Al Franken's Resignation and the Me Too Movement

During the Me Too movement, Al Franken, a Senator from Minnesota, faced accusations of misconduct. Despite some believing he could have fought harder to remain in office, Franken chose to resign. However, the context was crucial as it was a tumultuous period where there was no clear playbook for handling such allegations. Franken did not want to label his accusers as liars even if he remembered the incidents differently. The timing was unfortunate as his scandal coincided with a pivotal moment—a special election in Alabama involving a Republican candidate accused of misconduct. Additionally, pressure from Democratic women senators to resign contributed to his decision. Reflecting on the situation, it is suggested that Franken could potentially have survived by acknowledging the situation, expressing a willingness to learn, and emphasizing his comedic background. Ultimately, Franken's lack of proactive response led to continuous attacks, and he eventually chose to resign.