Al Franken Taught Senators How to Clap Sarcastically for Trump’s Speeches | The Tonight Show

Al Franken compares how State of the Union addresses changed during Trump’s presidency, talks about having to ditch his sense of humor while serving as a senator and discusses his first solo comedy tour.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Stream now on Peacock: bit.ly/3gZJaNy
Subscribe NOW to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: bit.ly/1nwT1aN
Watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Weeknights 11:35/10:35c
Get more The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: www.nbc.com/th...
JIMMY FALLON ON SOCIAL
Follow Jimmy: / jimmyfallon
Like Jimmy: / jimmyfallon
Follow Jimmy: / jimmyfallon
THE TONIGHT SHOW ON SOCIAL
Follow The Tonight Show: / fallontonight
Like The Tonight Show: / fallontonight
Follow The Tonight Show: / fallontonight
Tonight Show Tumblr: / fallontonight
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon features hilarious highlights from the show, including comedy sketches, music parodies, celebrity interviews, ridiculous games, and, of course, Jimmy's Thank You Notes and hashtags! You'll also find behind the scenes videos and other great web exclusives.
GET MORE NBC
NBC KZbin: bit.ly/1dM1qBH
Like NBC: / nbc
Follow NBC: / nbc
NBC Instagram: / nbc
NBC Tumblr: / nbctv
Al Franken Taught Senators How to Clap Sarcastically for Trump’s Speeches | The Tonight Show
/ fallontonight
#FallonTonight
#AlFranken
#JimmyFallon

[@kedawitkedawi3611]

We need you back sir.This man is very honest.

[@gerardlafontaine2322]

Al Franken admitted to sexually assaulting multiple women.

[@billybeads3328]

Al Franken was brilliant at asking piercing questions when he was on any Senate committee

[@1223steffen]

He was inconsistent.

[@blurtling]

He needs to run for reelection. Full stop.

[@alalalala57]

@@1223steffen Inconsistently inconsistent. As in, he was consistent.

[@1223steffen]

He was also a sexual predator

[@billybeads3328]

@@1223steffen NOT true and YOU have zero proof of that

[@arliepics4364]

We need Al.....We want Al.... You are a saint compared to other members still in power.

[@gerardlafontaine2322]

You are incorrect on that one.

[@pantlonimary7669]

Come back Al. We need you in the Senate.

[@williamobryan682]

@David Williamson HEAR HEAR !

[@slister45]

I had the privilege of catching Al's show in Ithaca last year. He was fabulous!

[@littlejoe9381]

Always remember that you’re good enough, you’re smart enough, and doggone it, people like you.

[@dreed1058]

Just saw him speak in Austin, Tx. in December - always admired him, and now couldn't adore him more! We need more smart comedians in public service!

[@luciferangelica]

i know where they found a good use for comedians in politics. get this man a gun

[@susantunbridge4612]

Like President Zelenskiyy

[@Strider1954]

I had the honor of listening to his daily radio shows for 3 years. Voting for him is one of my best votes, I knew he was well prepared for what he wanted to do.

[@arynrowland862]

Lol, no. We need more capable professionals in office who can work to get something done, not another mouthpiece that says a lot, but does nothing. Can you name even one of his accomplishments in the Senate?

[@tubehound8]

Sen. Al Franken is bright enough and smart enough and gosh darn it people like him. Run Franken run

[@clarkhull7546]

Yes run Franken run. Run from that photo of you being a pervert.

[@S.Pociecha]

@@clarkhull7546, you realize no one can feel anyone up when they're wearing a flak jacket, right? That's what made it comical.

[@clarkhull7546]

@@S.Pociecha Ahhh...of course. That's what made it comical. Brilliant!!

[@Dovietail]

I freaking love Al Frankin.

[@rock-n-rollfoodie]

Gloria! I second that love to the hundredth degree. This man is for the people!

[@chickenmama823]

Oh I do too!

[@hankgarza4975]

Communism Sucks, and so do you.

[@suecastillo4056]

Me too!!! I just think he’s great and really really smart!!🥰♥️☮️

[@debbiepowers4743]

I know, I do too. He got a raw deal.

[@teresarichardson5960]

I love Al Franken, too! I'd like to see him back in politics.

[@clemt1456]

He shouldn't have resigned.

[@1223steffen]

I’m glad

[@S.Pociecha]

@Clem T, I'm pretty sure he knows that.

[@autumnconway3642]

Agree

[@nonamesinenomine]

Should've never been in senate in the first place

[@snappingturtlehiddentiger6571]

He molested sleeping women

[@sugarcookiecube]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 COME BACK AL. WE NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@redhead5990]

I miss your Senator Franklin, and please come back! Our Democracy is at risk!

[@ToneTraveler]

“…and then I started thinking of her 90 year old son.” Got me Franken! 😂

[@killmore75]

He is smart enough and good enough! People like him!

[@chefpaddy]

Gosh darn it, I do...

[@judychandler8485]

And dog gone it, I like him too !! 🤗

[@clarkhull7546]

Yes perverts do like him in that photo

[@hydrocarbon82]

To anyone that says they don't like him I say: denial ain't just a river in Egypt!

[@12486jules]

I would vote for you again Al! Please consider running again

[@mikeboothe]

I wish Al would run again. We need a strong intelligent voice in Congress.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

I totally agree.I wish he would run again.Most definitely.

[@1nvisible1]

*He never should have resigned.*

[@gingerhitzke9185]

Agreed!

[@gingerhitzke9185]

He should run for President.

[@johnthomas2587]

He was a Senator.

[@abird1539]

Yes, Al. Just say yes; throw your hat in the ring again. We.NEED your 'candid' observations to keep us going... better laughing than... well, ya know. Geezes we miss you!

[@stoneyll]

The Great Al Franken~! We love you.

[@laurab1057]

one of the greatest senators we have ever had. please come back.

[@bananamansam01]

I'm a lifelong MN resident (with the exception of a few college years). I thought he was an excellent senator. I wish he hadn't resigned.

[@autumnconway3642]

Agree

[@LastRookie]

I would agree, but I think it was needed for the time, and I think it's better for him to not be a senator. He seems to be doing better.

[@ShawnLH88]

RUN FOR SENATOR AGAIN DAMNIT. WE NEED YOU AL!!

[@Sound22001]

Mr Franken, I am a big fan of your PODCAST 👍 Thank you 🙏 and greetings from Germany

[@reeseew5508]

Watched this at 3am and almost woke my family 😆😆🤣🤣😂

[@rosalindaarons6657]

I wish All Franken was Senator Franken.again

[@galepatrick1702]

laugh out loud this morning watching this - common denominator is great humor - thanks Al Franken -

[@lynnegackstetter2779]

I miss my senator too. I wrote and begged him to remain my Minnesota senator. To leave over an accusation that happened year's ago when he was on SNL

[@1223steffen]

So?

[@jamescahoe7981]

Franken was a smart and thoughtful senator. I wish he would run again. I know he made a mistake but compared to Trump he is a choir boy.

[@1223steffen]

Nine women

[@callen9623]

How many people trump paid to have an abortion? I like that Johnny Carson bit you did there.

[@Sharsung]

I’m not convinced he made those “mistakes “. He was effective and people loved him.

[@mrvlsmrv]

@@1223steffen is a thin softball team.

[@patriciabagby90]

It was a put up job. He was getting too popular.

[@MichaelWorley]

Put this man back in the Senate.

[@clarkhull7546]

Put him back in the Senate with a blown up photo of him being a pervert behind his desk.

[@autumnconway3642]

We desperately need him back.It will happen.

[@titusmccarthy]

NO! No more celebrities.

[@craigwiester9177]

Al, you should have said, "I'll resign for my mis-deeds when Trump does."

[@mocuishle1028]

EXACTLY! 👏

[@1223steffen]

When Biden does too.

[@stevewalston7089]

@@1223steffen F off dude. Go back to fox news and your crack pipe.

[@orangemonster61]

Exactly that's why I can no longer support him.

[@orangemonster61]

@@1223steffen Not a finer man on earth than Joe Biden. If you have a problem with Biden it's you that is wacky.

[@tonigonzalez1926]

Probably won’t get to see him on tour but would love to see him back in the senate

[@theresamcdonald5709]

You would win a senate run hands down!!!! Please run for office again!!!

[@maryhazlett]

Frankly, almost everyone in my family, even at age 110, would have thought the congrats letter was funny. We have what my dad used to call a "warped sense of humor". (got it from him). I wish Al would run again.

[@bonnie.duncan]

goddamnit, we need al franken back in politics!

[@margarethoerl461]

Run Al Run! We know your thinking about it. 😍

[@MW-rq5uc]

Boebert and MTGreen can be in Congress but Franken can’t. That is a shame. Franken is so smart and so funny. Where did we go this wrong?

[@notperfectandneverwillbe4825]

Senator franken took responsiblity for his mistakes unlike those two morons.

[@darindunn]

Because he sexually assaulted 13 women. The other two simply have a different view on the issues than you.

[@kevinarnold4007]

@@darindunn 13 women???? Are you fucking serious? Thats a bullshit story. Take off you social warrior tin foil helmet and wake the fuck up. He resigned over a stupid fucking photo. Yet his republican accuser slapped asses on stage and laughed it off. Yet everyone else in congress gives a free pass to Boebert, Taylor Green, Matt Gates, Gosar ect.. should I go on?

[@dianemitchell1717]

Frankin’s only crime was being a progressive. That is why the corporate dems shoved him out. So sorry he resigned.

[@catmom1322]

Who's "we?"

[@yellolab09]

We really miss you in congress, Al.

[@1223steffen]

I don’t he is one of the ugliest things I have ever seen

[@80sChick80s]

I LOVE AL FRANKEN! I thought he was a great Senator.

[@ThePoorStudent]

I've heard the "you have a bright future" joke several times and it still cracks me up! :D

[@tamarapayne2876]

I can’t believe they kicked him out and Matt Gaetz is still going strong. Yargh!

[@ivonnedarley6813]

Yeah. What's up with that?!?

[@susanknutie270]

The Nancy Pelosi clap

[@sharongelfand5065]

That clap was meant to be so patronizing, and it was...tear, rip.

[@alansilverman8500]

Pelosi ended up doing the sarcastic clap!

[@my2cents395]

I remember AL on SNL playing a reporter on seen and he had a Sat. dish for a hat. At the time a Sat dish on a truck would have been 8' across. He was funny and ahead of his time.

[@leannsawatzky2880]

Liked him even more as my senator than as a comedian.

[@clarkhull7546]

If he was ever a comedian then I'm the emperor of Russia.

[@guydavidknollcomedy]

@@clarkhull7546 he’s one of the original writers on snl and you’re still not the emperor of Russia

[@clarkhull7546]

@@guydavidknollcomedy That still doesn't make him funny. Comparing him to great comedy is like comparing Justin Bieber to Led Zeppelin.

[@johnmar6376]

We need him back in senate

[@javen69]

I've always loved Al Franken. I remember seeing his signs across my city and him being elected as a kid.

[@johnburge879]

Yes, Al needs to return to office. Perhaps, our next President.

[@ivonnedarley6813]

Yes! He would be a great president imo.

[@wendystocklin9995]

Love Al Franken.

[@thomasconway5342]

Got to see Al in Portland, he did an hour n a half, it seemed like a half hour, brilliant!

[@louiseransil8115]

I hoped Franken would be the 2020 Candidate. Al, come back. We NEED YOU...(!)

[@Arcturuseyes]

Al needs a beer stein. Then he could call it Franken's stein...

[@dreed1058]

good on! made this 'ole lady lmfao!!

[@macrichardson7440]

We need Al back !!!!!

[@dawnoleary4907]

So true From Minnesota

[@chrismerkel9604]

Al Franken Giant Of The Senate & Comedy Sarcasm!

[@blondienhouston4825]

You've got a bright future! And then I thought about her ninty year old son! Cracked me up!!!!!🤣😅😝

[@jakep9610]

I miss Al Franken.

[@Sonicman415]

We need him back.

[@justsaying3729]

Baby Come Back! We Need & Miss you Al.

[@briangill23]

Al you shouldn’t have left - you let the lepers expose a pimple and win. I’m not blaming you, but we need you back.

[@pattitinsley4899]

Come on Al, the country needs you. Run again!

[@jdslim19]

He should be the next POTUS

[@foodiegirls305]

Al Franken is the BEST! Absolute Favourite

[@clarkhull7546]

He got slapped around by Ann Coulter.

[@DiamondGirl333]

I was so mad when Al Franken was pressured to resign from the Senate. The accusations were so bogus told by some true low rent low lives. It is great to see him doing comedy again because he is truly a funny guy but very thoughtful and intelligent as well.

[@BrunetteOnTheCouch]

Another political hit job. Dems fall for it every time. Same with Gov Cuomo. I didn't vote for Kathy. How about next time respond "After you."

[@1223steffen]

@@BrunetteOnTheCouch Cuomo is guilty as sin. I’m a democrat but Cuomo is guilty and Biden lost my vote when he was accused.

[@DiamondGirl333]

@@BrunetteOnTheCouch Who is Kathy? Also, respond "after you" to what?

[@1223steffen]

@@BrunetteOnTheCouch Cuomo is guilty

[@clarkhull7546]

So that photo of him being a pervert was bogus?

[@gloriamaggs5453]

Ah Al.......you are always so refreshing!! I just love you to bits! I just celebrated my 80th birthday.....will keep in mind my bright future! Al said so! G.

[@rbeygarcia]

He still takes those pauses like when he did Stuart Smalley on SNL. I’d always assumed that quirk was him puttin’ that on for the character; for comedic effect.

[@julianyc422]

He has class. It's why he left.

[@eatoijog7653]

I think he left because he was pictured groping a sleeping service member

[@shermanator9283]

@@eatoijog7653 glances at current Republican figures that do worse frequently. Yeah, I’d say Franken has class. He didn’t have to leave, he chose to because it was the right thing to do.

[@istdochallesegal3427]

@@eatoijog7653 *pretending to grope Fixed it for you

[@1223steffen]

@@istdochallesegal3427 nine women accuse him

[@eatoijog7653]

@@istdochallesegal3427 so much better lol

[@kootiblu113]

We need you in government please! This coming from a minnesotan.

[@beverleyreid563]

Miss Al Franken so much.

[@realityjunky]

2:56 Just realized that Al is the Venn diagram between US comedians and politicians. Am I forgetting anyone else?

[@Rebecca-qx1et]

I love Al 💜💜💜

[@Nicksonian]

Al Franken was a victim of excessive, unthinking, WOKE politics. I’m a progressive and respect everyone, but no one is perfect and, as Franken would say, lighten up people.

[@clarkhull7546]

Terrific!!! Put your daughter in that photo and tell everyone to lighten up.

[@Nicksonian]

@@clarkhull7546 Emotional, non-rational reaction. Wokeness misses the point. If you’ve never done anything you’re not proud of then you’re lying. If you’re Harvey Weinstein or Bill Cosby, etc. and have made a habit of abusing people, then you deserve correction…whatever that means. But if you’ve lived a wide-ranging life with lots of experiences such as Al Franken or Garrison Keillor, then you’ve probably slipped up somewhere along the line. But if you’ve done well, tried your best, been a benefit to society for 99.9999 percent of your life, then a screwup or two that never really hurt anyone don’t rise to the level of destroying a career.

[@clarkhull7546]

@@Nicksonian No I'm not perfect, but I've certainly NEVER done anything like that. He was 50 years old at the time not some 15 year old punk. If your telling me you'd have no problem with seeing your daughter in a photo like for the entire nation to see then your just as bad as him. If this is comedy for you get your head examined.

[@Nicksonian]

@@clarkhull7546 Let’s put it this way: Who deserves to be forced from the Senate more, a guy who did a stupid, momentary prank, or an entire group of senators who supported one of the most shameful, traitorous, unAmerican acts in US history-the violent insurrection on the Capitol in which they “serve,” and shirking their Constitutional duty by being complicit in trying to stop a duly and fairly elected man from becoming President of the United States? Not only should the insurrection supporter senators be forced from the office, they should face indictment. Many who were gleeful at seeing Franken’s downfall, are just fine with a significant portion of senators shamefully putting party over country. Or to make another comparison, which is worse, Franken’s stupid prank or Ted Cruz holding office without a brain?

[@clarkhull7546]

@@Nicksonian You Democrats will do and say anything to deflect from the issue. Were you upset when Antifa had the city of Portland under lockdown for 47 days? As bad as Jan 6th was, it was 1 day. Not 47 days which was left-wing radicals taking over Portland. This was simply about an overrated comedian who has said and done A LOT of stupid things.

[@bonitasilver9379]

love Al Franken

[@jothomsen2748]

Run Al. America needs you

[@zinkadu]

Al Franken for president 2024❤️

[@02bher1]

LOVE you Al come back to politics.

[@tenestetubo]

You did good Alfie, Because you're good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like you,

[@chaosiscandytome]

No good deed goes unpunished.

[@blurtling]

He should have said re: trump's SotU address, "not so moving -- more like a bowel movement."

[@ivonnedarley6813]

Good one!

[@Franklin-fb9xp]

Smart guy.

[@shakhbozbutayorov1755]

Good show 👍👍👍

[@TheGillhicks]

Franken 2024

[@anthonyperez7428]

Hmm, so that's where Nancy learned it...

[@partyonwayne4]

Why doesn’t Jimmy and NBC have a guest host for each month Jimmy does a standup tour. Like how Jimmy Kimmel did

[@uptone12111]

He's good enough and smart enough.

[@TheLosamatic]

Al Franken for president!

[@porcospino289]

0:10: "as a former Senator, I was wondering..." Fallon is not a former senator.

[@benjamindona4526]

Al Franken should be president

[@Joey-JoJo-Jr.64]

Al Frankin for POTUS 2024 !

[@clarkhull7546]

Yeah, Franken and Epstein would be a great ticket.

[@Joey-JoJo-Jr.64]

@@clarkhull7546 nice try. Swing and a miss.

[@Joey-JoJo-Jr.64]

@@clarkhull7546 you mean Trump’s BFF Epstein, the paedophile that, hanged himself in his prison cell like the coward he was.

[@clarkhull7546]

@@Joey-JoJo-Jr.64 Nice try. Now there's a swing and miss. Anyone taking photos like Franken did is the real coward. And did I mention anything about Trump. Too funny he's living rent free in your mind lol 😆!

[@Joey-JoJo-Jr.64]

@@clarkhull7546 Trump does live rent free in my mind in that he represents everything that a man should never be.

[@eagleeye5719]

This guy was so funny

[@eddyspecter]

and that's....okay. Because he's good enough.....

[@pale_saint]

Especially when he was groping women, that was funny

[@mrvlsmrv]

@@pale_saint how many have you groped Tony?

[@clarkhull7546]

About as funny as stage 4 cancer

[@clarkhull7546]

@@mrvlsmrv evidently not as many as you

[@johnnycoleman17]

WE WANT AL FRANKEN BACK!! GIVE US AL FRANKEN BACK, DAMMIT!!! First senator I ever voted for..

[@JohnnyPerth]

Run Al Run !

[@ericforsman7787]

I know it is a thankless job, but run again Al!

[@victoriagrove5344]

I always wanted Al to be president!

[@severance1961]

I like his comedy but he shoud go back to the Senate where he is much more needed

[@gillianblackbird4649]

I'm dying....😂🤣😂🤣

[@treetopjones737]

Nancy did do a sarcastic clap.

[@SanePerson1]

I would hope that if I survive to 110 years old, I would think it hilarious to get a congratulations message that says, “You’ve got a bright future.”

[@HH-gv8mx]

I should never have left the Senate! We need him!

[@roberthodge7802]

Comrade Bonespurs is a genus. We have yet to determine which specie.

[@bonghunezhou5051]

3:19 😆😆 Presidents generally have tended to have been better received - whether on rhetoric or result - on matters of security/diplomacy/defence than on domestic fiscal or social matters.