UPDATE: Stricken Senator 'following commands, squeezing wife's hand, understanding speech'...

Statement from the Office of Senator Johnson via Drudge ^ | 1/3/06 | Julianne Fisher

[teddyballgame]

"Today's angiogram revealed no evidence of residual arteriovenous malformation," said Dr. Vivek Deshmukh, MD, neurosurgeon. "Senator Johnson continues to be responsive to both his family and physicians-- following commands, squeezing his wife's hand, and understanding speech."

Senator Tim Johnson underwent surgery for an intracranial hemorrhage caused by an arteriovenous malformation at George Washington University Hospital on December 13th. As a consequence of the initial hemorrhage, Senator Johnson developed fluid in his lungs. Doctors placed him on a ventilator to assist his breathing. "His breathing has steadily improved and now he only requires ventilator assistance at night," says Dr. Deshmukh.

[teddyballgame]

Everyone wants this man to fully revover, but at what point does someone say he is uncapable of continuing as an effective Senator?

[Silly]

Until his wife dies.

[true_blue_texican]

Didn't Terri Schiavo do this as well? I'm just asking....

[GSlob]

It's nice to read that the transplanted Republican brain takes on.

[teddyballgame]

harsh.

[teddyballgame]

Is he following a balloon yet?

[beezdotcom]

Everyone wants this man to fully revover, but at what point does someone say he is uncapable of continuing as an effective Senator?

The headline says "capable of following commands". That's all Harry Reid really wants in a Democratic senator.

[teddyballgame]

Blink wants to raise taxes, twice to spend.

[Cicero]

Unless he recovers and voluntarily resigns, which is most unlikely, there's not a chance that the Dems will let him leave office before his term is up.

He seems like a decent guy, and I wish him well, although I can't help remembering that he stole the election with bogus votes from the Indian reservations.

[UpAllNight]

--Didn't Terri Schiavo do this as well? I'm just asking....--

No.

[Puppage]

Blink wants to raise taxes, twice to spend.

LOL!

Post of the day

[AppyPappy]

He'll be dancing in the Bolshoi soon according to the Dems.

[San Jacinto]

at what point does someone say he is uncapable of continuing as an effective Senator?

As compared to , say...the Chappaquidik Blubbergut? Obviously, there is no standard in place.

Seriously, I believe South Dakota law would allow him to hold the office for as long as he is "alive".

[Dog Gone]

He can't speak even though he's not on a ventilator. He won't be casting votes anytime soon. Probably never.

I'm sorry for him. Even though he's a Rat, I've never heard him described as anything other than a decent guy. It's unfortunate, but he's a political pawn. If he weren't a senator there wouldn't be any mixed feelings.

[wideawake]

Since he is a Democrat, he will now be denied the sweet euphoria of intentional starvation.

[teddyballgame]

But Harry Reid said he looked great?!? I don't understand....

Weekend at Senator Bernie's

[SubGeniusX]

nope .....

[Right Wing Assault]

following commands, squeezing his wife's hand, and understanding speech

Obviously overqualified for the Senate. Ted Kennedy can't do all of those.

[reg45]

It's not like the Senator needs a brain - after all he is a Democrat. They will wheel him into and out of the Senate chamber. Dickie Durbin will dutifully lift Senator Johnson's hand whenever his vote is needed. It will be the Senatorial version of "Weekend at Bernie's".

[Gay State Conservative]

I'm not ashamed to admit that I want him out...even if it means that he never recovers.If we're willing to put brave kids in harm's way and see some of them die then we should understand that his failure to recover will enhance our security and the chances of regional and world peace much more than would the death or wounding of a single Marine Corporal.

This nation's wellbeing is *far* more important that the life of a single American...including mine,others' *and* the Senator's.

Flame away if you wish but I will not budge from my position!