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 Minnesota U.S. Sen. Al Franken joined the on-the-ground Democratic response to the Republican National Convention, criticizing the rival party as focusing more on tearing down Hillary Clinton than propping up Donald Trump.

In between a series of national TV interviews from Cleveland, Franken stood with Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who is reportedly still in contention to be Clinton’s running mate.

“It has just been startlingly ugly, the constant attacks and very little of course about Donald Trump,” Franken told a news conference. “One thing I will say about (vice presidential nominee Mike) Pence’s speech is it was refreshing to see someone say something nice about Trump who wasn't related to him or stood to inherit a lot of his money.”

Franken, a former liberal radio show host and author of biting books on conservatives, railed against the Republican refrain from the convention floor of “lock her up” in reference to Clinton.

He laid what he termed an “insulting” Republican convention tone at the feet of Trump, who was set to deliver a nominating acceptance speech Thursday night.

“This is the kind of negativity and ugliness you have come to expect from Donald Trump, who started this campaign by saying Mexican immigrants were rapists and drug dealers,” Franken said.

Franken was an early supporter of Clinton along with most top Minnesota Democrats. Still, the former senator, secretary of state and first lady was trounced in Minnesota’s March caucuses by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

Franken said he has little doubt Clinton will pull her political base together coming out of next week’s Democratic convention in Philadelphia.

Franken expressed confidence she will win Minnesota as all Democratic presidential candidates have for the past four decades. But he said no one on his side should let up.

“I won by 312 votes. I don’t take anything for granted,” Franken said, referring to his 2008 victory after a protracted recount and court fight. He won re-election in 2014 with ease.

On MSNBC’s "Morning Joe" program, Franken was pressed for details of Clinton’s vice presidential selection process. He had little information to offer, other than to crack, “I’d be surprised if it were me because I have not been vetted. I think it would be just irresponsible of her to tap someone she hasn't looked at before.”

Franken was set to help open a Clinton campaign office in Sandusky, Ohio, before leaving town.

Politics and Government News

Capitol View®

Brian Bakst

Author

Franken was in Cleveland to counter Republican National Convention messages, which he calls "startlingly ugly."

Franken rallies to Clinton’s defense in Cleveland

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