‘Ashamed’ Franken on Allegations: ‘Trying to Take Responsibility By Apologizing’

Senator Al Franken addressed the media today after facing a number of sexual misconduct allegations that have been leveled against him in recent weeks.  Franken’s previous responses to the allegations have previously fallen between contrition and defiant as he has taken some measure of responsibility for his actions, but has thus far refused to resign from office.

Franken’s press event today, however, hit a sharper note of contrition than he has in the past. He opened by, again, apologizing and recognizing the allegations made against his behavior. When asked about his future in the Senate, he demurred answering that directly, saying “I’m not going to get into that,”  but proclaimed “I have been trying to take responsibility by apologizing” before reiterating his previous claims that he will work with the Senate Ethics Committee.

Franken’s press conference today was a new phase in the crisis management strategy employed by the Minnesota Senator, following his Sunday round of press availabilities, which included a 30-minute interview with WCCO. Today was first time he’s addressed questions from Capitol Hill reporters — though he notably only took several questions in the presser.

Watch the statement above, courtesy of CNN.

-image via screen capture–

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!