Franken At Sotomayor Hearing Interrupted By Protester, In English And Spanish (VIDEO)

WASHINGTON — The newest member of the Senate, former comedian Al Franken, was as serious as his colleagues in his opening statement at the Senate confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.

Franken said he is "truly humbled" to be on the Judiciary Committee. He also praised Chairman Patrick Leahy and ranking Republican Jeff Sessions.

Then, he was interrupted by the third protester of the hearing, speaking partly in Spanish.

Watch:

Franken told Sotomayor that she was "the most experienced Supreme Court nominee in 100 years." He said her story is inspirational and one in which "all Americans should take great pride in."

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Comments

[fodel]

Al Franken was practically the only senator to ask Sotomayor some really interesting and useful questions. Yes, he got a laugh at the end mentioning Perry Mason, but he led off with questions about the importance of the internet and free speech, calling attention to the last awful supreme court decisions concerning internet control and regulation, something that effects us all. The next time you find it take 5 seconds for AT&T and TimeWarner content to load, but 4 minutes for YOUR website or blog, you'll know what i mean.

[Blufftonian]

Ha ha ha, the irony!

I never so much as smiled at Al's comedy.

But now that he's a Senator, he's hilarious!

[onlinesavant]

What??!! If you're trying to be sarcastic, or even ironic for that matter, you're failing miserably.

[Jonny38103]

Wow, no sense of humor, huh? Al Franken was great in comedy and I think he'll be even better in politics. Good for the state of Minnesota!

[alenaspoppa]

If you'd ever even thumbed through one of his books, you'd know he's one of the biggest policy wonks in Washington. He's extremely intelligent and thoughtful, and we're lucky to have him in public service.

[rosal]

We'll see if the Repbs make fun of the protesters like they make fun of Pink Code. But, imitation is the best form of flattery. As a Latina, I hope somebody finds out who is protesting in Spanish. I am sure somebody will know soon what are they protesting.

[Chopin]

Senator Franken comes from the state that Senator Paul Wellstone proudly represented. Let's hope the new senator will generate as much or more heat and light in the US Senate as the honorable Paul Wellstone did.

[CuriousInSeattle]

Now that is funny. Made my day. Wellstone, gosh I muss him. He was the gift that kept giving for republicans.

[Cadillakin]

Al was great... For a few seconds I was proud to be an American... And then the camera panned to Senator Sessions..

[dolphy]

....who had the gall to say the word racism

[HawaiianPunch]

Al is class

Then we suffered the ghoul Sessions.

[jalowe1957]

Al Franken: A breath of fresh air in the den of whores that is the U.S. Senate.

[laddieluv]

Absolutely yes!!!

[starkcr31]

Oh dear.

[armadillo]

Watching Senator Franken gives me Senator envy in Texas.

[kweenipie]

I second that.

[Wide Stance]

SENATOR Franken. How great does that sound, eh Normy?

[ChelseaC]

Indeed. I hope Al does a great job--I wish him the best.

[AprilPA]

I am very impressed with Al's demeanor. The way he handled the Minnesota recount and the way he conducted himself today at the Sotomayor hearings. I hope he keeps it up.

[lazercat2008]

If it is not a pro-life ideologue they are not fit to be in the Supreme Court? These ChistoFacists have been trying to destroy checks and balances for 25 years, and I'm tired of their stupidity.

[smchp]

Thankfully, we took America back Nov04.

[jozzie]

Doesn't he look great in the Senate!! Wow!!

[Spesabsquemetu]

I think one of the most profound things that Franken said today is something that I can't recall any politician ever speaking about, and that was - the OATH that he took...
He spoke of his oath as call to bear true faith and allegiance TO UPHOLD THE WILL OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE...

....To bear true faith and allegiance to uphold the constitution of the United States....

I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.

http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Oath_Office.htm

Perhaps the most jr. senator of the group can summon the elder members to recall their pledge to BEAR IN TRUE FAITH THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO UPHOLDING THE WILL OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

[Rjchinook]

Yeah right and lose funding from all the heath care lobbyist?

[Daniel Torluemke]

I thought Franken did well. He had to be nervous.

[ECB]

Welcome to the Club - Senator !

[LeeCalif]

Tomorrow -- Tuesday !!

http://informationclearinghouse.info/article23043.htm