Franken and Coleman’s final showdown: the press conferences

Coleman's backyard. Photo by Chris Steller

Al Franken and Norm Coleman had one final showdown Tuesday: the dueling press conferences they hosted outside their houses. Beyond their gracious words, the bitter rivals’ differences remained evident at the events.

Coleman’s concession came first, at 3 p.m., staged behind his house on a quiet St. Paul street. Why not on the front steps, as Franken has done at his place several times since Election Day?

For one thing, using the back yard meant Coleman could control who he let in. Reporters from The UpTake standing out front said Coleman’s staff told them he’d call the police unless they left.

Another possible reason: This huge Franken sign in the front yard of the house just two doors down.

Franken sign two doors down from Coleman's house. Photo: Chris Steller

(Fortunately for other unwashed journalists, Coleman’s block has an alley, and his backyard has a gate and the gate was open.)

A backyard is an intimate space, where Minnesotans grill and host parties for friends — more rarely for 30 members of the media. At least his visitors had reason for good cheer: Coleman quipped that his long battle had amounted to a “Full Employment Act” for journalists.

In Coleman’s back yard, you couldn’t miss signs of the renovations and additions that made news last fall in light of controversies about Coleman’s campaign and personal finances. No one asked about that during the relatively mild grilling Coleman got from (selected) reporters after his statement.

A couple of unusual items decorated Coleman’s yard: a chia-pet-like plant shaped like an elephant and — especially unusual to find outside — a mirror. Will the elephant look in the mirror as the former U.S. senator ruminates on his political future?

Photo: Chris Steller

Backyard mirror, with angel. Photo: Chris Steller

Franken’s affair was different, mainly because it was so public. He stood at the front stoop of his downtown Minneapolis townhouse before a rowdy crowd of media, supporters and passers-by that was probably five times as large as the quiet assembly in St. Paul.

The onlookers spilled into the street, where they offered reports to the passing curious who slowed their cars. A truck driver named Jilani who was going home in his car had his radio tuned to Franken’s talk.

It was also Media Appreciation Day at the Frankens: A table along the sidewalk held brownies, cookies and coffee.

A boy named Romir, 12, saw the mega media scrum while walking his dog. He had heard what was going on. What did he know about Senator-elect Franken?

“He’s Democratic,” Romir said. “Him and somebody else had a close race. They argued about it for eight months.”

Romir attends school in St. Paul — at a school that newly bears the name of Paul Wellstone, whose former senate seat was the subject of that eight-month argument.

Romir with Speedy, mascot of the Minnesota senate race. Photo: Chris Steller