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Franken Gets New TV Gig

Minnesota senator, former comedian joins 'Jeopardy!' Power Players for D.C. show

The former "Saturday Night Live" writer and performer will make his "Jeopardy" debut. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call file photo)
The former "Saturday Night Live" writer and performer will make his "Jeopardy" debut. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call file photo)

“Jeopardy!” is back in Washington and some familiar faces are competing for nerd-bragging rights and charities in television’s favorite intellectual game show.  

Senator Al Franken, D-Minn., is a Power Player and is playing to donate his money to the USO, a nonprofit that provides programs and live entertainment to troops and their families.  

All contestants chose a charity to donate their winnings to. Newsmakers Power Players include CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, playing for Spike’s K9 Fund; CNN’s David Gregory playing for Martha’s Table; CNN commentator S.E. Cupp, playing for Share Our Strength; ABC’s Sunny Hostin, playing for Bronx Children’s Museum; NBC anchor Chuck Todd, playing for Samaritan Inns; Lara Logan of “60 Minutes” playing for the Committee to Protect Journalists; the Washington Post’s Jonathan Capehart, playing for Sasha Bruce Youthwork; and CNN anchor Kate Bouldan, playing for Free Arts NYC.  

Other Power Players are comedian Louis C.K. playing for Fistula Foundation; author Jonathan Franzen, playing for the American Bird Conservancy; former MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry, playing for Girls for Gender Equity; creator of AMC’s “Mad Men” Matthew Weiner, playing for Alexandria House; and political analysts Ana Navarro and Michael Steele, playing for Operation Smile and Catholic Charities Mona Center, respectively.  

The show will tape April 9-13 at DAR Constitution Hall. The show will air between May 16-20.  


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