Senator's Illness Has Dems On Edge

Bradenton Herald ^ | Thu, Dec. 14, 2006 | KATE ZERNIKE

[bondjamesbond]

Here in Washington DC the media is quick to point out that there is no constitutional provision for the removal of a senator in the case of his or her inability to serve.

No. But if the stroke made him really stupid, wouldn't he have to caucus with the Republicans?

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Hey! Somebody had to say it!

[C210N]

I heard stories of senators who were unable to speak...

Exactly: wouldn't even affect his ability to filibuster since you just have to threaten a filibuster these days to in effect have one.

[markomalley]

We would be doing the same thing. The control of one branch of government depends on his health. We would be concerned as well, if one our folks got sick, and it would hand the Senate over to the rats.

Some of us might. Some of us might just pray for a speedy recovery for general, humanitarian purposes. I respectfully submit that those who would be primarily interested in such an event for political purposes need to take a good, long, hard look at their lives.

IMHO, FWIW, YMMV.

[Muzzle_em]

" I am saddened that even his own party seems more concerned with politics than his personal health."


2 words for you
Paul Wellstone

[browardchad]

Fox mentioned he had surgery last night but does not have details of it.

Reuters is reporting he had surgery, through an anonymous "source," which is most likely what FNC picked up.

[YellowRoseofTx]

The Doctors predicted I would be dead or a vegetable just a little over 2 months ago. The Doctors were wrong.

I'm glad the doctors were wrong, congrats. Doctors are wonderful in so many situations, but they don't know everything, and God is actually the one in charge.

[bondjamesbond]

2 words for you
Paul Wellstone

Two more words
Love Train

[COBOL2Java]

But if the stroke made him really stupid, wouldn't he have to caucus with the Republicans?

Well, he'd certainly fit right in with ol' Trent...

[cricket]

It was the third procedure of the type ever to be performed. He was in perfect health two days later when I ran into him at a meeting.

does not appear that this is the case here; as it is being 'said' he is in critical condidtion. . .He is a decent man, for sure; and I hope he recovers; but should he not; and if he just 'lingers'. . .do wonder what would happen then. .. he is summarily removed or can he 'linger' so to speak in a recovery mode of some sort and the Senate does nothing. . .for as long as they can. . .

[bondjamesbond]

I always knew there was something about that guy...

[sodpoodle]

"But there is always hope... and the Senator may still pull a miraculous recovery"

I am so comforted by this thread and its sentiment; Freepers showing respect and concern for the Senator and his son, who is serving the Nation in Iraq.

Recently, I have noted angry, vengeful flaming on thread topics unrelated to politics. Because tearing into the Dems is unproductive, we are sulking and ripping one another apart....like kindergarteners.

Thank you - and best wishes for a great Christmas to all civilized Freepers and the others.

[OldFriend]

You mean the MSM doesn't have brain specialists speculating on every single aspect of this surgery?

Invading the senator's privacy?

Or is it only Dick Cheney who suffered that endless speculation on his condition.

[OldFriend]

Chafee would be the only who would bolt. Fortunately, he's gone gone gone good riddance.

[OldFriend]

Bryd is not propped up?

[longtermmemmory]

obviously it seems the condition is VERY VERY serious by the MSM blackout.

I suspect they will do what they did in Hawaii, keep him alive long enough for the vote.

[OldFriend]

Within moments of the first report the DUmmies were insisting that Johnson was Wellstoned.

Sanity is not a strong point on the left.

[OldFriend]

You are assuming that no newly elected senator would vote on the issue rather than the party?

When it comes to Iraq I don't see LIEberman voting with Kerry or Leahy, do you?

[longtermmemmory]

Imagine the 180 democrats are going to do after their Schiavo "let her die" position.

[Pukin Dog]

My take is similar to yours.

The media is too concerned about the implications of this event for it not to be bad news for the Senator. I expect he will be dead in days, if not hours, based solely on the way this is being reported.

The media would be rushing to reassure everyone, instead of already investigating a Republican return to power in the Senate. I wish the Senator well, but I suspect an aneurysm is to blame here, and I have never seen anyone recover from that.

[JCEccles]

So tell me: are the Koz Kidz and DUpers posting heartfelt prayer threads for him?

Or are they just angry and paranoid as usual, spending all their energy on conspiracy mongering and fretting about a potential loss of political power?

I just checked at Grand Loon Station, DUperville. On the lead thread there is one comment wishing him a speedy recovery. The balance are spinning the typical Rovian conspiracy charge, demanding that his blood be checked for evidence of funny business (Polonium 210?).