Franken jokes! New Senator’s speech to supporters elicits laughs, tears

Photos: The UpTake

Al Franken proved there’s no such thing as a former comedian at a reception today following his swearing-in as a U.S. senator.

It was an informal speech that featured both laugh lines (15 by one count) and four or five moments that brought Franken near-tears.

One of his gags relied on both. Franken expressed sympathy for reporters who have to think up new ways to write that he “almost” cried — as he almost did several times during his remarks today. “His throat full of emotion” was the phrase Franken recommended to the media for their stories.

Another gag:

If I thanked everyone here individually, I would be thanking virtually everyone in this room. [Pause] There were a couple of you who were kind of just here for the ride. But 95 percent of you in this room had a tremendous amount to do with this victory.

Here’s The UpTake’s video of Franken’s remarks at the reception in his new Senate office:

Click to play