(Thumbnail image: CSPAN)

It’s no more funny business for Al Franken.

The freshman Democratic senator from Minnesota has stopped cracking jokes and is now cracking heads.

First, Franken accused Republican Senator John Thune of distorting the facts of the health care bill.

"Senator Thune had a chart up, he had a chart up, and he said, 'When your taxes will kick in, and when your benefits will kick in.'  We are entitled to our own opinions.  We're not entitled to our own facts." (CSPAN)

Then, he cut off Independent Joe Lieberman when the senator asked for more time to explain amendments to the bill.

Lieberman: "Everybody in our country..."

Franken: "The senator, I'm sorry, the senator has spoken for ten minutes."

Lieberman: "I wonder if I could ask for unanimous consent for just an additional moment."

Franken:"In my capacity, as senator of Minnesota, I object."

Lieberman: "Really?  O.K.  I don't take it personally."  (FOX)

We’re looking at what people are saying about the new, serious Franken.

First, Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly calls Franken’s actions toward Lieberman, “mean, petty and disrespectful.”

“Now, the Franken deal shouldn’t surprise anyone, the man’s a hater, always has been, but it illuminates why the far left is despised by most Americans. That kind of behavior is uncalled for.”

After the events of the past week, Politics Daily columnist Patricia Murphy writes that people have stopped wondering, “When will Franken get funny?”

Now, they’re asking a different question.

“Where did this guy come from? In the last week, Franken has stepped into the role of fierce populist and Midwestern fighter, the Man from Minnesota willing to mix it up with Republicans to score a point for the Democrats.”

Wait a minute, says CNN national correspondent Jessica Yellin. Don’t give Franken too much credit for taking on Lieberman, that’s because:

“…Franken as presiding officer, was doing what his leadership had asked, that he limit everyone’s time and keep debate moving in the hopes of getting a health care bill done by Christmas.”

Why even blame Franken for stirring things up writes Citizens for Honest Government on the All Voices Web site – blame Minnesota!

“As was proved with the election of Jesse as Governor, Minnesota voters seem to think that any yahoo with name recognition can do a suitable job in elected office."

So, do you think we’ll be seeing more of the new, not-so-funny Al Franken? Do you think his tactics will work for or against the Democrats in the healthcare debate?