Al Franken

I have the pleasure of working with a woman who is perhaps a more fanatical liberal than I am. Betsy, my longtime co-sculptor, is a woman of strong opinions, not afraid to state her views. A woman who loves the outdoors, who loves fishing and gardening and big dogs. In short, someone I have a lot in common with (notwithstanding the fishing). Fortunately we have similar tastes in radio listening (as we spend every day together at work) and we've been devoted listeners to Al Franken's radio show for the last three years.

We started listening to Al because his co-host was Katherine Lanpher, formerly of Minnesota Public Radio, which we are also devoted listeners of. I may have to blog about that separately, so great is my love for mpr. But back to Al and Katherine. She was a really strong personality on mpr, a love her or hate her personality, and when she went to join Al we followed. We supported Al Franken on general principles, as he is liberal, engaging and extremely funny.

When Katherine left Al's show, Betsy and I remained devoted listeners. In some ways I think her leaving was good for him; previously she was the serious, on-point element and he was the goofball. After she moved on he assumed the full duties of the host.

To make a long story shorter, Al Franken just ended his three-year stint as radio host, and started a new potential career as politician. I know there are many who doubt his abilities, who have issues with his personality, or think he doesn't have the background for the job. But I think those who listened to his radio show know how knowledgeable he is on the issues, how connected he is with intelligent and thoughtful commentators and activists, and that he is fully capable of taking a serious tack, despite his long career as a comedian.