Would Wellstone Use the "F" Word?

Newsweek reports that alleged humorist Al Franken is considering running for the Senate from Minnesota in 2008. The following comments show the kind of class and witty analysis that also makes him the great white hope of liberal talk radio:

...responding to entreaties from home-state friends, Franken isn't laughing off the idea of running for the U.S. Senate. He's "intrigued" by the idea of taking on [Paul] Wellstone's successor, Republican Norm Coleman.

"Republicans always say, 'How dare Susan Sarandon and Martin Sheen get involved in politics!' " Franken tells NEWSWEEK. "Then Arnold showed up and it was 'Oooh! Arnold's running! Oooh! The Terminator!' Well, 'F' you!"

'F' You!? I wonder how many Harvard research assistants it took to help him write that quip? (FYI--it only took the assistance of the Elder and Atomizer to help me finish that Harvard research assistants zinger).

Yes, I can see the yard signs all over Mac-Groveland now. " 'F' You! Vote for Franken. "

Although that might score some truth in advertising points from the McCain-Feingold crowd. And to my eyes, it's not much more offensive than the "Happy to Pay for a Better Minnesota" signs currently dotting the landscape.

I have no doubt that Franken's remarks will create jack-knifing convulsions of laughter all over St. Paul. My personal observations tell me that's where the head of the average Democrat voter is these days. They're willing to subvert anything to the cause of defeating the President, including their sense of humor, good judgment, and self respect. Since Franken has the reputation of being funny and he's insulting Republications, then any vindictive, childish comments he makes must be funny. They HAVE to be funny. (Insert sound of desperate, maniacal laughter.)

Hopefully, the independents in the mushy middle who will decide this election will be appropriately turned off by this foul mouthed, unfunny hack. But if turns out they think he's funny too, the Republican Party's only recourse might be a draft Andrew Dice Clay movement. What better way to capture the hearts and minds of these people than with some filthy limericks about Roger Moe?

I don't honestly believe Al Franken will run for the Senate. Yes, his massive ego and psychological need for vengeance over those who aborted the Wellstone legacy will compel him to give it serious consideration. But I suspect even Franken has enough sense to understand he'd be a laughingstock as a candidate (and not in a good way). Furthermore, given the petrified political culture of the DFL, it's unlikely he'd ever make it out of a primary election.

But I did have a flash of insight this weekend as to who might be that party's favored nominee. He's young, idealistic, and his last name is covered in Teflon. Plus he's already got the local press witing public relations pieces for him.

Anybody else like the sound of Wellstone in 2008?