A brave man and a personal hero to me

This would be front page news if it was a Republican Senator instead of a Democrat. The D's would be wailing about how unfair not to be able to debate.

"Are all Democrats afraid to debate?"

there must be some kind of silliness on FOX or rush saying obama is AFRAID to debate mccain. that is absolutely LUDICROUS!!

yes, righties, intelligent and informed obama is just TERRIFIED at the thought of debating an inarticulate, lying, misinformed, cranky old man who doesnt even know the borders of the country WE invaded!

you non-thinkers REALLY need to start thinking, and not just repeat your heroes' words. if you actually gave that sentence even a SMALL amount of thought, you would see how absurd it is!

"These democrats ask you to continue because thye want to have majority in the senate" —-huh?? those EVIL democrats, wanting to maintain their majority—the NERVE! what elitists! i'm sure they'll find some way to tax that too!!

i CANNOT WAIT until he debates mccain, it's going to be hilarious, and his handlers better load him up with xanax or something, cuz mccain is very likely to blow!!!!

He doesn't need a debate. He's up by 30 points! Do what you need to, Senator.

This Pro Obama senator needs to retire.

Has he been arrested TWICE? Our President Has
Has he shot somebody and called the police HOURS later? Our Vice President Has.

Step down? GROW UP, faux Dem for John McCain!

G-d bless him…wishing for a speedy recovery.

GIVE THE MAN A BREAK. FOR PETE'S SAKE WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE , TRYING TO FORCE A MAN WHO HAD A STROKE AND HAS SOME RESIDUAL SPEECH IMPEDIMENT TO DEBATE ON A STATE OR NATIONAL LEVEL WHEN HE IS AT A DISADVANTAGE.
YOU PEOPLE ARE LIKE THE ONES WHO THREW HIS OWN GRANDMOTHER UNDER THE BUS. HYPOCRITES.

The one that should be retiring is J-M

GOOD JUDGEMENT, GET SOME REST!

Susie, that is a low blow - Senator Johnson is still regaining the ability to speak properly from the life-threatening stroke that he suffered in December, 2006 - He is understandably concerned about his speaking ability in a debate setting and wants voters to see him at his best. Afraid? Give me a break.

Mr. Johnson, you must retire. These democrats ask you to continue because thye want to have majority in the senate. It is time for you to take rest.

If he's too sick to debate his opponent, then he should be voted out of office. I wish him a full recovery but, in this case, it appears he's using the stroke as a way to dodge debating his opponent.

Senator, please continue to improve, and to Susie–take your comment and shove it……

I pray that you continue to recover.

If you can't stand the heat, get the heck out of the kitchen (and take the rest of the useless Democrats with you).

Even with this impediment, Senator Johnson is a great deal more articulate than McSame.

I'm sure Johnson would do far better than McCain in a debate. I can't wait for what I believe will be one of the greatest if not worst debates of all times.

No Democrat is afraid to debate a Repblican. Mr. Johnson's thoughts would be more complex than he would be capable of saying at all quickly. It would simply be unfair. Of course expressing complexity in thought would be no issue to aRepublican!

that was an honest response to a direct question. Take note repugs and tired, can't let go Hill supporters. That's how it's done.

Poor guy…give him a break, just barely is recovering

Are all Democrats afraid to debate?

Remarkable recovery and by the Grace of God, may he continue to complete many more remarkable milestones in regaining his health!

your record speaks for itself.well done.south dakota should be proud of your record.

Well I will give him a little bit of a break on that. I wonder if that is why Obama don't and will not accept McCains challenge to debate at town hall meetings. I don't think so. Did he not just the other day say he would debate McCain anywhere any place. Whoops he changes a lot doesn't he. As far as Johnson if he cannot debate he cannot do his job in the senate and should take his retirement and let someone who can represent the people of South Dokato. Fat Ted Kennedy should do the same. But it will be out of his hands soon. People with them type of cancers don't usually last to long.

keep up the great work, senator—in your rehab and your political career!! your honesty and committment are appreciated by us all!!!

It is sad that you had to go through this. The American people wish you a fast and full recovery.

I bet he still sounds better than BHO.

SoDak for McCain!!

gET WELL SOON, OUR PRAYERS GONE WITH YOU ALWAYS.

Take care of your self Senator Johnson, life is too short!! May you have a complete recovery.

interesting………Don't senators usually have to talk on the senate floor?

Senator Johnson has moxey. There are a lot of people that have strokes and just don't make it back to normal. For him to be able to just do his job is a plus to the country. I wish there were more senators that felt as strongly about doing the right thing for the country.

OMG! Totally thought he was someone else. I take it back, Sir. win win win.

How about an on-line debate. That way your opponent's views and your views could be displayed in text in response to a moderators posted questions?

I wish you a speedy and full recovery after which I hope you lose.

God Bless You and Stay Strong!

I wish him a speedy recovery! Take care, Senator.

Senator best wishes on your continued recovery.

That makes sense to me. If his staff knows what he is talking about, then he can get the job done with their help. Do we know if he was a good debator before the stroke? I would hope that there would be a way for questions to be asked of the candidates so that the public can get a better sense of the candidates.