Breaking: Ted Kennedy and Robert Byrd Having Medical Issues at the Inauguration
This is still developing. Kennedy was taken from the luncheon on a stretcher. No word on his status. Byrd was also having issues and was taken from the luncheon.
Update: Apparently, Kennedy suffered a seizure (or several) and was taken fom the room. Robert Byrd was apparently disturbed by the Kennedy events and left the room as a result. Hopefully all is well.
CNN reporting he had a seizure at 2:35. It was a long seizure, so long he was still seizing while being brought out in a stretcher.
George Stephanopoulos is updating this page – http://blogs.abcnews.com/george/2009/01/kennedy-collaps.html
Here’s his most recent update to it:
Obama just spoke to the luncheon about Kennedy, appearing extremely sober:
“First of all, I know that while I was out of the room, concern was expressed about Teddy,” Obama said. “He was there when the Voting Rights Act passed. And, along with John Lewis, was a warrior for justice. And so I would be lying to you if I did not say that right now a part of me is with him. And I think that is true for all of us. This is a joyous time, but it’s also a sobering time. And my prayers are with him and his family and Vicki.”
An ambulance could be seen driving from the U.S. Capitol.
My prayers are with them. At least they made it long enough to see this extraordinary moment in history. I hope to God they will make it to see the next chapter.
just updated the page again with a better outlook:
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said Kennedy was talking as he was taken on a stretcher an ambulance. Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., a very close friend of Kennedy’s, could be seen laughing as Kennedy’s stretcher was put into the ambulance — a good sign.
I know Kennedy wants his legacy to be universal healthcare. I think he will try to stick around long enough to see it happen.
Kennedy has the best healthplan out there, just dont know if we can afford. My prayers are with him though. PS “Obama just spoke to the luncheon about Kennedy, appearing extremely sober: ” sober- poor choice of words for Kennedy
What about Byrd? What was his issue?
Looks like Byrd didn’t have any problems.
Updated.