NationStates Jolt Archive

Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) was rushed to a Washington, DC, hospital after suffering stroke-like symptoms at his office. Although it is still unknown whether Johnson suffered an actual stroke or not, he is currently undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the hospital's staff.

What's troubling about this is that if the Senator is incapacitated, his replacement will be appointed by South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds -- a Republican. A GOP appointee would turn the Democratic Senate majority into a 50-50 split, in which case a tie-breaking vote would go to Vice President Dick Cheney. You can guess how such a vote would turn out...

Anyway, here's hoping that Senator Johnson regains his health and returns to office soon -- for the sake of himself, his family, and the country.

Link to CNN story (http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/12/13/johnson.stroke/index.html)

Here's hoping he recovers fully, but "sees the light" and decides that it would be best to go back to the things "which really matter" like family and gets some rest and we get the Republican.

EDIT: Bolded

Hear, hear.

May he recover quickly and fully.

That's what happens when you devote yourself to living a good, clean life.

This seems like an appropriate time to list the symptoms of stroke. I can tell you that it is very serious business and you may save the life of a friend or relative if you know what to look for. Ask them to

Smile (look for one side of the face to not form a smile)
Talk (listen for slurred speech)
Raise both arms (look to see if only 1 arm is going up)

Any of the above are indicators of a stroke.

Well, given the way things are going right now, I´ll guess it´s polonium.

God isn't as good at striking people down as he used to be... Must be all that blasted whiskey...

Thought it might have been Clinton for sec. Darn.

Well, I hope the guy recovers.

Hopefully he will live, but be unable to return to office, so the Republican will be able to appoint his successor.

Hopefully he will live, but be unable to return to office, so the Republican will be able to appoint his successor.
You're hoping the guy suffered a debilitating stroke purely for political reasons? Nice. :rolleyes:

You're hoping the guy suffered a debilitating stroke purely for political reasons? Nice. :rolleyes:

Sometimes it is better to sacrifice one to save many. I am confident that a split Congress will be much more effective at saving lives than a Democratically-controlled one.

Sometimes it is better to sacrifice one to save many. I am confident that a split Congress will be much more effective at saving lives than a Democratically-controlled one.

considering a 20 seat majority in the house? It doesn't really matter.

considering a 20 seat majority in the house? It doesn't really matter.

A bill has to pass both houses of Congress before it can become a law. Of course it matters. The Democrats cannot pass any severely disgusting legislation while the Senate is a barrier.

A bill has to pass both houses of Congress before it can become a law. Of course it matters. The Democrats cannot pass any severely disgusting legislation while the Senate is a barrier.

you have heard of "presidential veto", yes?

A bill has to pass both houses of Congress before it can become a law. Of course it matters. The Democrats cannot pass any severely disgusting legislation while the Senate is a barrier.

Define "severely disgusting."

besides, it's not going to happen.

A bill has to pass both houses of Congress before it can become a law. Of course it matters. The Democrats cannot pass any severely disgusting legislation while the Senate is a barrier.

Correction: While the vice president's tie-breaking vote is a barrier.
Not gonna matter if even ONE republican votes with the dems.

If Johnson needs to be replaced, it should be Tom Daschle.

This may seem odd coming from me, but could we please leave the political ramifications out of this discussion? The guy had a stroke, for fuck's sake.

This may seem odd coming from me, but could we please leave the political ramifications out of this discussion? The guy had a stroke, for fuck's sake.
Stroke-like symptoms to be exact. And it's kinda hard to leave political ramifications out of the discussion when the fate of this man decides the balance of power in Washington.

At the very least, I feel good knowing I'm in the camp hoping he gets well (for political reasons), rather than the camp that hopes he is incapacitated (for political reasons).

Not a stroke (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/J/JOHNSON?SITE=MIHOL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT)

But they're not saying what it was yet, either.

Here's hoping he recovers, but decides that it would be best to go back to the things "which really matter" like family and rest and we get the Republican.

Hopefully he will live, but be unable to return to office, so the Republican will be able to appoint his successor.

Sometimes it is better to sacrifice one to save many. I am confident that a split Congress will be much more effective at saving lives than a Democratically-controlled one.

A bill has to pass both houses of Congress before it can become a law. Of course it matters. The Democrats cannot pass any severely disgusting legislation while the Senate is a barrier.

Have neither of you any sense of decency? A man had a stroke, and you gloat? That's disgusting. And just what, pray tell, did you mean by "severely disgusting legislation"? I mean besides "Anything I disagree with"?

If (unfortunately) he has to step down and retire or take a few terms off, the governor of that state appoints the successor, right?

This governor is up for re-election when?

How do you think the voters of the state will think of him if he appoints someone deliberately in opposition to the guy that they voted in place?

I'm going to be optimistic, and say that the governor is going to appoint a moderate: maybe he'll still have an R next to his name, but he's not going to appoint anyone that the voters will hate him for.

best case: full recovery, false alarm, Senator goes back to work

worst case: Senator doesn't recover well enough to get back in office, and the Governor appoints a real bible-thumper to office.

probably: Senator takes a few years off for his health, and the governor appoints a republican who's willing to make reasonable agreements with the dems.

Are the Republicans who hope he dies so the Senate can go Republican any worse than the Democrats who hope he lives just so the Senate can stay Democratic?

Are the Republicans who hope he dies so the Senate can go Republican any worse than the Democrats who hope he lives just so the Senate can stay Democratic?

if you had to choose for anyone: any random human being on the planet to live or die, would you hope for their demise?

monster.

The politics are a nice side effect, but are you really siding with the people who want him to die just because they don't agree with him?

Are the Republicans who hope he dies so the Senate can go Republican any worse than the Democrats who hope he lives just so the Senate can stay Democratic?

even if the motivations are the same, one side is wishing for the death (or harm) of a human being, and the other is hoping for his recovery.

How can you not see the difference?

Have neither of you any sense of decency? A man had a stroke, and you gloat? That's disgusting. And just what, pray tell, did you mean by "severely disgusting legislation"? I mean besides "Anything I disagree with"?

I was not gloating. I am sorry that he had a stroke (or whatever it was, I think I heard that it was something else). And I did say that I hoped he recovers fully. But I also said that I hope the Republican comes into office, because the Democrat steps down for reasons other than health. Reread my post.

if you had to choose for anyone: any random human being on the planet to live or die, would you hope for their demise?

monster.

The politics are a nice side effect, but are you really siding with the people who want him to die just because they don't agree with him?

Well, nobody is hoping he dies. They're just hoping he doesn't survive well enough to keep his job.
Which is almost as bad, but still.

I hope the guy recovers alright.

even if the motivations are the same, one side is wishing for the death (or harm) of a human being, and the other is hoping for his recovery.

How can you not see the difference?If their motivations are the same, they will hope for a Republican senator to die if it means the Democrats can gain a seat.

If their motivations are the same, they will hope for a Republican senator to die if it means the Democrats can gain a seat.
I know I wouldn't. How much more crass could one be?

If their motivations are the same, they will hope for a Republican senator to die if it means the Democrats can gain a seat.

that's a logical fallacy. Because one wishes a democrat to stay alive does not mean one will wish a republican to die.

if you had to choose for anyone: any random human being on the planet to live or die, would you hope for their demise?

monster.

The politics are a nice side effect, but are you really siding with the people who want him to die just because they don't agree with him?You ranked the best, worst, and intermediate case scenarios based on which party ends up controlling the Senate.

monster.

I'm not siding with the people who want him to die so the Republicans can control the Senate but I'm also not siding with the people who only want him to live so the Democrats can control the Senate, regardless of the work I put into helping Sherrod Brown's campaign.

I know I wouldn't. How much more crass could one be?
What about a few hours earlier?At the very least, I feel good knowing I'm in the camp hoping he gets well (for political reasons)for political reasons

that's a logical fallacy. Because one wishes a democrat to stay alive does not mean one will wish a republican to die.I didn't say wishing a Democrat to live means wishing a Republican to die. The problem is those who want him to stay alive just because he's a Democrat, or mostly because he's a Democrat.

I didn't say wishing a Democrat to live means wishing a Republican to die. The problem is those who want him to stay alive just because he's a Democrat, or mostly because he's a Democrat.

regardless of the ends, the means are good, which is why wishing a democrat to be healthy to retain the democrat majority is far more moral than wishing a democrat to be ill to gain a republican majority.

One wishes good health, the other wishes illness, regardless oft he motivations behind it.

What about a few hours earlier?for political reasons

yet again you miss the point. One would be quite happy to hope someone gets healthy for political reasons but not be immoral enough to actually wish harm to an individual for the sake of politics.

regardless of the ends, the means are good, which is why wishing a democrat to be healthy to retain the democrat majority is far more moral than wishing a democrat to be ill to gain a republican majority.

One wishes good health, the other wishes illness, regardless oft he motivations behind it.

May I please point out that some of the people on here were taken out of context? Myself, particurally, but I think there are one or two more.

What about a few hours earlier?for political reasons
You don't think that wishing death or serious injury on a rival for political gain is worse than wishing good health on an ally for political gain? Imagine these scenarios playing out at a hospital:

Democratic POV: "I really hope you get well soon, Senator Johnson. We really need you back in Washington."

Republican POV: "I really hope you're too crippled to continue working, Senator Johnson. It'd be great seeing you replaced by someone from my party."

Does anyone actually know this guy personally?

May I please point out that some of the people on here were taken out of context? Myself, particurally, but I think there are one or two more.

I've noticed and hold no guilt to you. You were honest enough to say you don't wish actual harm to the man.

I take more issue to the OP i'm quoting who seems to suggest anyone who would say "I hope that he, as a democrat, gets better" would likewise say that "I hope he, as a republican, gets worse".

I've noticed and hold no guilt to you. You were honest enough to say you don't wish actual harm to the man.

I take more issue to the OP i'm quoting who seems to suggest anyone who would say "I hope that he, as a democrat, gets better" would likewise say that "I hope he, as a republican, gets worse".

Thank you for clarifying. My comment wasn't aimed at just you, though.

I didn't say wishing a Democrat to live means wishing a Republican to die. The problem is those who want him to stay alive just because he's a Democrat, or mostly because he's a Democrat.If it was a Republican, I doubt my feelings would be that different.

You're hoping the guy suffered a debilitating stroke purely for political reasons? Nice. :rolleyes:

Right now, he is in critical condition. Luckily, his brain surgery went well. He may not be able to return to the Senate after this.

Though I am a republican, I hope he makes a full recovery and can return to office but if not, I hope he makes a full recovery.

A bill has to pass both houses of Congress before it can become a law. Of course it matters. The Democrats cannot pass any severely disgusting legislation while the Senate is a barrier.

Veto rights by the President is also a barrier. Now stop trying to turn this into a political debate.

IIRC, the state governor would appoint a replacement if necessary. So far, no one has said it is necessary.

Let the doctors work on the guy - he needs medical help more than he needs this political handwringing.

Correction: While the vice president's tie-breaking vote is a barrier.
Not gonna matter if even ONE republican votes with the dems.

Actually, that does matter if it is going to go the President's desk or not.

I know I wouldn't. How much more crass could one be?

On this board, anything is possible.

On this board, anything is possible.

Disgusting as I've found some of the commentary on this thread, I have to agree--this is small potatoes compared to some of the shit I've seen before.

Disgusting as I've found some of the commentary on this thread, I have to agree--this is small potatoes compared to some of the shit I've seen before.

Hopefully you're not saying that I've made disgusting commentary in this thread.

IIRC, the state governor would appoint a replacement if necessary. So far, no one has said it is necessary.

Let the doctors work on the guy - he needs medical help more than he needs this political handwringing.

According to CNN's Sanjay Gupta, Sen. Johnson has arteriovenous malformation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arteriovenous_malformation) (AVM). Sounds bad...

UPDATE: Apparently it occurred in an important part of the brain, and recovery will most likely take weeks or months.

Hopefully you're not saying that I've made disgusting commentary in this thread.

I didn't single anyone out deliberately, but if it'll make you feel better, I wasn't thinking about you.

I didn't single anyone out deliberately, but if it'll make you feel better, I wasn't thinking about you.

I just think it's inappropriate to jump to conclusions about what "might" happen.

Amidst all this speculation about whether Johnson will resign, I have two words: Strom Thurmond. If he could stay in the Senate in the condition he was in at the end, so can Johnson. And I know some folks who know him personally, so I wish him all the best in his recovery (which MSNBC says is proceeding without complications).

Amidst all this speculation about whether Johnson will resign, I have two words: Strom Thurmond. If he could stay in the Senate in the condition he was in at the end, so can Johnson. And I know some folks who know him personally, so I wish him all the best in his recovery (which MSNBC says is proceeding without complications).
For what it's worth, I heard the hospital he's at is top-notch. I think it's the same one they took Cheney to when he was having heart trouble.

For what it's worth, I heard the hospital he's at is top-notch. I think it's the same one they took Cheney to when he was having heart trouble.

Yes, they can keep the undead from rotting away...

According to CNN's Sanjay Gupta, Sen. Johnson has arteriovenous malformation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arteriovenous_malformation) (AVM). Sounds bad...

UPDATE: Apparently it occurred in an important part of the brain, and recovery will most likely take weeks or months.

Meaning that he may have to step down.

Meaning that he may have to step down.

Again: Strom Thurmond.

It would suck, politically, if Johnson had to resign, but if it's a choice between his continued life and health and enduring another two years of Republican control of the Senate ... not really much of a choice. We enddured 12 years, what's another two?

Meaning that he may have to step down.

Or that he'll take an extended leave. It's not unprecedented.

Or that he'll take an extended leave. It's not unprecedented.

No, no. I go for the zombie option. It's not unprecedented.

No, no. I go for the zombie option. It's not unprecedented.

Strom Thurmond, for example.

Does this seem suspicious to anyone? A democratic congressman with little prior medical history is incapacitated, from a state which has a republican governor?

Most certainly sounds like foul play to me.

Strom Thurmond, for example.

Yes, I gave that example earlier in the thread.

After all, a Senator or Representative doesn't actually have to know anything (as evidenced by Reyes).

The staffers keep him dressed, put makeup on the rotting areas, and march him to the chambers when it's time for a vote. Then they tell him what button to press (yea, nay).

They write his speeches and make him read them on CSPAN when no one is watching.

Does this seem suspicious to anyone? A democratic congressman with little prior medical history is incapacitated, from a state which has a republican governor?

Most certainly sounds like foul play to me.

Yes, he's being zombified.

Does this seem suspicious to anyone? A democratic congressman with little prior medical history is incapacitated, from a state which has a republican governor?

Most certainly sounds like foul play to me.According to MSNBC.com, it's a condition he was born with, not very uncommon and often goes unnoticed. No reason to suspect foul play.

According to MSNBC.com, it's a condition he was born with, not very uncommon and often goes unnoticed. No reason to suspect foul play.

The timing is very peculiar, as is the positioning.

Coincidences don't happen in politics.

Or that he'll take an extended leave. It's not unprecedented.

That is indeed true.

Does this seem suspicious to anyone? A democratic congressman with little prior medical history is incapacitated, from a state which has a republican governor?

Most certainly sounds like foul play to me.

Please tell me this was sarcastic!

The timing is very peculiar, as is the positioning.

Coincidences don't happen in politics.

Its a congenital disorder. Come on South Islands, I'm all for conspiracy theories most of the time but this is just plain stupid.

Its a congenital disorder. Come on South Islands, I'm all for conspiracy theories most of the time but this is just plain stupid.

With all the crap happening today, something like this wouldn't suprise me much.

Something like this should at least be investigated.

I'll tell you where the suspect timing is, it's in the ICE raid on the Swift & Co. plants. Shrub's approval rating goes below 30, he puts off announcing his new strategy for Iraq until next year and suddenly we're rounding up teh Ebil Illebal Aliens! :p On TV! They could have been tampering with our beef! Our pork! Think of the Children! :p

The timing is very peculiar, as is the positioning.

Coincidences don't happen in politics.

http://ic1.deviantart.com/fs8/i/2005/286/e/8/ROFLMAO__by_AquilaPhasmas.png

I'll tell you where the suspect timing is, it's in the ICE raid on the Swift & Co. plants. Shrub's approval rating goes below 30, he puts off announcing his new strategy for Iraq until next year and suddenly we're rounding up teh Ebil Illebal Aliens! :p On TV! They could have been tampering with our beef! Our pork! Think of the Children! :p
I seriously doubt Bush had anything to do with that. Rove either. If the 2006 elections taught the Republicans anything, it's that they need to tone down the rhetoric on illegals, because it cost them massive support among Latino voters.

With all the crap happening today, something like this wouldn't suprise me much.

Something like this should at least be investigated.

Obviously the doctors found that this was not intentional so you can can the conspiracy theories now. It is a congenital disorder that has knocked him out of action for awhile.

I seriously doubt Bush had anything to do with that. Rove either. If the 2006 elections taught the Republicans anything, it's that they need to tone down the rhetoric on illegals, because it cost them massive support among Latino voters.

Then maybe the Republicans have suffered a major meltdown, because those raids have damaged them very badly among Latino voters. They pulled the raids on the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, one of the biggest religious holidays for Mexicans, they did it messily by rounding up everyone and tossing them in the clink to sort out later, kids were left unattended at schools because their parents were in jail, it was a publicity nightmare.

Then maybe the Republicans have suffered a major meltdown, because those raids have damaged them very badly among Latino voters. They pulled the raids on the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, one of the biggest religious holidays for Mexicans, they did it messily by rounding up everyone and tossing them in the clink to sort out later, kids were left unattended at schools because their parents were in jail, it was a publicity nightmare.

Oh, I know. I've read about it. I'm just saying that I doubt it was a political move. From all accounts, it's an investigation that's been going on for quite some time.

Oh, I know. I've read about it. I'm just saying that I doubt it was a political move. From all accounts, it's an investigation that's been going on for quite some time.

I know, but I couldn't resist, it sounded so good. And it's kind of sad, in a way, that it's something I wouldn't put past the Administration.

I know, but I couldn't resist, it sounded so good. And it's kind of sad, in a way, that it's something I wouldn't put past the Administration.

http://www.mailartist.com/kiyotei/tinfoil.jpg

http://www.mailartist.com/kiyotei/tinfoil.jpg

ZOMG! Bush stole your tinfoil hat picture! :p

It wasn't a stroke. But he did need surgery. Everything wenf fine (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aLX9dsB_62K0&refer=home), however, so knock off the no class jumping celebration, you fucking asshole republican ghouls. You are a sickening bunch of evil bastards with no souls.

It wasn't a stroke. But he did need surgery. Everything wenf fine (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aLX9dsB_62K0&refer=home), however, so knock off the no class jumping celebration, you fucking asshole republican ghouls. You are a sickening bunch of evil bastards with no souls.

So, which ones of us, by our posts that you can link to, are the "fucking asshole republican ghouls"?

Schadenfreude, pure and simple. If this had been a republican, I'd have just kept my mouth shut. I certainly wouldn't have wished he'd live but be permanently incapacitated.




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude, pure and simple. If this had been a republican, I'd have just kept my mouth shut. I sertainly wouldn't have wished he'd live but be permanently incapacitated.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schadenfreude


Look at my posts in this thread, and you'll see it's not schadenfreude, either.

Look at my posts in this thread, and you'll see it's not schadenfreude, either.

Then what was it?

Then what was it?

This was my first post in the thread.
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12083503&postcount=46

That's not schadenfreude.

It wasn't a stroke. But he did need surgery. Everything wenf fine (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aLX9dsB_62K0&refer=home), however, so knock off the no class jumping celebration, you fucking asshole republican ghouls. You are a sickening bunch of evil bastards with no souls.

Are you including all republicans in this rant? I guess you missed my post.

Touché. It wasn't you doing it.

Not all Republicans are asswipes. Just as not all Democrats are moonbats.

I seriously doubt Bush had anything to do with that. Rove either. If the 2006 elections taught the Republicans anything, it's that they need to tone down the rhetoric on illegals, because it cost them massive support among Latino voters.

ah but he still insits we must stay the course. Damn the torpedos full speed ahead!

ah but he still insits we must stay the course. Damn the torpedos full speed ahead!

You mean like this "stay the course"?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16062351/site/newsweek/

Oh wait - that's a Democrat... Nancy Pelosi's pick to head the House Intelligence Committee...

You're hoping the guy suffered a debilitating stroke purely for political reasons? Nice. :rolleyes:

He's taking cues from his hero, Pat Robertson.

God works in mysterious ways......;)

what everyone seems to forget is, even if he can't serve, it doesn't mean a repulican automatically takes over.

The governor, who, yes, is a republican, can appoint.

However consider this. Less than a month ago the voting public, the american people, chose to put the democratic party into power and vote out the republican majority.

Now, what you are suggesting might happen is that a republican governor would promote a republican senator into a democrat seat less than one month after the american voting public deciced they wanted a democrat majority, that the governor would invalidate the will of the people of South Dakota, and place someone from the opposition party into the seat, all for the purposes of tying the senate, and seriously straining any efforts of bipartisanship, while at the same time they still have a drastic minority in the house, which means that even a bare minimum control of the senate can't actually get legislation pushed?

You think the governor would, after his part got such a stern rebuke from the american people, promote someone from his own party, against the will of the people of the nation and of south dakota, piss off the democratic strong majority in the house and accomplish virtually nothing politically? If you think he (and his handlers) are so politically stupid to put yet another nail in the republican coffin, ok. But I don't think he's so suicidal.

How long will it be until we get a prognosis? I can't seem to find anything out there.

How long will it be until we get a prognosis? I can't seem to find anything out there.

he's stable. He had surgery. He's now recovering. He's pretty fucking sick it seems, but it's not irreperable. He'll probably take a month LOA or so, but not give up his seat, that's my opinion.

How long will it be until we get a prognosis? I can't seem to find anything out there.

CNN is saying it will be hours to days, since stroke victims (which this isn't technically take a while to diagnose.

what everyone seems to forget is, even if he can't serve, it doesn't mean a repulican automatically takes over.

The governor, who, yes, is a republican, can appoint.

However consider this. Less than a month ago the voting public, the american people, chose to put the democratic party into power and vote out the republican majority.

Now, what you are suggesting might happen is that a republican governor would promote a republican senator into a democrat seat less than one month after the american voting public deciced they wanted a democrat majority, that the governor would invalidate the will of the people of South Dakota, and place someone from the opposition party into the seat, all for the purposes of tying the senate, and seriously straining any efforts of bipartisanship, while at the same time they still have a drastic minority in the house, which means that even a bare minimum control of the senate can't actually get legislation pushed?

You think the governor would, after his part got such a stern rebuke from the american people, promote someone from his own party, against the will of the people of the nation and of south dakota, piss off the democratic strong majority in the house and accomplish virtually nothing politically? If you think he (and his handlers) are so politically stupid to put yet another nail in the republican coffin, ok. But I don't think he's so suicidal.

We're talking about South Dakota, Arthais. Johnson wasn't re-elected in the last election, he's four years into his current term. The Governor, from what I hear from my contacts up there, is a total party hack who would appoint a Republican in a flash and the will of the people be damned. Besides, this is the state that tried to ban abortions in 99% of the cases, and whose previous Representative got jail time for killing a motorcyclist while driving drunk.

We're talking about South Dakota, Arthais. Johnson wasn't re-elected in the last election, he's four years into his current term. The Governor, from what I hear from my contacts up there, is a total party hack who would appoint a Republican in a flash and the will of the people be damned. Besides, this is the state that tried to ban abortions in 99% of the cases, and whose previous Representative got jail time for killing a motorcyclist while driving drunk.

well, let him. The tied senate is not that politically important, especially not over a 20 seat majority in the house.

Let them do it, and then let them worry about a very angry public who already told them to get the hell out once, and will remember it in 2008.

Let them do it, and then let them worry about a very angry public who already told them to get the hell out once, and will remember it in 2008.

I actually doubt it. The American People do not have that long of a memory.

well, let him. The tied senate is not that politically important, especially not over a 20 seat majority in the house.

Let them do it, and then let them worry about a very angry public who already told them to get the hell out once, and will remember it in 2008.

I agree, I'd rather have the House than the Senate, because there are always a few Republicans in the Senate whose moral compasses haven't been completely removed.

It's just that we'll have to put up with all that "Nyah, nyah, we're back in chaaa-aarge" crap around here. :rolleyes:

In case no one cared to ask, how he is all of a sudden in a stroke.

years back the CIA created weapons that can induce heart attacks

http://members.aol.com/alanyu5/part5b1.htm

http://www.ratical.org/ratville/JFK/ToA/ToAchp10.html

So it wouldnt be a suprise to me if they had stuff to make ppl have a stroke. this is done by the CIA so the GOP can remain in power.

they will do anything to remain in power, the ppl that run the gov't (no not the three branches or any elected official)

I agree, I'd rather have the House than the Senate, because there are always a few Republicans in the Senate whose moral compasses haven't been completely removed.

It's just that we'll have to put up with all that "Nyah, nyah, we're back in chaaa-aarge" crap around here. :rolleyes:

If I see one thread like that, I'm going to wallop the thread starter.

If I see one thread like that, I'm going to wallop the thread starter.

Of course there will be one, about 15 minutes after the announcement. Look up a bit, we already have folks crowing over it, like King Bodacious' "God works in mysterious ways" with a cute winking smiley.

Here's hoping he recovers fully, but "sees the light" and decides that it would be best to go back to the things "which really matter" like family and gets some rest and we get the Republican.

EDIT: Bolded

I'm sorry. Your post seems to be at cross purposes. Do you want him to recover fully, or suffer the incapacitating brain damage necessary to turn previously high-functioning adult into a Republican?

Of course there will be one, about 15 minutes after the announcement. Look up a bit, we already have folks crowing over it, like King Bodacious' "God works in mysterious ways" with a cute winking smiley.

I know.

Sometimes it is better to sacrifice one to save many. I am confident that a split Congress will be much more effective at saving lives than a Democratically-controlled one.

Yeah, coz the Republicans have been soooo effective for the last 12 years.

You wish harm for evil purposes. You are the worst sort of Republican. Average.

Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) was rushed to a Washington, DC, hospital after suffering stroke-like symptoms at his office. Although it is still unknown whether Johnson suffered an actual stroke or not, he is currently undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the hospital's staff.

What's troubling about this is that if the Senator is incapacitated, his replacement will be appointed by South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds -- a Republican. A GOP appointee would turn the Democratic Senate majority into a 50-50 split, in which case a tie-breaking vote would go to Vice President Dick Cheney. You can guess how such a vote would turn out...

Anyway, here's hoping that Senator Johnson regains his health and returns to office soon -- for the sake of himself, his family, and the country.

Link to CNN story (http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/12/13/johnson.stroke/index.html)

Hopefully, Senator Johnson will fully recover, for the sake of himself and his family. This isn't a desirable way to gain power, and we Republicans--unlike certain other parties--don't desire power at any cost. Just look at all the recounts we didn't demand last November.

However, if worst comes to worst, well, South Dakota law controls the appointment of South Dakota Senators, and if the national Democrat party has a problem with that, that's unfortunate but irrelevant. And there is no doubt that if the situation were reversed, a Democrat governor would appoint a Democrat replacement.

And btw: if a Republican is in fact appointed Senator from South Dakota, the eventual split won't be 50-50, it'll be 51-49. You can bet that the GOP will offer Joe Lieberman just about anything he asks for to caucus with them, and since he ran, and was elected, as an independent, you can bet he will seriously consider doing so. And since the national Democrat party abandoned and betrayed him, while Republicans helped him get re-elected, you can guess which way he will eventually decide.

However, if worst comes to worst, well, South Dakota law controls the appointment of South Dakota Senators, and if the national Democrat party has a problem with that, that's unfortunate but irrelevant. And there is no doubt that if the situation were reversed, a Democrat governor would appoint a Democrat replacement.

Actually from what I'm hearing, the Governor can appoint a democrat if he wanted to.

You can bet that the GOP will offer Joe Lieberman just about anything he asks for to caucus with them, and since he ran, and was elected, as an independent, you can bet he will seriously consider doing so.

Lieberman already stated that he will not caucus with the Republicans so I think we can close the idea of this happening.

Statement from the office of Senator Tim Johnson, via Daily Kos (http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/12/14/175358/11)
Admiral John Eisold, Attending Physician of the United States Capitol said, “Senator Tim Johnson has continued to have an uncomplicated post-operative course. Specifically, he has been appropriately responsive to both word and touch. No further surgical intervention has been required.”
Sounds like he's recovering fine, which is good news to his family and to those close to him.

And New Mitanni--this may be the first and only time I've ever agreed with you--well, except for the Lieberman thing. ;)

Actually from what I'm hearing, the Governor can appoint a democrat if he wanted to.

He can, of course, but being a Republican, and being termed-out as Governor anyway, it seems pretty obvious that he will not appoint a Democrat.

Lieberman already stated that he will not caucus with the Republicans so I think we can close the idea of this happening.

He said that during and right after the election. I'm betting he will re-evaluate if circumstances change drastically, like now.

He can, of course, but being a Republican, and being termed-out as Governor anyway, it seems pretty obvious that he will not appoint a Democrat.
I wouldn't expect him to either. You're right that in a similar situation, the Democratic governor of a state would probably replace a Republican with a Democrat. Just the way it's done.
Lieberman already stated that he will not caucus with the Republicans so I think we can close the idea of this happening.

He said that during and right after the election. I'm betting he will re-evaluate if circumstances change drastically, like now.
The way I see it, Lieberman will never be more powerful than he is now as an independent. He loses power at this point if he chooses a side--assuming Johnson is replaced, which seems less likely now than it did 10 hours ago. As it stands now, the Republicans have more difficult seats to defend in 2008 than the Dems have, so unless something drastic happens, there's a chance the Dems will increase that lead in the Senate, in which case Joe could find himself on the outside looking in. I don't see him jumping ship right now at least, and this is coming from someone who really dislikes him and half-wishes he'd go.