Leeann Tweeden: I’m telling my story because there may be others.
It was only a matter of time. While Republicans have borne the brunt of the sexual harassment accusations in recent weeks, the ego-driven halls of Washington DC were almost certainly going to yield accusations against Democrats as well. Now, popular Senator and Liberal firebrand Al Franken (Minnesota) has been accused of groping a woman during an oversees trip in 2006.
Senator Franken, you wrote the script. But there’s nothing funny about sexual assault. – Tweeden
Leeann Tweeden, the woman making the accusation, is currently a radio anchor based in Los Angeles. She was touring the Middle East with Franken and others, visiting American troops stationed abroad. Franken was not yet a member of the Senate, but was enjoying a career as a popular comedian. Franken was visiting troops and performing comedy skits when the incident occurred.
You forcibly kissed me without my consent, grabbed my breasts while I was sleeping and had someone take a photo of you doing it, knowing I would see it later, and be ashamed. – Tweeden
Apparently, Franken crafted a skit in which Tweeden was forced to kiss the comedian on the cheek. Further, Tweeden discovered a photo of Franken grabbing her chest while she slept. Tweeden appears to have been wearing body armor, so perhaps there was no physical contact. Regardless, the photo and Franken’s actions were clearly disrespectful and inappropriate, at the least.
You wrote the scene that would include you kissing me and then relentlessly badgered me into ‘rehearsing’ the kiss with you backstage when we were alone. -Tweeden
Franken has been quick to apologize. He claims that his chest grab was meant to be “funny”, but obviously was not. He also claims that he remembers the comedy skit much differently. However, if Tweeden’s account is accurate, it’s difficult to write Franken’s actions off as a simple misunderstanding.
McConnell Demands Ethics Investigation
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has demanded that an Ethics Committee Investigation be conducted. While the incident occurred before Franken was a member of the Senate, that does not absolve him of responsibility, or the committee of oversight. Speaking on the matter, McConnell stated:
“As with all credible allegations of sexual harassment or assault, I believe the Ethics Committee should review the matter.”
Undoubtedly, the calls for an investigation are at least partially politically motivated. However, McConnell also noted that such allegations should be taken seriously regardless of party.
Certainly, I agree with McConnell: these issues must be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. People put in positions of power and authority do seem to have a tendency to abuse that power and authority.
During the trip, Franken was considered the “headliner” and Tweeden herself was young and relatively unestablished in her career. It seems that Senator Franken may have thus used his position to force Tweeden into uncomfortable situations.
I don’t vote in Minnesota, but have generally found Franken to be an effective Senator. However, if the accusations are true, I would struggle to support someone proven to be willing to abuse his power and authority.
Update: Senator Franken has released a statement:
“I am asking that an ethics investigation be undertaken, and I will gladly cooperate.”
