As news breaks that comedian Al Franken will be the next senator of Minnesota, ending a legal challenge against Republican Norm Coleman that seemed to go on forever, I was reminded of the time I interviewed Franken in 2005, way before anyone was seriously discussing him running for public office.
It was in Austin's State Theater on Congress Ave. Franken was there to promote the launch of his Air America Radio show in Austin and the Metroplex.
Franken was preparing to record a show before a packed audience, with his guests including Molly Ivins and Ana Marie Cox (then known as Wonkette. Ironically, she now works for Air America).
"I got my boots in Fort Worth," Franken told me regarding his one trip to Fort Worth in the 1990s. "They were custom-made boots."
Franken said he had recently started wearing the boots more often.
"I was going to wear them down here," he added, "But I didn't want anyone to think I'm making some sort of comment."
Franken said he was charmed by the scene in Austin, as his visit coincided with South By Southwest.
"I've been here less than 24 hours and I've already joined two bands," he joked.
-Aman Batheja
What an idiot, Senator Stuart Smalley from Minnesota
Posted by: Chuck | June 30, 2009 at 05:46 PM
what an idiot sore loser, chuck from texas.
Posted by: annatopia | July 01, 2009 at 09:58 AM