McConnell Snaps at Franken: 'This Isn't SNL'

Senate minority leader not amused by funny faces
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 6, 2010 2:29 AM CDT
Updated Aug 6, 2010 7:42 AM CDT
McConnell Snaps at Franken: 'This Isn't SNL '
Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill yesterday.    (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

There was too much of the funnyman about Al Franken for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell yesterday. The comedian-turned-senator was presiding over the Senate as McConnell made a speech opposing Elena Kagan's confirmation to the Supreme Court . Franken appeared to be shifting in his seat and making faces, which McConnell took as mockery. "This isn't Saturday Night Live, Al," McConnell told Franken.

Franken later apologized to McConnell. "The leader thought I was disrespectful while he was giving his speech on General Kagan," he told Politico. "He is entitled to give his speech with the presiding officer just listening respectfully. I went directly to his office after I was done presiding to apologize in person. He wasn't there, so I've sent him a handwritten note." (More Al Franken stories.)

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