Someday someone will explain to me where this myth that Kirsten Gillibrand, SINGLE-HANDEDLY AND WITH THE POWER OF SATAN HIMSELF, forced a meek and trembling Al Franken to go.

Just this one woman.

If she does have that power, that's kind of amazing, tbh.

But what can you do. Scapegoats are simpler, more digestible narratives, I suppose. Because people might have to examine the party and other people they've supported if they ever reckoned with the history of that honestly.

Which, a decade on, newp. No signs of that. Ah well. A shame.

accused of rape or even remotely close. PERIOD. He was a convenient scapegoat for his over-the-line comedic behavior when Dems needed to make a dramatic contrast against Al Senate candidate (and true horrible sexual monster), Roy Moore.

Beyond that, Gillibrand is late to the mass call-outs, but she isn't wrong on this one.

I haven't forgiven her for her actions toward Franken (and no, I don't care that it started a stampede of Dems doing likewise) but I just cringe that Franken's name is EVER included in discussions about true creeps like this. I can say I have met Franken and his wife several times (I have though I certainly won't profess to be close intimate friends) and am firm in my beliefs though we've never discussed this, but those convinced Al was "horrible" wont' care. So, be it. But, he sure as hell is not remotely like a Graham Platner--(if the accusations are to be believed and I think they are).

Franken was never accused of rape.
Also, he was already a senator. Platner has never even been elected to anything. Going with him was stupid.

Smh

thoroughly vet candidates to ensure they are viable, have clean personal backgrounds, and align with party platforms. This is done to protect the party's reputation and ensure they do not invest money in doomed or problematic candidates.

Somebody did not do a very good job?? Or am I missing something?

Anybody can run in a primary.