Franken resigns

Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)

After weeks of mounting allegations of sexual misconduct, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), one of the staunchest opponents of Republican bullshit in the Senate and formerly one of the handful of US politicians I respected, is stepping down.

"I am announcing that in the coming weeks I will be resigning as a member of the United States Senate," Franken said in an emotional address in which he said some of the allegations against him weren't true.

The resignation brings a sudden and dishonorable end to the unlikely political career of the comedian-turned-progressive darling, first known to most Americans for his work on "Saturday Night Live."

Franken, who did not apologize during his speech, also called out President Donald Trump, who was repeatedly accused of sexual assault during his presidential campaign, and Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, who faces accusations that he pursued relationships with teenagers and committed sexual assault while he was in his 30s.

"I, of all people, am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaigns for the Senate with the full support of his party," Franken said.

The ongoing sexual harassment reckoning is the first truly bipartisan phenomenon in a long time, and it’s unspeakably overdue. But it’s still depressing how many previously respected figures are being unmasked as creeps.

That said, I really have to reiterate how the political divide has never been clearer, with one side shaming and ostracizing its perverts and the other camp embracing and defending theirs to the ends of the earth. The difference isn’t just politics; it’s one of basic integrity and decency.