Al Franken Gives Emotional DADT Speech

Al Franken got emotional yesterday after the Republicans blocked the bill repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. He recalled visiting an Army base during his comedian days, and said the troops loved his show—especially the DADT jokes. “The troops loved this, they thought it was hilarious, everyone was cheering and laughing—maybe especially those female soldiers up in the bleachers,” he said—pointing out that those female soldiers were gay, Politico reports.

After the show, the commander “told me, ‘Al, keep telling those Don't Ask, Don't Tell jokes,’” Franken continued. “All gay and lesbian service members want to be able to serve. Instead, people are getting kicked out of the military. People who don't need any moral waiver, people who don't need standards lowered for them in order to serve. People who are patriotic and courageous and who have vital, irreplaceable skills.”