- Subliminal Messaging, or Over-Active Imaginations?
- VEEPBEAT: Contenders Off Radar as Obama Travels
- Team Clinton Gearing Up for 2012?
- Rice to Meet with North Korea Next Week
- The Note: Obama Poised for High-Profile Trip
- McCain Touts Surge Success Before Obama's Overseas Trip
- Hearing-Gate Exposed! McCain Has Worse Afghanistan Hearing Record Than Obama
- Bill Clinton Says He's Ready to Campaign for Obama
- Obama Blasts Conservative Attacks Against Wife: 'Debate Me Not Her'
- Biden hits back - More on Obama's Committee
- Obama Hits the Gym, With Multiple Repetitions
- Gore To Issue Clean Energy Challenge
- The Note: Foreign Trip Taking Shape for Obama
- Obama Raises $52 Million in June
- Religious Group Demands McCain Staffer's Ouster
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Kennedy Suffers Seizure, Rushed to Hospital
May 17, 2008 12:39 PM
ABC News' Rick Klein, Rich Esposito, David Schoetz and Ed O'Keefe report: Sen. Ted Kennedy suffered a seizure while at the Kennedy family compound this weekend in Hyannisport, Mass.
Here is the statement from Kennedy's Senate office:
"It appears that Senator Kennedy experienced a seizure (Saturday) morning. He is undergoing a battery of tests at Massachusetts General Hospital to determine the cause of the seizure. Senator Kennedy is resting comfortably, and it is unlikely we will know anything more for the next 48 hours."
Kennedy, D-Mass., who has served in the Senate since 1962, was taken by ambulance to a Cape Cod hospital Saturday morning and was later flown to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston by helicopter. The Kennedy family is headed to Boston to be with the Senator. Ethel Kennedy, who was campaigning for Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., in South Dakota, has left the trail and also is headed to Boston.
"We got a 911 call at 8:19 a.m. this morning for a request for an ambulance," Lt. Bill Rex, a spokesperson for Hyannisport Fire & Rescue, confirmed to ABC News. "We transfered one male to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis."
Lt. Rex also confirmed that an ambulance later was used to transport Kennedy to an airlift from Barnstable Municipal Airport for an emergency flight to Boston.
The Cape Cod Times first reported the medical emergency and has posted a photo of the Senator being take to a MediFlight on a stretcher.
A Democratic Senate source tells ABC News, "The situation is serious. We just don't know how serious."
The Kennedy family was set to host the annual Best Buddies Challenge event Saturday evening at the Kennedy family compound.
Sen. Obama, who received the endorsement of the Senator and Caroline Kennedy prior to the critical Super Tuesday contests in February, told reporters he has "been in contact with the [Kennedy] family." He said, "They are in our thoughts and prayers ... as I have said many times before, Ted Kennedy is a giant in American political history, he has done more for health care of others than just about anybody in history and so we are going to be rooting for him and I insist on being optimistic about how it's going to turn out."
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the presumptive Republican nominee, also released a statement on Kennedy, saying, "I was very sorry to hear that Sen. Kennedy has taken ill, and like millions of Americans, Cindy and I anxiously await word of his condition. Sen. Kennedy's role in the U.S. Senate cannot be overstated. He is a legendary lawmaker, and I have the highest respect for him."
Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., campaigning in Loretto, Ky., said, "We had word this morning that my good friend and a great champion of working people, Ted Kennedy, was rushed to the hospital with symptoms of a stroke, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family because he has been a champion for health care. Nobody has fought harder to make sure everybody gets good health care and I know that we all join together wishing him well."
ABC News' Eloise Harper, Bret Hovell, George Stephanopoulos and Sunlen Miller contributed to this report.
May 17, 2008 in Washington | Permalink | User Comments (74 )
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No need to worry, Its probably just a hang over. Geesh is everything news?
Posted by: TH | May 17, 2008 12:55:37 PM
Hopes and prayers to the Kennedy family. Even though I disagree with him politically, I can admire the work he has done. Imagine having a brother killed in war, two brothers assasinated, a sister killed in a plane crash, another sister cruelly lobotomized and yet still having the conviction to carry on. Hopefully this courage will see him through this crisis.
Posted by: JimJ | May 17, 2008 1:01:17 PM
Get well soon, Senator!
Posted by: jenny | May 17, 2008 1:02:13 PM
Noted for tying up anything that might help the American people, he was best known for his antics at Chappaquidick and having his relatives die. That last is hardly a claim to fame. If his name wasn't Kennedy he would have been out of politics in a blink.
Posted by: Ollie | May 17, 2008 1:04:31 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy as all American's should be, whether or not you agree with the politics. May he see a speedy recovery and many more years of good health!
Posted by: jennyfromCA | May 17, 2008 1:04:48 PM
Time of reckoning.
Posted by: Robin | May 17, 2008 1:07:19 PM
Let me start by saying, I wish the best in health to Sen. Kennedy. He has served America for decades. However, I feel he is partially responsible for the demise of the Democratic party. Abortion and gay rights have put the party in direct conflict with the church and with families. Gun control issues have put the party in conflict with every family that goes to sleep at night knowing if someone breaks in, they will have no defense. National security issues have put the party in conflict with all military families and their supporters. Education issues, as put forward by the Democratic party, are hollow. We all known our once proud educational system is completely broken and the party is on the wrong side of many of the issues. Our Democratic party has stood shoulder to shoulder with the Unions, but they are gone and yet the party still has the same mentality. As a Democratic, I'm looking at our candidate, Sen. Obama. To me, he looks and sounds like the younger image of Sen. Kennedy. If this is correct, we are doomed again until we get on the right side of the issues.
Enough said.
Posted by: Roger King | May 17, 2008 1:07:52 PM
Best wishes to Senator Kennedy, and I hope you get better soon!
Posted by: FilmMD | May 17, 2008 1:08:49 PM
Roger King -
The "demise of the Democratic party?" Have you SEEN the polls? There is a party crashing and burning, but it ain't the Democrats.
Posted by: jock59801 | May 17, 2008 1:11:41 PM
I don't wish this man any harm or pain but the way the media's going on about him, you'd think he's a King. That is kind of wierd. He's so far left in his politics it's not funny, it's destructive to society. He can never make up for what happened. He's the only person that's allowed to bring his dogs into the capitol. Why does he not follow the rules like he asks of the people whom he disagrees with. I just don't respect this man.
Posted by: Christie | May 17, 2008 1:13:51 PM
Teddy was dreaming of Mary Jo.
Posted by: Larry | May 17, 2008 1:13:53 PM
Probably having a coronary screaming at Bush again. What a hateful man.
Posted by: Bill | May 17, 2008 1:14:39 PM
How cold-hearted are some of you people? The man has suffered an apparent stroke, who knows how serious it could be, and you feel it the appropriate time and forum to attack this man? My goodness, what has become of this nation of ours?
Posted by: Eric - Swansea, MA | May 17, 2008 1:16:15 PM
It is a testament to the bitterness and indecency in our political process, and apparently America in general, that people would make an extra effort to applaud the suffering of others and wish additional harm upon them. Because you disagree with them?
I despise George W. Bush down to my toenails and I think he has done serious long-term harm to our nation, but I still would not wish pain and suffering on him. Is this what we have come to?
Posted by: jock59801 | May 17, 2008 1:17:13 PM
Senator Kennedy has worked for many, many years for the disenfranchised, He is truly an American Hero. I will pray for all of you sick, disgusting people that have made these inhumane remarks. This Man has worked tirelessly since 1962 to hold to the ideals of democracy.Perhaps before you wag your filthy fingers you should inspect your own closets! Who amongst you is free of sin!? My Family's prayers are with the Senator at this time.
Posted by: sharon sennett | May 17, 2008 1:17:45 PM
Ted Kennedy and his family will always have a special place in our hearts. We are pulling for you senator. YES YOU CAN!
Posted by: Johnny B. Good | May 17, 2008 1:18:56 PM
Ted Kennedy and his family will always have a special place in our hearts. We are pulling for you senator. YES YOU CAN!
Posted by: Johnny B. Good | May 17, 2008 1:18:59 PM
Don't pray for me, Sharon. I don't want a witch pushing pins in me..OUCH!
Posted by: pray for some sense | May 17, 2008 1:19:44 PM
Robin: The church is not this Country!!! The Catholic People have to learn respect for those of Us that are not Catholic... This Country is made of all types of People... so learn to respect the rest of Us!!!
Posted by: Larry | May 17, 2008 1:19:47 PM
Get well soon, Senator Kennedy. I hope Hillary Clinton will get around to wishing you well, too. I'm glad Obama and McCain found the time to do so.
Posted by: Happy | May 17, 2008 1:21:46 PM
Hope he recovers then retires and goes away to his dad's compound. what the heck is a compound!
Posted by: he's been in office since 1962 | May 17, 2008 1:22:41 PM
So what...what good has this person done us...
Posted by: Duane | May 17, 2008 1:22:48 PM
My prayers are with the Kennedy family, so much loss that family has dealt with over the years. While I do not support his politics, I never the less would not wish any more suffering on his family. God be with them.
Posted by: Be ever vigilant | May 17, 2008 1:23:30 PM
Get Well Soon Mr. Kennedy. Ignore these idiots!
Posted by: Hope4All | May 17, 2008 1:24:10 PM
I can't believe the rude, idiotic comments people have posted. I can't imagine being so heartless and I hope I never stoop to that level. My best wishes go out to the Kennedy family.
Posted by: I actually care | May 17, 2008 1:26:43 PM
Now if only Reid, Pelosi, Murtha, Biden, Obama, suffered with the same aillment I could sleep easier.
Posted by: TH | May 17, 2008 1:26:57 PM
Hey "praying for some sense" FYI..I'm NOT Catholic and I pray for ALL of humanity all the time. In case you haven't looked around lately we are all in trouble...Kindness and compassion will go much further than bitterness and hatred.
Posted by: sharon sennett | May 17, 2008 1:29:20 PM
Hey, people, please don't hop up and down with glee because Senator Kennedy has been hospitalized. I sure don't agree with his politics, but here's a sick man, elderly, with an iffy health history. I hope he recovers! Afterwards, I think it would be a good thing for him to retire.
Posted by: castelyn | May 17, 2008 1:31:43 PM
Woah, that's no good. Another thing that is not good is all the hate-mongers that think it's funny when bad things happen to people. I'm as conservative, capitalist, republican as they come and I don't think it's cool when people take lightly other peoples' lives. Not cool.
Posted by: Nate Nead | May 17, 2008 1:32:45 PM
Although I am very disappointed in Senator Kennedy, for endorsing an inexperienced presidential choice. I don't wish him any ill health, hopefully he recovers soon.
Posted by: Tina from Florida | May 17, 2008 1:34:42 PM
If your deeds are good, but the words you speak are evil, you will be judged by the words not the deeds, what I see here makes me cringe to think of all the good deeds being undone by foul words. His deeds and words will be judged by the Father in heaven it is not our place, and I personally don't want anyone elses sins placed on my soul because I chose to judge in Gods place.
Posted by: Be ever vigilant | May 17, 2008 1:35:08 PM
You know, when Ronald Regan died, although I didn't really like the guy all that much politically, I still felt a little bit of saddness. Same with Gerald Ford(though, admitedly, I knew less of Ford since I'm an 80s baby)...and as a non-catholic when Pope John Paul II died, I felt saddness...I don't see what people get by attacking people's careers when they are ill...I just don't get it.
Posted by: Steven | May 17, 2008 1:40:34 PM
I am with Hope except that I am not Republican. Have we lost the ability to be compassionate towards someone just as a show of common decency? No wonder we have so much violence in this country. Senator Kennedy is an amazing human being. Anyone who watches the news knows he isn't perfect. Can't we just stop all of this bullshit and approach life from the perspective of decency, or are we too far gone. I hope not. My prayers go out to the Kennedy family. I pray for a full and speedy recovery for the Senator. God Bless.
Posted by: cathy | May 17, 2008 1:42:53 PM
Stop and think, If this was your father, uncle or grandfather, you would not want people making these comments, regardless of what they may have done. This family is suffering, their family member may be dying. Have some compassion and sympathy.
Posted by: Be ever vigilant | May 17, 2008 1:48:20 PM
Senator Kennedy is a legend in public service to mankind. I hope he has a speedy recovery......May the Lord help him through this and may God comfort and continue to bless his family.....
-Shalom
Posted by: Shalom | May 17, 2008 1:55:49 PM
You people are off your rockers! Kennedy is a mean person. He ran off the road and made no effort to help that woman. He befriended Hillary and put a knife in her back, politically..some friend. He's a nasty person..typical libs... the meaner a person is, they admire or feel SORRY (FEELINGS!), for them. Liberalism is a mental disorder. See Carter meeting with the Hamas. HAMAS is a TERROR Group! THEY KILL PEOPLE and Obama wants to have tea with people who have blood on their hands. God, please help this society!
Posted by: god help us | May 17, 2008 1:57:48 PM
We are not elected officials who put themselves in the news to be admired or hated. He did it to himself.
Posted by: get over it! | May 17, 2008 2:02:30 PM
In my 55-years I think Massachusetts is the most impressive in my personal life..the question still persists../..WHY do they continue on w/Kennedy..??../its not even a political parfiet../or a candy cane..I have always wondered about the vocab-side associated w/the Kennedy name.
Posted by: Mark S. M. | May 17, 2008 2:02:35 PM
I'm a conservative and disagree strongly with Ted's politics but pray for his recovery. One thing I notice though, is all those left leaning "posters" here are calling for love and compassion while spewing hate speech and wishing the worst for Bush. Kind of hypocritical.
Posted by: LLADNARC | May 17, 2008 2:03:59 PM
Wish Kennedy recovery. No need to take low blows for him, but even though we disagree with him on his selection, we respect his views and wish him recovery.
Posted by: Knowledgeforreal | May 17, 2008 2:05:25 PM
I agree with 'bb'. Instead of well wishes they are showing the hate that consumes them. It is so sad that these times are bringing out the WORST in these people instead of the best...
GOD's Speed Mr. Kennedy !
Posted by: Hope4All | May 17, 2008 2:05:37 PM
Sen Kennedy has done more good for the average person in this country than almost any other Senator. I hope he gets better.
Posted by: dgfiit | May 17, 2008 2:05:58 PM
I am a human being, so take that all you city slickers! Hope he recovers, if not, he will answer to all of his corrupt acts. I wouldn't want to be him.
Posted by: what goes around comes around | May 17, 2008 2:06:42 PM
I don't like Teddy Kennedy in the least. However, I will not find glee in his physical accident. We will all eventually enter into the tunnel of old age and degeneration of our bodies. I wish him well in this crisis, while at the same time, I condemn many of his favorite political policies. My problem with Teddy is political and not personal.
Posted by: Hal | May 17, 2008 2:08:37 PM
Here is a man who has served his country remarkably. Our prayers are with you Senator.
Posted by: pt | May 17, 2008 2:11:20 PM
The anti white cnn and msnbc have destroyed the unity of this country. Don't blame Ted for taking away our chances for a better future. Blame the media. He can talk and support whoever he wants, but he should have never turned his back on a white woman who is running under media attacks. Particularly Mrs. Clinton.
Posted by: alice | May 17, 2008 2:16:24 PM
I hope he recovers quickly! Our prayers are with him and his family!
Posted by: IndieVisible | May 17, 2008 2:18:52 PM
What's the big deal? Thousands of people have strokes everyday, is he someone so much better that the world should stop? Who cares. Thousands of people have died in the last week in Asia. So are they less important?
Posted by: realhdvideo | May 17, 2008 2:23:38 PM
Everyone keeps talking about a gal that died. It sounds like she drowned, is that right? I am not familiar with this. Will someone please give me some additional information?
Best Regards,
Norie
Posted by: NeedMoreInfo | May 17, 2008 2:29:51 PM
This is the news for another week in CNN. somehow they will drag it through atleast a week
Posted by: Jack | May 17, 2008 2:33:00 PM
Get well quickly, Senator Kennedy; thank you for your help in the fight to close the School of the Americas in response to our protest. I still shed tears over the loss of your brother our president. Your service to the nation is a work of boundless unselfishness. Thank you for your leadership and your many years of American partiotism. God's grace has been given to you since the accident, and allowed you to carry on his work on behalf of the poor and downtrodden, and to help protect us from capitalist greed and excess. Ignore those rightist asses who let their stupidity spill on a news story of a tragedy in American gov't.
Posted by: libmom | May 17, 2008 2:36:18 PM
I hope Ted is OK.
With his life on the line, politics probably means very little.
But "Chipo" you made me laugh. You're right, the Obama supporters like to blame Hillary for everything.
Posted by: cindy in nc | May 17, 2008 2:38:30 PM
"Get well quickly, Senator Kennedy; thank you for your help in the fight to close the School of the Americas in response to our protest. I still shed tears over the loss of your brother our president. Your service to the nation is a work of boundless unselfishness. Thank you for your leadership and your many years of American partiotism. God's grace has been given to you since the accident, and allowed you to carry on his work on behalf of the poor and downtrodden, and to help protect us from capitalist greed and excess. Ignore those rightist asses who let their stupidity spill on a news story of a tragedy in American gov't."
Oh please, enough of that hogwash . . . give us a break.
Posted by: rplat | May 17, 2008 2:39:35 PM
Just for the record, Obama did run campaign ads in Florida after pledging not to do so.
And his name was on the ballot in Michigan and he chose to take it off.
And Hillary and the DNC agreed to re-votes in FL and MI - completely paid for - but Obama called in his team of lawyers and put a halt to it.
So how are the votes as they stand unfair in a razor thin primary race where the weaker of the two candidates is apparently to be nominated because the voters of these two states (which we need to win in the GE) are being ignored and dismissed?
Posted by: TJ | May 17, 2008 2:41:39 PM
I am going to unsubscribe CNN from my TV.
Posted by: Jack | May 17, 2008 2:43:29 PM
" he became a legend in his support for the poor and less fortunate."
So did Al Capone . . . now what's your point?
Posted by: rplat | May 17, 2008 2:52:59 PM
Although we are at polar opposites: i.e. prolife vs his proabortion stance, it does not bode well for any of you to wish bad upon a dying man. Miserere ei, Have mercy upon him.
Posted by: mary | May 17, 2008 2:53:49 PM
Somebodies mama didn't teach them any manners. Didn't anyone ever tell you that if you haven't anything nice to say, SHUT UP!!!????
My prayers go out to the family, I never wish any ill will towards anybody.
don't judge, lest ye be.....(PERFECT???)
Some news isn't newsworthy to some people, in which case they don't need to read it.
I bet you guys helped invade Iraq; didn't you little devils??? Thank you for my say, Kath
Posted by: Kathleen Reinecke | May 17, 2008 2:55:01 PM
I cannot believe some of the crass comments I am reading! Kennedy has been an extremely good senator and though I was disappointed in his decision to make Obama a protégé and not support Hillary, he is still one of the best Democrats out there. I think these awful reactions are coming from tasteless, heartless Republicans and right-wing fanatics who have no idea how to behave!
Posted by: Two-cats | May 17, 2008 2:55:20 PM
Proved again by this blog...Republicans, the party of hate and no original ideas.
Posted by: jim | May 17, 2008 2:56:20 PM
my prayers go out to the family and im hoping he gets well very fast i love him dear always has. he is in my thoughts and prayers . i have loved all the kenneys for many years . so i hope him well .
Posted by: dogs | May 17, 2008 3:01:53 PM
Let's wish Senator Ted Kennedy well by a toast....
Posted by: Earl | May 17, 2008 3:02:02 PM
Get well soon, Senator! Best wishes from a fellow American!
Posted by: JennyfromCA | May 17, 2008 3:08:22 PM
All enemies of America and the poor people in America shall go one by one mark my words!!!!!!!
Posted by: A True black American | May 17, 2008 3:11:30 PM
some people have no concept of Gods love. And I bet you call yourselves Christians. Sorry, not when your first responce to tragedy is to spit deep seated hate.
Posted by: no concept | May 17, 2008 3:17:19 PM
Guess what, J Robinson impersonator... You're not the only one who know how to play stupid tricks here. Why don't you take out the garbage or something?
You seem to have an affection for garbage.
Posted by: J Robinson | May 17, 2008 4:01:06 PM
While I dont support all of Senator Kennedy's radical views of America I would never wish him ill...nor upon any other family. I for one have been saying the man should of retired a year ago out of congress...Politics can kill you. Literally...Know when to say when.
The man is not perfect..but perhaps its time for the Liberal Lion to think about his retirement before it kills him.
GodSpeed and Prayers...
Peace ~ ~
Posted by: Meli | May 17, 2008 4:02:50 PM
Meli you are right.The DNC is in factions but the medua are playing this down . This is the truth, division is what Kennedy caused for us
Posted by: A True black American | May 17, 2008 4:11:40 PM
Teddy will never die. He will continue to live through Senator Obama and President Obama! He has wisely passed on the mantle of leadership he inherited from his brothers onto Senator Obama. OBAMA 2008! YES WE CAN! AND YES TED WILL RECOVER TO SEE OBAMA INAUGURATED!
Posted by: Johnny B. Good | May 17, 2008 4:27:28 PM
Hang on Teddy at least to see us drive a stake through the heart of old style politics!
Posted by: Mr. Coffee | May 17, 2008 5:42:26 PM
Glad I'm not him: "His judgement cometh and that... right soon."
Posted by: blog | May 17, 2008 6:19:27 PM
I suppose alot of you critics profess to be Christians so is this how you express it? If so, you will be going to your own version of hell and bye bye to your party too.
Posted by: DiAnne | May 17, 2008 6:25:58 PM
When are you people going to realize that every religion is wrong? Pick up a science book and get educated.
Posted by: Mr. Delicious | May 18, 2008 7:28:01 AM
Dear Senator Kennedy,
I and my family sincerely wish you all the best. If anyone can fight and beat this, it's you. After what you have gone through, this is nothing! With your wonderful and supportive family, you have what it takes. Thank you for so many great things you have accomplished thus far.
Take Care & God Bless!
Posted by: sharon obelsky | May 24, 2008 7:48:13 AM
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