Franken fights back vs. Dean dissenter
By David R. Guarino and Elisabeth J. Beardsley
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Al Franken may be used to stand-up comedy, but yesterday it was more like knockdown-drag out comedy.
The sometime-comic, full-time liberal Democrat took on an outspoken Lyndon LaRouche supporter who loudly interrupted a rally for former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean in Manchester, N.H., yesterday.
The protester shouted, ``You're not a real Democrat, You're going to lose,'' and was being ushered out of the Palace Theater when Franken - in town to pundit and spin for various television stations - tackled the unidentified man.
In the process, Franken broke his trademark glasses right at the bridge of his nose.
After tearing in to a back room without his specs, Franken emerged a bit red-faced and with bright yellow tape holding his glasses together after the event.
On a side note, apparently the LaRouche supporters favor Bay State Sen. John F. Kerry of all people.
Shouting down Dean for not fully taking on Vice President Dick Cheney, the protester several times yelled, ``Only Lyndon LaRouche and John Kerry are Democrats. You're not a Democrat.''
Somehow, we're sure Kerry appreciates the support.
So the man was already being ushered out by security, and Franken cold-cocked him.
Franken needs a serious beat-down.