“I’ve gotten to know Senator Johnson and his wife Barbara over the last two years. Senator Johnson is a leader not only for South Dakota but also for rural America. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Senator and his family.”
Of course, we all wish Senator Johnson well regardless of our political bents. Recent events surrounding his health do bring into question the balance of power in the Senate, however, I find this line of questioning rather abhorrent at this point which is exactly why I echo Senator-Elect Klobuchar's classy statement.
Political scientist Sarah Binder (who, for the record, was asked for her opinion by NBC Nightly News) had this to say: "[Johnson] can keep his seat even if he becomes incapacitated. South Dakota law, when it defines vacancy mentions vacancy caused by death, resignation, expulsion. It does not make any reference to incapacitated Senators."
Even PowerLine, the radically conservative blog, offered these words:
"Once again, we extend our sympathy and hopes for a full recovery to Senator Johnson and his family."
Speculation will not change the outcome of surgery and sensationalism does nothing to support the family of a critically ill patient. So let's send our thoughts and prayers out to Senator Tim Johnson and his family. Period.
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Comments: 15
Where is the dignity of the media. I suppose that left with Walter Cronkite.
And I agree with Lady Westerfield.
In this case, the senator is somewhat immune to viscious right wing attacks because a predecessor who held his seat did not relinquish it although unable to vote for a long period of time due to a disabling medical event.
And apologies to those who recognize that I did not spell check "vicious"