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Published Monday, July 6, 2009 | 11 a.m.
Updated Monday, July 6, 2009 | 11:02 a.m.
In this April 13, 2009 file photo, Al Franken talks with reporters outside his home in Minneapolis. On Tuesday, June 30, 2009, the Minnesota Supreme Court paved the way for Franken to fill a long-vacant Senate seat.
WASHINGTON -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid introduced Al Franken today at the Capitol, both embracing the filibuster-proof potential the 60th Democratic-senator-to-be represents, and simultaneously tamping it down.
“Much has been made of the expectations of Al Franken,” Reid said. “I expect him to help deliver on the change this country is demanding.”
Reid pointed to this summer’s heavy agenda on the economy, health care and energy.
With Franken standing by his side in the hallway just outside the leader’s office, the majority leader added this about the Minnesotan.
“We need more than just his presence,” Reid said. “These challenges are not Democratic challenges or Republican challenges … The American people want us to work together ... I hope the party of ‘no’ is coming to an end.”
Easier said than done. Republicans have remained fairly unified against the Obama agenda, testing how far Democrats are willing to compromise to strike a deal.
Democrats on the left in particular are growing increasingly impatient with Reid for not pushing harder to jam legislation forward.
By reaching out to Republicans on this first day of the long summer session, Reid is establishing his aim for bipartisanship on the big ticket items of the Obama agenda. But he is also setting the stage for blame if his 60 votes have trouble making it happen.
"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid introduced Al Franken today at the Capitol, both embracing the filibuster-proof 60th Democratic-senator represents....Democrats on the left in particular are growing increasingly impatient with Reid for not pushing harder to jam the liberal legislation forward."
"Reid is establishing his aim for bipartisanship on the big ticket items of the Obama liberal agenda. But he is also setting the stage for blame if his 60 votes have trouble making it happen."
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Too Big to Fail Harry Reid'm and Weep does not need Conservatives to pass his liberal agenda.
They have the numbers and can move further left on every bill they pass. They do not have to even debate to Republicans any more. Shut that debate off Harry.
Conservatives should vote for conservative policies they believe in.
Too Big to Fail Harry Reid'm and Weep does not need to find anyone to blame.
Let the comedy begin. Finally harry Reid has someone that is a bigger joke than himself.
I know I am speaking for many of my fellow citizens...Mr. Majority Leader, the country is not demanding that you deliver change...please know we are fine the way we are...stay away...thank you...
walmart wants health-care reform, so when the big companies want something, it will happen. Palin and the dittoheads are in full retreat. Wait til the big scandal about Palin taking kickbacks comes out.
Give him hell harry!
Palin and Ensign made a mockary of the system.
Glad we are getting better representation
It's spelled "mockery" you illiterate clown.
Another Bozo in the Democratic Party. Our country is going down hill. I'd be damn proud to be a party of NO right now! I'm voting for someone who promises to overturn anything this out-of-control government does. Reid - Frankin what's the difference YUCK!!
Gawd...the guy even looks like a putz!
Al Franken, US Senator , well educated author of 5 best selling books, married to his first and only wife , his high school sweetheart, well spoken linguist, yea what a putz.
I love my country and I love watching the party of no shrink down to Sara and Rush.
Harry Reid is right this is more "Change" but the country doesn't need this kind of "Change"!
The worst question came from Sen. Al Franken, (alias Sen. Stuart Smalley) from Minnesota by his stupid questioning of Sotomayor.
Sentators take an oath to protect the Constitution of the United States and that is what these hearing are about to find out what/how she would rule as a justice and Sen. Smalley asked her about a Perry Mason TV show?
We need more Reids, Pelosi's and now Franken"s?? Its frightening what these liberal Decocrats are doing to our country.