Al Franken
Al Franken (Alan Stuart Franken) was born on May 21st, 1951 and is currently 74 years old. Al Franken was born in New York City, New York, USA. Franken attended Harvard University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.
Al Franken is an American former Minnesota senator and a member of the Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor Party which is affiliated with the national Democratic Party. Prior to his election as a senator, Franken was an actor and writer on Saturday Night Live.
Franken has authored four books that have been a bestseller on the
New York Times Best Seller List. He also co-wrote the film
When a Man Loves a Woman and featured in the
Lateline Sitcom, which aired on NBC channel, and appeared on the remake of
The Manchurian Candidate which aired on 2004.
Al Franken, Giant of the Senate reflects on how Franken’s beliefs have changed from his teenage years when he was inspired by President Lyndon Johnson’s push for the 1964 Civil Rights Act. He was a person of humor throughout his entire life and that’s what landed him a job on Saturday Night Live. Over time, his commitment to progressive politics became clear. But he notes that he had to hold back that comedic part of him in order to succeed in politics.
What biggest turning point in his career came after the death of by then Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone who was his mentor and role model. Wellstone was a strong believer of improving people’s lives and that greatly shaped Franken’s political view. After his death, Wellstone was replaced by Norm Coleman who claimed he was 99% better than Wellstone. Franken was inspired to enter politics by Wellstone’s belief that “we all do better when we all do better.”
Franken describes his tough campaign against Norm Coleman, where he faced misleading attacks from Republicans. He calls this experience the “Dehumorizer,” referring to how his opponent twisted his past, often using false claims. Franken won by just 312 votes after a long legal battle over the election results and took office eight months later.
But he notes that even fellow Democrats were skeptical about a former comedian becoming a serious senator and the Obama administration did little to support him. One of the most revealing parts of the book is Franken’s look at the legislative process, which he says is full of hypocrisy from both parties-though more so from Republicans. He gives examples, such as the 2009 economic stimulus bill. Even though Republicans opposed it and slowed down economic recovery, they later took credit for its success in their districts.
He also highlights Senator Mitch McConnell’s efforts to block President Obama from achieving any victories, showing how politics often prioritizes power over progress. Franken takes readers behind the scenes of the Senate, especially during the debate over a bill meant to counteract the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. He also dedicates a chapter to criticizing Senator Ted Cruz, and calls out his arrogance and unpopularity among his own party.
Franken’s writing is full of wit and sarcasm, but underneath, his frustration with the political system is clear. A major theme of the book is Franken’s call for Democrats to take back power before President Trump undoes Obama’s achievements. While Franken tries to maintain a lighthearted tone, he acknowledges the seriousness of the political climate, warning that Trump’s leadership could harm the country. In the end, the book serves as both a political memoir and a rallying cry for action.
Al Franken: Awards & Accolades
Al Franken books have been nominated for multiple awards, Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot was nominated for the Thurber Prize, Best American Humor Book, in 1997. Lies & the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair & Balanced Look at the Right was nominated for the Audie Award, Best Narration by the Author, in 2004. The Truth with Jokes was nominated for the Audie Award, Audiobook of the Year, in 2006 as well as the Audie Award - Best Narration by the Author in 2006. Al Franken, Giant of the Senate was nominated for the Goodreads Awards, Best Humor, in 2017.
Al Franken: Lists & Other Mentions
- Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1996.
- Lies & the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair & Balanced Look at the Right was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 2003 and 2004.
- The Truth with Jokes was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 2005.
- Al Franken, Giant of the Senate was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 2017.
Related Authors
The most common authors followed by users who also follow Al Franken are:
- Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
- John Grisham, author of the Jake Brigance Series.
- Dan Brown, author of the Robert Langdon Series.
- Patricia Cornwell, author of the Kay Scarpetta Series.
- Paula Hawkins, author of the novel: The Girl on the Train.
Al Franken: F.A.Q
When was Al Franken Born? How old is Al Franken?
Al Franken was born on May 21st, 1951. Al Franken is currently 74 years old.
Where was Al Franken Born?
Al Franken was born in New York City, New York, USA and is American.
What was the first book Al Franken wrote?
The first book written by Al Franken was I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, & Doggone It, People Like Me!, published in 1992.
What was the most recent book Al Franken wrote?
His most recently released work was Al Franken, Giant of the Senate on May 1st, 2017.
Will there be any more books by Al Franken?
Al Franken does not have any upcoming books with a set publication date within the next few months at this time.
How many books has Al Franken written?
Al Franken has written 8 books excluding contributions to anthologies. 1 Standalone Novel, 6 books in the Non-Fiction Books, 1 book in the Landmarks Series.