| | | | Wednesday was a watershed moment for the Senate | | | There is no old boys club that is older or clubbier than the United States Senate. If you've ever covered it or even sat in the visitor's gallery during a vote, you know what I am talking about. For years, the Senate seemed like an institution frozen in time: A group of largely old, largely white men backslapping and yukking it up -- all thrilled to be part of this most exclusive club in the world.
That's what makes Wednesday's decision by a group of female Democratic senators to come out en masse to call for the resignation of Minnesota Sen. Al Franken, a fellow Democrat, so important. They were reacting to a growing number of accusations from women that he had groped them or tried to kiss them without their consent.
"Our history, our culture is changing so dramatically in this country, so fast," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, told CNN's Lauren Fox. "It's time for elected officials at all levels to stand up and take responsibility for who we are and what we stand for."
It began with New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand releasing a statement on Facebook just after noon. A half-dozen female senators quickly followed suit. An avalanche was triggered. More than two dozen senators were on record by the end of the day calling for Franken to quit. He looked likely to do just that in an announcement scheduled for tomorrow.
These senators -- led by Gillibrand -- decided enough was enough. That no matter what Franken said about the allegations, there were too many women coming forward to accuse him of inappropriate behavior. That silence was no longer good enough.
The Point: This marks a seminal moment in the history of the Senate. Today is the day that female Democratic senators asserted their power in ways that we have seen women across other parts of society -- like Hollywood and media -- do in the last few months. That is a BIG deal.
-- Chris | | CNN's Wade Payson-Denney writes:
In the wake of a growing number of Democratic senators calling for their colleague Al Franken's resignation, here is Minnesota's process for replacing a vacated Senate seat. This is from the 2017 Minnesota Statutes, and has been confirmed with the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office. A replacement would work as such:
1) Franken resigns.
2) Gov. Mark Dayton, a Democrat, appoints new US senator.
3) A special election will be held in November 2018 to fill out the remainder of Franken's term (through January 2021).
4) Whoever wins the special could run for a full six-year term in 2020.
With Dayton — himself a former senator — in office, a Franken resignation would not immediately change the partisan makeup of the Senate. However, a Franken resignation would create a new potentially competitive Senate seat for Democrats to defend in 2018, further complicating their efforts to retake the upper chamber next year. Clinton won Minnesota by just 1.5 points in 2016 – her second narrowest margin of victory, behind only New Hampshire.
FYI: Franken's office said the senator will make an announcement tomorrow. | | WHO WOULD REPLACE FRANKEN? | | CNN's Rebecca Berg, Eric Bradner and Jeff Zeleny came up with a short list of viable options should Franken step down. From their article: - Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison
- Democratic Rep. Tim Walz, who is running for Minnesota governor
- Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, a former chief of staff to Gov. Mark Dayton
Also noteworthy: "Come the 2018 midterm elections, the Senate seat would be up for grabs -- and would likely become a target for the Republican Party." Republicans to watch: - Rep. Tom Emmer
- State House Speaker Kurt Daudt
- Former GOP presidential candidate and former Rep. Michele Bachmann
| | | "Hamilton" in three minutes, courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ellen DeGeneres and DeGeneres' 7-year-old presidential expert Macey Hensley. | | It's official: President Trump on Wednesday announced his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and his intent to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv. This is the first time the United States will have an embassy in Jerusalem.
"I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel," Trump said from the White House's Diplomatic Reception Room. "After more than two decades of waivers, we are no closer to a lasting peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians."
As CNN previously reported: "The move is roiling US allies because it bucks international norms and has the potential to destabilize the region. Recognizing Jerusalem as the Israeli capital could upend efforts led by Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to revive Mideast peace talks; could spark regional protests that might put US military and diplomatic personnel at risk; and could hand a propaganda weapon to militant groups and Iran, analysts say." | | The Partnership for Public Service compiles annual rankings on employee satisfaction at federal agencies. This year, you'll never believe who topped the list. The survey polled more than 200 federal organizations and more than 480,000 federal employees, and asked questions such as whether employees enjoyed their work, felt that what they do is important and were willing to put in extra time.
CNN's Miranda Green with more:
If you're looking to enjoy working for the federal government, apply to NASA -- its employees are the happiest of any large government agency, according to a report released Wednesday. NASA's rankings have earned it the top spot among large federal agencies for six years in a row, with an employee engagement score, or happiness rating, of 80.9 out of 100.
Other top large agencies include the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Commerce.
The lowest-scoring office to work in? The United States Secret Service, which is part of DHS and has been marred by leadership shakeups and, according to a USA Today report in August, has been unable to pay hundreds of agents tasked with protecting Trump and his large family.
Read more in Miranda's story here. | | | Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders posted the above photo on Instagram of him and Massahcusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, calling her his "favorite senator." Both have been considered prospects for the next Democratic presidential race, and are frequently tracked by CNN's Eric Bradner in his weekly #2020 Vision Memo. | | Brenna was inspired to get festive with the GIFs this holiday season. From our newest apPOINTee:
On the first day of GIFmas, 2017 gave to me, this amazing fourth wall-breaking moment from then President-elect Trump. Just minutes before he took the Oath of Office, Trump stood waiting inside the Capitol, looking stoically forward. As one does during solemn events.Then, almost as if to say "Get ready for a wild year, America," Trump does the following: - Sighs — Because you need to center yourself before becoming President
- Turns to the camera — As if to say, "Oh, hello, I didn't see you there."
- Looks straight into the lens — Fourth wall be damned!
- Channels the neutral face emoji — 😐 😐 😐 😐
- Mouths "Hello" — Because it's only polite to greet the masses staring at you from home
- Slightly tilts his body toward the camera — Taking a pause to physically invite us on his journey
Finally, he goes back to reality, leaving me wondering if I was watching a lost episode of "The Office." Fun fact about this GIF moment: Minutes after this happened, Trump became the oldest man to assume the US presidency. | | We'd love to share our other newsletters with you. Follow this link for daily coverage of the world's top stories, savvy market insights, an insider's look into the media, and more. Our authors for The Point are Chris Cillizza and Saba Hamedy. Send your tips and thoughts via email to Chris or Saba. Follow on Twitter: Chris and Saba. | | | | | | |
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