Does anybody know if Sen. Tim Johnson has actually spoken yet?

[PlanetBev]

Just curious, as it was his speech was initially affected.

[Avalux]

1. From what I heard this morning -

he is still not conscious (although has been conscious at times after surgery), so isn't speaking. However this is normal after brain surgery; the patient is often kept in a drug-induced coma for awhile before allowing them to regain consciousness.

[Norquist Nemesis]

2. From today's AP...

http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/J/JOHNSON?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=POLITICS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-12-18-12-36-52

Still unclear on the speaking part.

[rodeodance]

3. most likely he is intubted and outside stimulation at a mimimum

[Warpy]

4. It's too early

for anything. However, since the AVM was in the left temporal region where the speech centers are located, I'd expect him to need a lot of speech therapy after he's weaned off the drugs and ventilator.

The fact that he's opening his eyes to command is a good sign. It means he's still in there.

[twilight_sailing]

5. When he comes to he will say,

I heard about you Freeper bastards praying that I would die and I will remember that the next time a Republican comes to me for a favor.

[PlanetBev]

6. Or...

If Fox News ever asks him to appear, he should say, "I know you shithead buzzards were circling overhead, even before I got out of surgery, so go fuck yourselves."

[twilight_sailing]

7. LOL. Good one.