Vietnam all over again

Bill Moyers shows the spooky parallels between Johnson struggling with Vietnam and Obama wrestling with Iraq and Afghanistan. You will even hear the same phrases being used. We haven't learned a damned thing.

Senator's health throws the balance of the Senate into question.

Washington Post:
"Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) suffered a "possible stroke" today, and the prognosis for his recovery remains unknown, according to his office.

Johnson was taken to George Washington Hospital this afternoon after feeling ill this morning, according to a statement from his office. "At this stage, he is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team," the statement said. "Further details will be forthcoming when more is known."

[snip]

"Should Johnson be unable to serve when the 110th Congress convenes in January, it could mean a 50-50 split in the Senate. Gov. Mike Rounds (R) would be tasked with appointing a successor to Johnson -- presumably a Republican. That could effectively put the Senate, which is slated to switch to Democratic control in January, in Republican hands because Vice President Cheney would cast the tie-breaking vote.

However, in modern history the Senate has never declared a seat vacant as a result of a senator's physical condition."

In this day and age, would it be too rude to ask people to check for polonium in his food?