Former U.S. Senator Al Franken Gives Distinguished Lecture at Kean University
Former U.S. Senator and Saturday Night Live alumnus Al Franken opened the Kean University President’s Distinguished Lecture Series for the academic year with a conversation about the tight race for president, and his recollections of both the Senate and the iconic comedy series.
Mixing political insight, humor and a few gentle impressions of former Senate colleagues, Franken spoke to a full auditorium of faculty, students and community members following a classroom session with students.
“Everything tells us this is going to be a 50/50 deal,” he said, referring to next week’s presidential election. “I don't think either of the candidates is going to open things up. I think the question here really is, how sound is the polling.”
Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., welcomed Franken, the first of five Distinguished Lecturers appearing at Kean this year.
“When Kean started this lecture series, the goal was to bring some of the best thought leaders of our time to campus — people who challenge us to think critically, expand our horizons, and, most importantly, inspire us to take action in the world,” Repollet said. “Today’s guest, Al Franken, certainly fits that bill. No matter what side of the political aisle you’re on, we can all agree that it is time to learn all we can — to be the best-informed voters we can be — before we cast our ballots.”
A former U.S. Senator from Minnesota, Franken has the unusual perspective of serving both in the nation’s highest levels of government and as a writer and performer on the late-night comedy institution, Saturday Night Live. He also authored four #1 New York Times bestsellers and received five Emmy Awards and two Grammys.
The lecture was moderated by John Wooten, producing artistic director of Premiere Stages at Kean University. Franken encouraged students and others to become involved in the electoral process, knocking on doors, supporting their candidate and above all, voting.
“This is why our country is our country. It’s a democracy,” Franken said.
Franken, who served in the Senate from 2009 to 2018, shared his proudest accomplishments in office, starting with the fact that as the 60th Democrat, his election created the majority that allowed the creation of the Affordable Care Act.
“The Affordable Care Act is an enormous achievement,” he said. “It wasn't perfect, but it saved so many people's lives and improved people's care. I’m so proud we were able to do that.”
While in office, Franken also developed a proposal to reform the filibuster and passed legislation providing improvements in foster care.
At the Distinguished Lecture event, he also shared anecdotes and recollections of his 15 seasons at Saturday Night Live.
“We did some amazingly great stuff,” he said. “My favorite memory is just falling on the floor laughing when you come up with something.”
He said his work on the comedy program carried over to Washington, D.C.
“My sense of humor worked to my advantage in the Senate,” Franken said.
Following his lecture, Franken autographed copies of his books and posed for photographs with fans. In both the class and the public session, his words made an impression.
Rashaad Coulotte of Piscataway, a Kean graduate student studying forensic psychology who hopes to run for elected office in the future, said he felt the student Q&A was insightful and “felt a little more personal.”
“Without knowing much about Al Franken, I believe I figured out who he was completely through the stories he told and the opinions and lessons he gave,” Coulotte said. “It was very interesting to hear his advice to students wishing to become a member in office.”
Barry Goldenberg of Cranford, who attended the main session, said it was fantastic.
“I’ve been a fan of Franken’s for years, through comedy and more so as a Senator,” Goldenberg said. “I think we need him back in politics more than ever.”
Cole Donat, 23, of Maplewood, said he “appreciates the comedy with the politics.”
“Al Franken, you’ve got to love him. He always has something very prescient, very valuable to say, and he’s never been too wrong,” he said.
Upcoming Distinguished Lecturers at Kean include human rights activist Ndaba Mandela, grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, on November 14; scientist and autism advocate Temple Grandin, on December 5; Emmy-nominated actor Giancarlo Esposito, on February 4, 2025; and best-selling tech author and podcaster Kara Swisher, on April 28, 2025.
Tickets to all of the upcoming lectures are available at the President’s Distinguished Lecture Series webpage. Admission is $20 for the general public. Kean faculty, staff and students can attend each lecture at no cost but must reserve a free ticket in advance.
All lectures take place at 4:30 p.m. in the North Avenue Academic Building on Kean’s Union campus.