Franken is not really resigning. He is waiting to see what happens in Alabama.
If Moore wins, Franken will take back his resignation saying that the voters just voted for a known groper (Moore), so he (Franken) will not resign and instead ask Minnesota voters to determine his fate in 2020.
Frankin and the democrats are putting on a farce, a ruse to get Alabama voters to vote for Moore’s opponent.
Franken has not resigned. He has promised to resign.
No matter what happens in Alabama, Franken will not resign in two weeks.
If Moore wins, Franken will say that the voters in Alabama have passed judgement, and sent a known perv to the Senate, so why should he have to go?
If Moore loses, Franken will say that the voters in Alabama have voted for Democratic leadership, and so it is his duty to stay.
The whole purpose of this announcement today is to provide a club to beat Alabama voters over the head, to get them to vote against Moore and for the Extreme Liberal Democrat Candidate (whose name escapes me).
After the votes are cast, this announcement and any promises made are no longer operative.
Note that Franken said that he could not discharge his duties while under investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee, that well known collection of pit-bulls which has never called for the removal of any Senator ever.
The Senate Ethics Committee will recommend something other than expulsion, Franken will declare vindication, and he will stay on.