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One of my commenters just put that debate mostly to rest with two words: Stephen Hawking. Actually, the commenters uses a few more words, but those two are sufficient:
....also one of the most brilliant minds in the world Stephen William Hawking who cannot speak on his own but manages to communicate just fine and by the way also also teaches...typical of us south dakotans to have such little compassion for a fellow south dakotan... [economically clueless, 2008.08.10].
Thank you, e.c. I'm satisfied. Test the comparison yourself (astrophysicist vs. senator; professor vs. politician), see if it helps you put the Johnson-debate debate in perspective.
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Update 07:45: I'd like to think the Johnson–Hawking comparison convinced Senator Thune to remain agnostic on the debate debate, but it was probably just common sense. He stands to gain nothing from inserting himself into the campaign, but still: no help for Dykstra, the man who wants so much to be Thune's Senate colleague? Rough luck, Joel.
Great comparison. Hawking's name came to my mind, as well.
ReplyDeleteTim Johnson may become an even better senator because (not in spite) of this misfortune -- an enhanced asset and an example for disabled people everywhere.
Some time ago, I wrote a letter to Tim Johnson, Stephanie Herseth, John Thune, and Mike Rounds concerning an issue here in Lead. Tim Johnson and Mike Rounds wrote back. The other two did not.
Action speaks volumes. Substance rules over style.
Although I'm a Republican, I am likely to cross over on this one in November.
Steven Hawking is more relevant than you may know.
ReplyDeleteDr. Hawking may not have been an exceptional student (he was not) and his theories have tended to be proven wrong (they do), but Dr. Hawking is one of the most famous physicists on Earth and he inspires a huge number of people!
He may have even inspired physicists to believe that the worlds larges experiment, the Large Hadron Collider on the boarder of France and Switzerland may be more safe than it truely may be.
Learn more at LHCFacts.org
That's right! Switzerland is going to become a black hole and destroy the world before the election anyway! Johnson and Dykstra both might as well enjoy a little more time with their families. ;-)
ReplyDeleteInstead of comparing Johnson to someone else with disabilities, we need to judge him on HIS capabilities. According to people who have been to Washington and met with him, these might not be so great. Why should we take Jarding's and other spokespersons' words for it that Johnson is capable? Maybe Hawking (I personally never heard of him before but I'm not a scientist) can do a job, that in no way says that Johnson can. Each individual case is different and unique.
ReplyDeleteIf Johnson could do the job, he would be seen. Period.
I'm still waiting for a bombshell in Johnson dropping out and little Tommy D stepping in.
Like I said, I don't know Hawking. But it seems for Jtankers' comments that Hawking might be famous but he's not very good at what he does! Maybe not such a good comparison to use!
ReplyDeleteAre debates really that important?
ReplyDeleteIf you go to a debate, mostly you'll find those who are already supporters of the candidates, there to support their guy or gal.
And 90 second answers hardly do justice to the issues of the day.
I like the way we do it at my TV station. We'll give each candidate about 40-45 minutes, with our news director asking questions.
Tim has shown a tremendous amount of courage, strength and faith to have come back from where he was to where he is now. That's leadership of the kind that we need more of in Washington. Beauty contests are not an adequate way to determine who has the toughness to make the difficult decisions that need to be made every day in the U.S. Senate. We need more Americans with Tim Johnson's character in the Congress. Let's keep the one we have.
ReplyDeleteTim Johnson is no Stephen Hawking. The Johnson campaign says his impairment is temporary, but neurologists I've spoken to say that in most cases, maximum expected improvement will happen within the first 12 months. After that, speech and movement gains will be minimal.
ReplyDeleteJohnson's campaign loves to spy on and harass its potential competitors, harangue his critics and cry "foul" anytime anyone questions Tim's current (or past) abilities and decisions.
I truly feel for he and his family, but also feel he should retire with his full Senate pension.
I'm not Dykstra's biggest fan either, but I'd rather have someone in there who can express South Dakota's needs in front of the US Senate and at public appearances during the next six years, and if Dykstra doesn't perform as we expect, someone else will be running in six year.
I'm not well versed in Washington style politics but I tend to think that speaking ability is critical for success. No one here is argueing that Hawking could play football, correct? He found a niche in which he could be successful. He didn't choose something he was poorly suited for and attempt to make it work.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, why are we assuming that one exception to the rule proves Tim Johnson will also be an exception? Debating is a critical political skill. If he cannot do the job in a controlled setting how will he effectively cope in Washington? His latest TV ad has him saying just a few words and his speech seems quite slurred to me.
Lastly, I have no idea whether his opponent is a good choice. But, does it make sense to start grooming a new representative rather than coddling an old one?
When the presidential debates happen this fall, I'm sure that speaking skills will be highly evaluated. We won't soon elect a president only on his/her positions on issues. "Leadership" often means "charisma." Ask any supporter of either major party candidate if oratory is important - they'll all agree it is. Obama's oratory has elevated him above the field. It may well elevate him to the presidency. If you're going to vote strictly on positions, policies and experience, please do some from the top to the bottom of your ballot.
ReplyDeleteAt this point in his career what is important is the relationships that Johnson has established, which are no doubt substantial. If he is well respected by other Democrats, which he should be for helping to keep the majority, he will be able to do much for our state, more than a newcomer.
ReplyDelete"...he will be able to do much for our state, more than a newcomer." Based on that type of thinking, we should never elect anyone than an incumbent for any position.
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh.... you are really stretching here.
ReplyDeleteStephen Hawking CAN debate why can't Johnson?
ReplyDelete