Hank Johnson on debate no-shows: ‘I call it confidence’
Doug Richards over at 11Alive has a piece on U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson’s refusal to debate Republican Liz Carter in the 4th District congressional race.
“You may call it arrogance. I call it confidence,” says the man who represents the heavily Democratic district dominated by DeKalb County.
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65 comments Add your comment
The Brutal Truth
October 15th, 2010
10:55 am
This guy has lost it. Now let’s hope he loses the election too. His refusal to debate should speak volumes to his constituants.
Sally Bowles
October 15th, 2010
11:03 am
Oh if only someone would dig into Liz’s personal closet. There are some pretty putrid skeletons there. She’s a compulsive liar for one. The reason she comes out smelling clean is she hasn’t been in political office and has no record.
Slipping
October 15th, 2010
11:05 am
This whole thing may tip over and capsize . . .
Yank Hank
October 15th, 2010
11:06 am
He thinks he only needs to answer questions from reporters and constituents? What does he think Liz is?
The man is afraid to answer questions because he knows that even Democrats are against much of what he has stood for the past 4 years. If you are an elected official you better be prepared to answer your critics and the voters. If not, you do not deserve to be in office.
Bobby
October 15th, 2010
11:18 am
Hank Jones has my vote. I would preferred he debate Liz Carter but front runners often choose not to debate those behind him. I’ve had a couple of issues with things he voted on but overall he has done well for the district. I see no reason not to return him to office.
Willx
October 15th, 2010
11:27 am
Any. Let me say it again, ANY candidate that refuses to debate his opponent in a public campaign for political office, to represent the people, has no business in public office. Its a blaring indicator of how he will conduct the peoples business. If he refuses to debate publicly, what chance does one of his constituents have getting his attention while he is in Washington. NO Hank, you have lost my vote. I will vote for a fellow American representing me and my family, not a name on a locked door.
Liz Means Biz ! !
October 15th, 2010
11:28 am
Liz Carter is the breath of fresh air that District 4 (and Congress as a whole) needs ! A sharp Businesswoman, NOT a Politician. A District 4 resident with two sons in Public High School. A
person who Loves America, our Troops, and people in general. She has been endorsed by close to
twenty organizations already. Liz is committed to creating a business environment which will help CREATE JOBS ! Learn more at lizcarterforcongress.com .
Roman
October 15th, 2010
11:37 am
I am so tired of being embarrassed by this guy. He makes everyone in this district look uneducated and stupid. Hank Johnson is arrogant and thinks just because he’s black and a democrat that he can get away with it. I have not had representation in years.
I’m a vet who served. I’m black and I’m a democrat. I’ve written several times to Hanks office, I’ve called his office and I’ve visited his office. What is my point – Hank doesn’t listen. He spoke down to me and made me feel like I should not have served. I’m proud of the service I provided in Iraq and I’m not proud of Hank. He’s all but told me to not come back because he couldn’t tell me why he continues to not support me, a veteran.
Hank is ALL talk and is an embarrassment.
Liz – I am voting for you and will hold you accountable. For some reason, deep in my heart, I know you have my best interest at heart and I will be proud to say “Liz Carter is my representative.”
A Liberal Black Democrat – in the service of Liz Carter.
Linda
October 15th, 2010
11:46 am
It’s too bad this video didn’t show the whole segment. Doug makes a great point at the end. John Lewis also refuses to debate, but has served for over 23 years. Johnson has only served…4.
Not that I agree that Lewis is excused from debating, but he has more to be “confident” about. Johnson ran with no opposition in 2008 and has done VERY LITTLE – except embarrass, district 4. He may call it “confident”. I call it “ARROGANCE” – dangerous arrogance. He thinks he’s better than everyone and it shows.
Democrats for Liz – actually, Liz why don’t you change parties? You seem to have a heart and brain.
You have my vote. I won’t vote for a man who even Jay Leno makes fun of.
Did anyone else see the Jay Leno skit with Hank Johnson and Christine O’Donnell – two shining idiots running for Congress. I guess both parties have issues – LOL.
BTW – beyond Guam, how does Hank explain his “confidence” when talking about visions in his head and seeing if his neighbor beats his wife. That’s quite the CSPAN video as well. Get rid of this idiot.
Voting for Hank
October 15th, 2010
11:53 am
Willx@11:27 “If he refuses to debate publicly, what chance does one of his constituents have getting his attention while he is in Washington.”
Pretty good actually. I called his Washington office on one occasion and he answered the phone himself and spoke with me. I have sent several emails on issues that concern me, and I have received a response to each one. And, not a “canned” response. He (or his staff) addressed the specific points I made. Can’t say the same for either of our Senators. Always, canned responses that often are off topic.
Keep doing this GOP
October 15th, 2010
11:57 am
Its not just Hank Johnson and John Lewis. Paul Broun refuses to debate Russell Edwards. Edwards has asked repeatly for Broun to debate him , but there is nothing from the Broun campaign except he has to go vote. Vote? When the House of Representives is in recess ? I would call Broun arrogant. He thinks he can call the President some names and throw up some signs and he is going to win. Boy, is he in for a suprise!
Abe Lincoln
October 15th, 2010
12:20 pm
@ Sally Bowles…what’s wrong do strong women intimidate you? Nice comment…you obviously don’t know her. Talk about Skeletons? Really? Hank has bad credit, personal bankruptcies, is a buffoon that thinks Guam will tip over, is a Buddhist and when he ran against Cynthia McK he claimed to be a Christian, and has Hepatitis C but never had a blood transfusion or has taken any intravenous drugs and his wife doesn’t have it….the only other way he could get it Ms. Pinhead, is having sex with someone who has Hepatitis C….other than his WIFE! Talk about skeletons!
Abe Lincoln
October 15th, 2010
12:22 pm
@ Bobby….It would help if you actually knew the name of the guy you were voting for….LOL!
Richard
October 15th, 2010
12:23 pm
Hank knows if he has to answer any questions he will confirm what everyone knows…he doesn’t have a clue! He is an embarrassment to the entire state and those that continue to vote for him should be ashamed. Liz is what Georgia needs!
Retired Soldier
October 15th, 2010
12:26 pm
Any person who won’t debate does not deserve the votes from his district. Maybe Hank is concerned about Guam tipping over again.
Thom Brown
October 15th, 2010
12:33 pm
It’s just like a Dumocrat (Sally Bowles) to make an unsubstantiated accusations and offer no evidence whatsover to support them. What are the Putrid Skeletons? What are the compulsive lies? Thanks, Sally, for showing why your party emblem is a JackAss. It is so fitting, a stupid pack animal that is easily lead around and has no real mind of it’s own.
Bill Orvis White
October 15th, 2010
12:47 pm
I need this Carter girl’s address ’cause I must send her some ca$h to defeat this do-nothing secular progressive far-left September 10th idiot. Miss Liz is invited over for Prayer and Pie any time at our place. My wife makes the best cherry pie.
OPEN politics and debate
October 15th, 2010
12:50 pm
I think every incumbent politician should be REQUIRED to face thier opponent in debate. Yea, I’m sure that Liz has some things in her closet too. Well then, let Hank air them for discussion in an open debate with her! I generally like Hank, but I think he has been co-opted by the Dems and politics of Washington. He actually said he didn’t owe his constiutents anything when Liz asked him for a debate at a public meeting (I think she asked something like “don’t you owe it to your constitents to debate?”).
He’s really turning me off with his “confidence not arrogance”. Don’t be confident of my vote. I don’t blindly vote Dem across the board. I want to know that you listen to me and that your views are the best views when compared with your opponent – and that those views are shared by me, your constituent.
Liz Means Biz ! !
October 15th, 2010
12:52 pm
BILL ! : http://www.lizcarterforcongress.com/donate.html We need to get the word out ! THANKS ! !
BarryB
October 15th, 2010
12:53 pm
Liz Carter wiil represent District 4 well and truly work for us. Check out her website. http://www.lizcarterforcongress.com
What has Hank Johnson done for District 4? Let’s see, there is the waste of $ on stimulus and the awful health care law. Oh, and his Guam comment makes all in District 4 look like intellectual microbes. Yank him outta there.
Jules
October 15th, 2010
12:55 pm
Oh and let’s remember Linder against his opponent Doug Heckman. Linder would have lost the battle of ideas and been shown up personally.
Mabry
October 15th, 2010
12:56 pm
Liz is a “consultant” – that means she can’t get a regular job – code word! Now she wants you to hire her……..I don’t think so!
Rob
October 15th, 2010
12:58 pm
Bill Orvis White – you are ALL talk – I have seen you say the same thing many times and then nothing happens. Talk is cheap, Bill! Put up or shut up!
Liz Means Biz ! !
October 15th, 2010
1:00 pm
Mabry, Liz ran a $65 Million Dollar Division of Novell at age 23! http://www.linkedin.com/in/lisbethcarter
Next accusation………..
Linda
October 15th, 2010
1:15 pm
@Jules – Linder should have been replaced years ago. Hank needs to be replaced as well.
The Snark
October 15th, 2010
1:18 pm
It’s hard to get worked up over a “debate” these days. From what I’ve seen of the recent “debates” among Senatorial candidates, no “debating” at all takes place. Two people stand in front of microphones and recite talking points prepared for them by consultants. The current crop of Tea Party candidates don’t even understand what they’re reciting. So, what it is that you think you’d gain from a “debate” between Carter and Johnson?
Liz Means Biz ! !
October 15th, 2010
1:28 pm
Snark, The People of District 4 DESERVE to hear from their Congressman for a half-hour AT LEAST once every two years! And the People of District 4 NEED to hear Liz Carter speak to them. I think they will be IMPRESSED by Liz, and DISAPPOINTED by Hank. HOW ELSE can the Voters decide??
lmno
October 15th, 2010
1:28 pm
I live in the district.
Here is the deal. I honestly believe that Hank’s illness is effecting him greatly. I also believe that someone else could do a better job. However, I am not looking for him to bring any legislation to the table. i am not looking for him to chair any committees. It comes down to votes. Do I want to send another “NO to everything” vote to Washington like Liz? Or do I want to send a Yes vote?
Quite frankly, right now, I’d prefer a yes vote.
I think its sad thats where we are, but it is.
There is no compromise. You are either voting yes or no. Yes, you’d like to see Financial reform, or no you wouldn’t. Yes, you’d like “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” overturned, or No you wouldn’t. Yes, you’d like comprehensive immigration reform, or No you wouldn’t.
I want Yes, so I am sticking with Hank.
@JChil
October 15th, 2010
1:33 pm
@ Mabry, So, if “consultant” means you can’t get a real job, what about Hank’s wife? If you take the time to look at his FEC filings, you will see she is paid a considerable sum as a “consultant” on the campaign. So can she not get a real job either? Oh, and how does it feel to know that the Johnson house hold not only makes money off our tax dollars, but also your campaign contributions?
Alabama Communist
October 15th, 2010
1:35 pm
After hearing Bishop Long last spiritual speech. The Congressman decided not to cast Pearls before a Republican Pig who has no idea what Planet she is on……..
Roekest
October 15th, 2010
1:43 pm
I’ve met the man in person; he doesn’t seem right in the head. You can see it in his eyes
Imma Community Organizer
October 15th, 2010
1:46 pm
Sally Bowles
October 15th, 2010
11:03 am
Oh if only someone would dig into Liz’s personal closet. There are some pretty putrid skeletons there. She’s a compulsive liar for one. The reason she comes out smelling clean is she hasn’t been in political office and has no record.
And I’m sure you have the proof to back your accusations? Where can we find it, please?
Imma Community Organizer
October 15th, 2010
1:47 pm
Maybe ol Hank thinks the studio might “capsize” if too many people are allowed in.
lmno
October 15th, 2010
1:49 pm
The video above demonstrates my point precisely. Liz Carter apparently is saying that she would not have voted for the “$800 billion dollar stimulus” package. The Troubled Asset Relief Program has almost been paid back entirely.
People have completely forgotten that day. As a trader, I can tell you, the market was dropping faster than I’ve ever seen. Actually, faster than anyone had ever seen. The Dow was down over 700 points when the House failed to pass the bill. Once the bill was passed, some confidence was restored to the market and the Dow has since recovered greatly. Its amazing how short our memories are. Thank God Hank voted for that Bill.
cg
October 15th, 2010
1:50 pm
Sally Bowles, substantiate your accusations. Typical liberal –just throw negative comments out there with no proof.
Imno, you’re an idiot. His illness is not “effecting” him, although it might be “affecting him. Are you not educated? If his illness is affecting his judgment, then he shouldn’t go back to Washington since he cannot make a good decision or even speak coherently (as in Guam might tip over).
Mabry, you think because people are consultants they don’t have real jobs? I am a consultant and the government sure thinks it is a real job since they take taxes out of my paycheck. That is no reason to not vote for Liz Carter, who is working harder than Hank has since he was sent to DC to replace the other embarrassment this district elected because of skin color.
C McKinney
October 15th, 2010
1:50 pm
Well, ya know I won the 4th District, so it don’t take much in the way of brains to win this district.
C McKinney
October 15th, 2010
1:58 pm
…in fact, this district does NOT vote for brains.
cg
October 15th, 2010
2:00 pm
Right, it votes for skin color, which is how you got elected, too! Hank is counting on that, so there’s no reason to debate.
C McKinney
October 15th, 2010
2:03 pm
Right on cg, and if anyone says anything, we’ll just call them racists. That’s our “ace the hole”….a Liberal Democrat CANNOT be a racist, so, it works every time.
Contrarian
October 15th, 2010
2:03 pm
This is a no-brainer. He’s a (D) and she’s an (R). Our benevolent and generous corporate benefactors, those to whom we owe our jobs, our lives and our loyalty, have ordered us not to allow any (D) to represent any district in the state of Georgia. If one manages to slip in via Gerrymandered districts, then it’s time to redraw the lines. (R)’s own this state and no one else is allowed to have, let alone express, any other opinion.
lmno
October 15th, 2010
2:07 pm
“Imno, you’re an idiot. His illness is not “effecting” him, although it might be “affecting him. Are you not educated? If his illness is affecting his judgment, then he shouldn’t go back to Washington since he cannot make a good decision or even speak coherently (as in Guam might tip over). ”
I appreciate you correcting my grammar. That is a rule I seem to forget from time to time.
Again, I don’t expect him to make any decisions. His only job is to vote on bills. Thats it. I am not asking him to do anything except vote. And right now, I’d rather him vote than Liz Carter, who apparently would have voted No on T.A.R.P.
I disagree with her stance.
Have a nice day, sir.
Liz Means Biz ! !
October 15th, 2010
2:10 pm
Alabama C…… What Planet are YOU on (or from)? And/or what drugs are you on? Besides, you’re in ALABAMA. We are talking about saving GEORGIA District 4! Go annoy people somewhere else….
Imma Community Organizer
October 15th, 2010
2:13 pm
He’s a (D). Our benevolent and generous Government, to whom we owe our jobs, our loyalty, our welfare, our healthcare, our homes, our Food Stamps, our Unemployment checks, our sheer existence; has ordered us not to allow any (R) to represent any district in the state of Georgia.
The Imperial Federal Government, and it’s great wisdom, will decide every aspect of our lives. We are not worthy of making decisions for ourselves. Anyone expressing a desire for freedom, or rights of the individual, must be silenced by the Great and Powerful Imperial Federal Government.
cg
October 15th, 2010
2:13 pm
Imno. You make no sense. “Again, I don’t expect him to make any decisions. His only job is to vote on bills. That’s it.” Does he not have to DECIDE which way to vote? Oh, wait…no, he doesn’t have to decide that. He just does what Princess Pelosi tells him to do. He can’t make a decision on which way to vote because his illness is affecting him, which you sort of pointed out. He does not deserve to return. Why won’t he debate Liz Carter and defend his decision to vote for TARP? Because he knows that debating the much more intelligent Liz Carter could only damage him.
Liz Means Biz ! !
October 15th, 2010
2:21 pm
Imno, Hank voted with (as he was instructed to by) Pelosi 98% of the time ! ! ! The other 2% must have been typos! Does ANYONE, ANYWHERE, who has the ability to THINK, EVER agree with ANYONE else 98% of the time? I THINK NOT ! ! !
BlahBlahBlah
October 15th, 2010
2:25 pm
He’s a Pelosi puppet. Liz has my vote.
Sundawg
October 15th, 2010
2:37 pm
How can anyone vote for Hank Johnson? I find it unbelievable that he has managed to obtain a political career. I guess the uneducated votes for the uneducated.
Get It Right
October 15th, 2010
2:40 pm
Hank Johnson and Comrade McKinney are the two main reasons I moved out of Dekalb county.
cg
October 15th, 2010
2:45 pm
Yep, Sundawg, and too many people in the the 4th District are uneducated, unemployed, dependent on government handouts…all of which Hank Johnson supports. I love where I live but I am so very tired of being embarrassed by my “representative’ to the US House.
Liz Means Biz ! !
October 15th, 2010
2:58 pm
Watch the “Debates” in their entirety and check out all of Liz Carter’s You Tube Videos (including the Original “Yank Hank” Video) ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6vgCrN8eAk