By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas Leave a comment 0comments Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-sen-franken-to-speak-amid-sexual-misconduct-allegations Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Sen. Franken says he ‘let a lot of people down’ amid sexual misconduct allegations Politics Updated on Nov 27, 2017 1:34 PM EST — Published on Nov 27, 2017 1:03 PM EST Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., told reporters today that he “let a lot of people down” after several women accused him of sexual misconduct in separate events over the years. Sen. Al Franken spoke to reporters today outside his Washington, D.C., office. Watch his remarks in the player above. Franken said at a briefing Monday that he was “tremendously sorry,” adding that he will try to regain trust, but it will “take time.” In the past few weeks, three women have accused Franken of unwanted touching and groping at separate campaign photo ops at events as far back as 2007. Radio broadcaster Leeann Tweeden also said the senator forcibly kissed her during a 2006 USO tour. Though Franken apologized after Tweeden came forward, he also downplayed the broadcaster’s recollection of the incident. “I take thousands and thousands of pictures, sometimes in chaotic and crowded situations,” Franken said in an interview with CBS. “I can’t say I haven’t done that. I’m very sorry if these women experienced that,” he added. Franken told the Associated Press today that it was too premature to decide whether he’d pursue a 2020 run for a third term. By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas is a senior editor for the PBS NewsHour's Communities Initiative. He also the senior editor and manager of newsletters. @Josh_Barrage
Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., told reporters today that he “let a lot of people down” after several women accused him of sexual misconduct in separate events over the years. Sen. Al Franken spoke to reporters today outside his Washington, D.C., office. Watch his remarks in the player above. Franken said at a briefing Monday that he was “tremendously sorry,” adding that he will try to regain trust, but it will “take time.” In the past few weeks, three women have accused Franken of unwanted touching and groping at separate campaign photo ops at events as far back as 2007. Radio broadcaster Leeann Tweeden also said the senator forcibly kissed her during a 2006 USO tour. Though Franken apologized after Tweeden came forward, he also downplayed the broadcaster’s recollection of the incident. “I take thousands and thousands of pictures, sometimes in chaotic and crowded situations,” Franken said in an interview with CBS. “I can’t say I haven’t done that. I’m very sorry if these women experienced that,” he added. Franken told the Associated Press today that it was too premature to decide whether he’d pursue a 2020 run for a third term.