Johnson statement on why he can’t debate, but is up to the job. Really.
From the Argus Leader:
Senator Tim Johnson will not participate in political debates this election cycle, he just announced.
In a press release, Johnson said his speech had not yet improved to the point where a debate would accurately reflect his abilities.
and…
“I have been open and honest about my recovery. While my speech continues to improve it is not yet 100 percent and I have not yet reached a point in my rehab where my participation in a debate would accurately reflect my capabilities. Therefore I will not participate in traditional political debates during this campaign.”
So, now we’re supposed to believe the Johnson spin machine when they’re saying Johnson is up to the job? The same camp who told us he wasn’t up to interviews?
Sorry. Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice…… (you know the rest).
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Comments
This is the first step toward what some people have been saying all along…and that the Dems are denying…that Johnson is not going to run and pull a switcheroo at the last minute.
This is a blatant attempt to leverage his cash advantage. If Sen. Johnson refuses to participate in public debates, which could be broadcast statewide and receive statewide coverage, then he needs to pull his advertising NOW. He is well enough to speak on his own behalf in multiple commercials, but he cannot speak in public, which only allows one take. This is disrespectful to the people of South Dakota and I hope every voter remembers this when they vote.
If I were running against Dykstra - who has raised virtually no money and will likely not even be able to run more than a week or two of television ads - why on earth would I give him free TV time by participating in a debate?
The first rule of politics is that when your opponent is shooting himself in the foot, let him. Dykstra has run a terrible, laughable campaign. And the debates were is only chance to make his case to the voters. So why would Johnson hand him that opportunity?
Pat and the GOP can whine all they want (just like they’ve been doing), but the fact is - had Dykstra put together a credible campaign from the beginning. If he were on TV challenging Tim to debate right now, Tim likely would have had to answer the charge. But Dykstra put himself in a pretty vulnerable position by refusing to raise money and refusing to run a legitimate campaign.
So cry for him all you want, make him a victim if you will, but it won’t change the outcome of the election.
It is not about giving Dysktra face time or about debates per se. It is about a Senator who cannot function to the fullest extent.
Johnson needs to do the graceful thing and step aside. Now.
12:36 - Why on earth do you feel “entitled” to dictate what Johnson’s campaign “must” do? You sound like you’re calling for some sort of fairness doctrine run amok. Johnson has a first amendment right to run ads, and to choose whether or not to participate in debates.
The campaign will make decisions based upon a tactical analysis of how to win.
There is nothing stopping Dykstra from running TV ads today. Nothing except the fact that he forgot to raise any money this year…
Yeah. Johnson’s money talks…because he won’t. Or can’t.
If Dysktra plays this right, he will get all the free media he wants.
To everyone saying that “Johnson just needs to step aside” because he “isn’t up for the job,” why are you all so afraid of letting the voters decide who should be Senator? You’re saying that it’s “undemocratic” of Johnson not to debate, but think that voters should have no say in the matter.
Of course, if Johnson did step aside, Herseth Sandlin would step in be elected Senator. She’d do better against Dykstra than she will against Lien (and she’s going to beat him handily too).
I enjoy Democrat operatives they are hilarious! This obviously will give Dykstra all the media time! You jokers talking about money, Johnson’s money was raised by Harry Reid when he had his injury. Dykstra may have WAY less money but at least his campaign is supported and funded by regular South Dakotans.
The notion that Senator Johnson has to debate a candidate that consistently fails to prove that he is viable, is absurd
Anonymous 12:42 - I take issue with the comment Johnson Must withdraw NOW! He should WITHDRAW November 1st.
I think he’s hoping for PITY. Someone will say something inflamable and Johnson will make a $10 Million Dollar campaign out of it.
correction- Somebody will say something inflamatory and Johnson…
I was correct the first time I wrote it! You just read it wrong.
You’re right, the “retard” is way over the line. For the most part, commenters, both here and on other sites, have been respectful of Sen. Johnson as a person; it is strictly in his role as a public servant, and his ability to continue serving in that role, that we question his physical and mental status. To attack someone’s daughter in such a callous manner is beyond the pale. If you have ever spent any time with the mentally handicapped, you would realize that these individuals are full of love for people. It is one thing for those of us who post here to ridicule each other and the candidate’s we support, but you went too far. Your response was immature, actually more representative of an early teenager than any kind of adult. I certainly hope your attitude is not indicative of Johnson supporters as a whole.
To Anon 1:44 - How dare you say such a thing about Joel’s daughter!!! You arrogant a$$!! You have no idea who Sarah is or how wonderful she is! Screw you!
If the MSM does its job, and reports this thoroughly, voters will wake up. Hopefully the MSM won’t fall for the Jarding/Fisher spin machine, and the voters won’t fall for the sympathy thing.
This is proof (as if giving up a committee chairmanship, etc. wasn’t enough) that the Senator cannot do the job and needs to stop this “campaign.”
If he cares about SD as much as he says he does, he will do just that.