-Larry Margasak, AP reporter, Congress, and Larry Neumeister, AP federal court reporter, New York
