Senator Tim Johnson Propped Up In Front Of Crowd Of Supporters, Says He’s “Back”

Ken McCracken • August 29, 2007

But he’s still in a wheelchair, he apparently can’t stand on his own and he’s slurring his words so badly people are having difficulty understanding him.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) South Dakota’s senior senator, Tim Johnson, told state residents he has returned to public life.
“I am back,” he told a cheering crowd on Tuesday.
The 60-year-old Johnson made his first public appearance since a mid-December brain hemorrhage by addressing hundreds at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
Johnson was wheeled to the podium and rose to his feet. He spoke in a measured pace, and some words were slurred. But everyone seemed to understand the senator as he spoke.

Here’s the video of his speech (he starts a bit after the 40 minute mark):

Am I the only one a little…disgusted about this? Partisan politics aside, a man in this medical condition and at this stage in his life would probably be getting assistance from friends and family for making personal medical and financial decisions. Yet here Tim Johnson is, being propped up by his partisan political supporters and made to painful-to-listen-to speeches for the sake of convincing people that he’s able to hold on to his seat in the most powerful legislative body on the face of the Earth.
It’s…morbid. I don’t know if Johnson’s thirst for power is driving him to this, or if he’s being pressured into it by his party/supporters, but it’s grotesque.

Tags: Asshats, Domestic Issues, Politics

http://sayanythingblog.com/readers/author/Anna/ Anna

Oh…I don’t know. I understand where some people are uncomfortable with stroke disabilities but, you also need to understand that although he may look and act debilitated, his mind is unharmed. This is the most frustrating part of suffering from a stroke … you are very aware of everything you just can not act upon it. I certainly don’t believe he should be taking on any reelection or additional terms but, who knows.
I think perhaps you are being a bit harsh on him.
http://www.graemesblog.com/ Graeme

Maybe Bill Frist should take a look at him.
Robin Crenshaw

Anna is correct, BTW, but he’ll still choose to retire I am betting. He is the man that kept the Dumocrats from having a majority in the Senate, BTW. The second he had his cerebrovascular accident, it became 50-50. They cannot truly say that they ever had a majority except on paper. Least popular congress… ever.
Puzzlefeet

Man, his norwegian accent is a bit thick but no less than many North Dakotans. So because someone is in a wheelchair, they can’t serve.

So up front, let me say I am a Tim Johnson fan and am glad he is back. His speech will improve and get back to normal, but his mind is sharp.

It’s nice to know though that you don’t think people with disabilities can be a senator. You are grotesque, Rob, to think that people can’t be ambitious, want to be a Senator and also have a disability. So sad.
http://haggardnewssouthdakota.blogspot.com/ Haggs

Rob, that was probably one of the worst comments I’ve seen. I’ll forgive you since you’re from North Dakota and are probably unfamiliar with the compassion most South Dakotans have for their elected officials.

This event wasn’t about politics. It was about welcoming our friend home after everything he’s gone through. I bet the majority of the people there couldn’t care less about the political ramifications of this event. Johnson is loved by everyone in SD, even Republicans.

Yes, he’s not fully recovered. That’s no surprise. But this was his way of showing us that he’s capable of going back to the Senate to continue working for our state. What more do you need?

And you think this was about a thirst for power? Wow, that’s sick. Tim Johnson is a wonderful person and his main motivation has always been to help the people of South Dakota. Maybe Republicans are concerned with power, but not Johnson.
Lestat

I would have to hear from his doctors. It could be that his physical recovery lags behing his mental recovery or will never happen. Stephen Hawking wouldn’t pass your test of physical ability, but I’m pretty sure his mind is solid.
http://sayanythingblog.com/ likwidshoe

Puzzlefeet – So because someone is in a wheelchair, they can’t serve.

Is that what you read? Where did you see that at? Can you point it out for us?

We have to be careful around you Puzzlefeet. You often see what isn’t there and then browbeat people with what isn’t there. Dangerous nutty behavior.
HG

he’s slurring his words so badly people are having difficulty understanding him.

I’ll have to give him this, the Senator from SD sounds no worse the Senator Kennedy. Maybe that explains the ease with which democrats can listen to Johnson… Kenedy already set the bar at a level which makes Johnson sound coherent.
Puzzlefeet

Poor poor proof, even I think you have the ability to be senator even if you are missing a few brain cells tonight. In this country you can be anything you want Proof, it’s the American dream! Even for you!
http://ndgoon.blogspot.com/ goon

I’ll have to give him this, the Senator from SD sounds no worse the Senator Kennedy. Maybe that explains the ease with which democrats can listen to Johnson… Kenedy already set the bar at a level which makes Johnson sound coherent.

He sounds better than Robert KKK Byrd.
robert108

The real question is: How many functioning brain cells does it take to be a Dem Senator? Apparently the standard isn’t all that high. It’s all about power with the Dems; this poor guy needs to be able to rest and recover.
Puzzlefeet

Why,Rob? because he had a stroke? Leadership? I think he is an example of leadership. Showing that someone with a stroke can come back and do his job.

What does “clearly not fit for leadership” mean? You mean his has to talk clearly, not be in a wheelchair?

BTW, Rob, the accent line was a joke. It is clear you are too slow to be a senator as well nor are you fit for leadership. Not sure you are fit to be let loose in the big city of DC.
Lestat

He showed wit and wisdom in his speech. He did more than enough to show that his mind is back. His body might never be. Does that means he should sit on the sidelines for the rest of his life.
HG

All kidding aside, it is good to see Sen. Johnson recovering and with his family. Everyone should be blessed with such encouragement and support… yes, even democrats.
http://proof-proofpositive.blogspot.com/ proof_positive

his norwegian accent is a bit thick

I’m with Rob! No matter what shape Senator Tim is in, Puzzlefeet shows signs of brain damage!
http://sayanythingblog.com robport

What does “clearly not fit for leadership” mean? You mean his has to talk clearly, not be in a wheelchair?

If you actually think he is physically fit enough for the rigors of the Senate you’re either a blind fool or a partisan demagogue more worried about your party’s power in Congress than this poor man.

This event wasn’t about politics. It was about welcoming our friend home after everything he’s gone through.

Right. That’s why a high-powered political firm created a website and orchestrated the event, right?

Nope, no politics here.
http://sayanythingblog.com robport

Man, his norwegian accent is a bit thick but no less than many North Dakotans. So because someone is in a wheelchair, they can’t serve.

So up front, let me say I am a Tim Johnson fan and am glad he is back. His speech will improve and get back to normal, but his mind is sharp.

Gotta love the spin. He’s slurring his words, and Puzzled tries to convince people it’s his accent.

This man is clearly not fit for a leadership position right now. I wouldn’t care if SD’s governor appointed a Dem to take his place, but this guy shouldn’t be in office.
http://sayanythingblog.com robport

This is just like Tom Daschle the other day harping on Republicans for daring to support someone to run against Johnson.

You libs are trying to use his medical maladies as a shield for him. If you criticize him or his decisions, you’re cast as going after a sick man.

Johnson isn’t fit for office. If you guys were honest, you’d admit that.

SayAnythingBlog.com

Senator Tim Johnson Propped Up In Front Of Crowd Of Supporters, Says He’s “Back”

Create a SAB Readerblog

Recent Comments