Grr I can't understand Franken

[MattNC]

Perhaps it's because they're on the road, but I swear I can't understand what this man is saying today. His voice sounds more mumbly than normal and he's not nearly talking loud enough. But maybe it's just me.

[Fed Up]

1. His show isn't very good. I like Hartmann over Al.

Al is a great guy but he is too friendly to wingnuts that visit his show or call. I'm sick of listening to that asshat Mark Luther every day.

[Selwynn]

7. His show is great.

What I should really say is that my opinion is that his show is great, and I personally enjoy it a lot.

[Chicago Democrat]

2. He is soooo tired.... Can you imagine doing original shows every day

while going all over the country??? Physically and emotionally draining... You noticed how he has cried each day for the last 3 days? The man is overdoing it; I pray for him and wish for his good health! I love AL, he is my hero (tied with Moore)

[SoCalDem]

4. Here's what's "wrong" with Franken's show..

He's trying TOO HARD.. He should listen in to Guy James.. Guy knows how to do a political show..

You invite callers, and then you actually TAKE THEIR CALLS.. Their calls re-direct the discussion and keep it fresh,, A guy like Franken knows enough to be able to roll with it, and keep the discussion going..

He's tired because HE'S the whole show..

I actually got through one time, and was opn hold for OVER AN HOUR (phone on speakerphone during that time)..They never "took" the call.

His show has become too "One-Note"-ish, and lacks any spontanaeity..

He could change it, and not be as tired, but his ego probably won't allow it.. (ALL celebs are ego-driven, so that's not a slam)..I like Al.

[nostamj]

5. i agree. too much script, not enough talk

they seem to HATE actually talking to listeners.

that is NOT talk radio. imho.

i like and respect al, and I like a lot of the bits, but to do the same routines day after day...

even when he has a good guest, al doesn't know when to shut up and have a DIALOG

[Selwynn]

9. That's precisely why I like it.

[Chicago Democrat]

6. I encourage you to watch it on Sundance Channel!

They edit it down to 1 hour, plus its on TV so you get to see it. The show really works, kindof like Prairie Home Companion combined with the Daily Show. He gets the best guests. If you saw the show with Mark Luther, I came away loving that man, even though he is blind. I disagree with you, I love the show, repetition and all. I'm worried that Al is overdoing it a little.

Katherine Lanpher has really come into her own and they are a superb team IMO.

[SoCalDem]

8. I have seen it on Sundance, and that's great, BUT

AAR format was supposed to be the answer to Rush et al...not a Reader's Digest version on a channel that most people don't get or know about..

AAR was intended to be heard at work, in the car...effortless..

[InhaleToTheChief]

3. Oh come on!

Lots of people put on a show every day. Hell, Randi does 4 hours a day and doesn't break a sweat. Poor Al! It's hard work, isn't it? Maybe he should stop saying yes to every book/TV show/T shirt/etc pitch that comes his way if he can't handle it. I would imagine the millions of dollars he's made help a bit.

I, too think Al is way too centrist on his show, and I'm so sick of Katherine always piping in with the "to be fair, the Republicans blah blah" point of view.

And Al is not even on the same page as Michael Moore. And he is nowhere near Randi Rhodes, Mike Malloy, Thom Hartmann, Ray Taliafero, Bernie Ward, Guy James, Peter Werbe, Peter B Collins, etc, etc, etc.

I like Al. I think he's funny. But he is not particularly great on the radio. He mostly brings star power to the table.

[Chicago Democrat]

10. Yes, but Al actually gets listeners and is persuading people...

Allof those others (who I agree with more, politically speaking, as do you, I voted for Kucinich too, happy Birthday Dennis BTW)merely energise the base.

Randi Rhodes... The best, but never does interviews and when she does its often a disaster ala Patti Smith or Nader. Too angry and blaming to actually persuade anyone other than left of centre types.

Mike Malloy... Great.. except when he starts yelling. Which happens every night.. when I turn him off.

Thom Hartmann... Politically my favorite, a beautiful voice, I LOVE HIS KNOWLEDGE OF HISTORY...BUT! WTF with that psycho CULT Advertiser?!!! Something to do with alien teachers or some clap trap, makes him seem a bit less credible... Keep you freaky religion out of the show!!!

Berni Ward... I think he's really a conservative still and just riding this as a carreer since the right wing side of the dial is completely crowded.

Peter B COllins...The best of them all... MY personal favorite after AL... I wish he was more popular. He does the best interviews...

Al Franken... Has the gravitas, the popularity, the mainstreamness to make it on TV, Radio, Books, Punditry and WILL FOR SURE BE A SENATOR IN 2006. Thats why he's the greatest of all...

just my opinion... Blessings to you...I listen to all of them..

[donco6]

12. Your assessments agree with mine.

And are much more eloquently written.

[billie_]

11. i love Al & Katherine

and am so grateful for AAR...

yes, Al is way a conservative, or centrist, but in reality, so are MOST people...i am a bleeding heart "wild eyed" crazy liberal, but i know the majority are not... i will just say, again, thank "insert diety here" AAR keeps me sane-ish...

i am so glad they added Mike Malloy, i missed him after ieamericaradio ceased to be...

the best part of the democratic party is that we are inclusive and diverse...like the world...don't hate!