Kennedy collapses at Obama luncheon

Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:03 PM by Domenico Montanaro

BREAKING NEWS: From AP: "Sens. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., and Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., have been taken from an inauguration luncheon for
President Barack Obama. A Capitol police officer stood up at the luncheon and said medical attention was needed."

NBC's Mike Viqueira witnessed Kennedy wheeled out the South Door on a stretcher. NBC's Ken Strickland reports that one source who talked with someone involved in transporting Kennedy described the incident and was "seizure like" symptoms.

Reuters and AP cite a congressional aide who said Kennedy apparently suffered convulsions.

A somber and clearly affected Obama said during remarks at the luncheon that he was out of the room, but that his thoughts and prayers were with the Kennedys.

Orrin Hatch told reporters briefly that he and John Kerry went to the ambulance with Kennedy and that he looked better there.

"It was a difficult thing," Hatch said. "It looked to me like he was going to be OK" when he was with Kennedy at the ambulance.

Hatch said he'd also heard there was an emergency for Byrd but didn't know the details and didn't see what happened.

*** UPDATE *** NBC station WSAZ of Huntington, W.Va., reported that a spokesperson for Senator Byrd said the veteran senator "is fine and was not taken to the hospital."

EMAIL THIS

Comments

It is truly understood the serious nature of the medical condition of both people involved. However, neither are yet deceased and not to mention....WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BE TALKING ABOUT! Can we return to the festive events of the day?

West Chester, PA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:16 PM)

i pray both will be well. to great men that have done their part for our country. god protect them both

ace (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:20 PM)

What was wrong with Former President George W. Bush, he looked like he was really aging (tired), a cane and holding Mrs Bush's arm to get down steps at the inaugration today. And Vice President Chaney, why was he in a wheel chair. That made me kind of sad, both men were always so strong.

Ken Licari, East China, MI (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:25 PM)

I have often disdagreed with Sen Kennedy on his political views, but wish him a speedy recovery and hope that his counsel will permeate the new White House

George Toulouse Renton, WA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:25 PM)

This is somber news.

Senator Kennedy, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

CdV LA CA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:30 PM)

My prayers for Senator Kennedy. I hope he recovers quickly. God Bless him.

Barack Fan, Raleigh NC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:34 PM)

Teddy get well soon. I know this is the day you have been waiting for...but hang on buddy!

My thoughts for your speedy recovery!

Alyx (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:39 PM)

lets pray for sens. Kennedy... On this joyous day let us all relish in the progress of the now and work for the progress for tomorrow...
Good Luck Mr.Obama we are ALL rooting for you... we are ALL rooting for America!!!

today is not the day for hate...
peace

Julepo (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:39 PM)

Which is correct that President Obama or Chief Justice made a mistake in the Oath of Office? Fox News states "Roberts Corrects Obama After Oath Stumble" where MSNBC states otherwise.

David - St Louis (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:47 PM)

When the lion roars; even the earth does too. Senator Kennedy my hope is for you to continue to live out the rest of dreams.

Get well I am roaring for you.

Senator Byrd get well. Enjoy your delicious birds and deserts.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:57 PM)

David - St Louis: The Chief Justice flubbed the lines and Obama was patient to allow him to correct himself. The video is available as is the text of the Constitutional language for swearing in the President. I'm sure it was difficult to know how to proceed when the words were flubbed that Obama was to repeat. What does one do when the officiator gets the words wrong and you know it? Do you repeat the mistake or state the correct language? It was an interesting flub and a nice recovery. They got the job done. Of course, wacko Faux News immediately starts fulminating that Obama was not "legally" sworn in since the words were flubbed. Leave it to those bozos to take a minor flub to the next zenith of stupidity. Congratulations President Obama--signed, sealed and delivered he's Ours!!!

MaryanneAZ, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:01 PM)

Barack stepped on him and then the Justice blew his line.

DavCai - Naperville, IL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:04 PM)

My thoughts and prayers are with Sen Kennedy and family. My God be with you and get you well.

President Obama may God guide you threw the tough times ahead. Best of Luck in your new office. I hope we all can get along. No matter what color or ethicity you are.

Marsha Lehmacher 279 West High Street Bound Brook NJ 08805 (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:13 PM)

Two grand old gentlemen of the Senate may be overwhelmed by all the festivities of the day. I wish them both well and speedy recovery. We need both there fighting for us and passing their wisdom on to the newcomers.

eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:14 PM)

One must wish Sen Kennedy as much good health as his condition allows--and the same to Sen Byrd.. they are the grand old voices of the senate and one must love each of them. Pres. Obama gave us a throughtful and graceful and eloquent speech and now may he fulfill his promise and may his Democratic Congress back to the utmost.

MAR Putnam Valleyt, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:14 PM)

Do not eat the peanut butter

TEC-SPring-TX (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:15 PM)

My prayers are with both Kennedy and Byrd. Both have made mistakes like we all have. As a West Virginian I will state the Byrd is a giant here, and I hope people in the United States will remember that he was one of the first one's to speak out against the invasion of Iraq, and that he is truly a constitutional scholar. Our state will never see another like him.

John, Glenville, WV (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:16 PM)

God Bless George W. Bush.
God Bless America.

Jackson (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:18 PM)

When Obama supporters booed President Bush and sang na-na-na-nah hey-hey-hey goodbye, that does not go along with Obama's theme of getting along with each other. Just remember who started the clash. POWER IS FLEETING.

Bill, Bethlehem, Pa. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:19 PM)

As someone who supported the new President in his election bid I was EXTREMELY upset to just read the totally classless actions of other supporters in D.C. during President Bush's departure. Whether or not any of us agree or disagree with a President doesn't matter...he is the President of the U.S. and deserves our respect as such. Booing has no place when addressing such a person. What has happened to our country that people have no class these days? Manners and class have no color or cultural boundries. If these people are supporting our new President I'm disappointed. BTW, President Obama isn't African-American he is multicultural...his mother is as white as I am and he was raised by a caucasian grandmother. Personally, I wouldn't care if he was pink and purple striped as long as he shows good judgement and class, uses his brain, and can help this country out of her present problems which have been building for 30 years.

Sally (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:19 PM)

of course obama screwed up the oath...it wasn't on a teleprompter for him to read

Tommy,Selma,Al. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:20 PM)

Obama's show of unity has been extraordinary. His solid alignment with a great Republican President, Abraham Lincoln has shown his desire to have this wall of party differences broken down. We can work together. From the train ride, to the concert at Lincoln Memorial, to the china used today, to the Lincoln bible, no previous Democratic president has embraced a past Republican President with such a display. Our support will be there as he is Our president, just as Democrats have supported Our president who is departing today. Republicans can and always will stand behind the person who is our president. It takes real adults, not childish name calling, hate and anger to do that. Perhaps, today, many posters here will see this as an opportunity to put the past behind, grow up and leave the name calling to those who are not mature enough to recognize this. Challenge yourself to leave it behind, turn a new leaf and look forward, not behind. This is not a game or a form of entertainment. Good luck, and God Bless you President Obama, Our new President!
Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN

Could not have been said any better. Stop the name calling childish behavior just as Obama said in his speech. Walk the Walk! Stop the anger and hate. A new day has arrived!

Kathy, Charlotte

I'm on board,for now. Waiting to see his positions now that he is our president.

Marcus D., Chicago (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:20 PM)

My prayers are with Senator Kennedy, having Cancer myself I know what he and his family are going though. May he get well soon and best wishes to our new President.

William Flack, Jr Germantown, Tn (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:21 PM)

hi congrat from the bahamas.Its a beautiful day God bless us all. sen. Kennedy our prayers are with u.lwt us all live in peace.

cleo nassau newprovidence bahamas (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:21 PM)

I figure it is time Kennedy gets his karma after everything he has done to this country and at Chappaqidick! Same goes for Byrd.

Real American (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:22 PM)

Maybe Teddy can join Mary Jo for that swim that he took her on so many years ago. Oops! He's a Kennedy and a lib idol - not supposed to regale ther truth on this "special day"

GeoAtTheBridge (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:23 PM)

If it happened to Orrin Hatch no one would have noticed or cared. He's already death warmed over and just taking up space!

Ricky Cox, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:23 PM)

It doesn't matter whether Obama flubbed his lines or not he automatically became the 44th President at noon anyway by the Constitution. While they were listening to the musical interlude power quietly changed hands. The oath is just more or less a formality to publicly make it official.

Daniel (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:25 PM)

MaryanneAZ & David-St Louis: Fox news is not reporting that Obama was not legally sworn in, nor are they saying the Obama stumbled first I just read the article on Fox and it states that Roberts stumbled and tripped up Obama before they got it straightened out. It's false information like this that keeps people taking sides. Today is a day for reconcillation and hope for our future as One Nation Under God.

Hipchk, Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:26 PM)

President Obama: I am a believer that you are a man of principle and I wish you well in your tough days ahead. This is the first time I again feel confident in our government since President Clinton. I believe that the election was a "mandate" for change and I know you will bring that change....all the best to you Mr President.....Virgionia Beach

Edward Zinner, Virginia Beach, VA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:28 PM)

Pres. Bush 41 recently had back surgery and is walking assisted with the cane. V.P. Cheney also hurt his back lifting boxes and needed assistance of a wheelchair. Pres. Obama, you got your chance...Let's see what you can do. I am a Republican who did not vote for you but I will back you as our new Commander in Chief. As for Pres. Bush 43...I honor your commitment and loyalty to our country. Go kick your feet up and take it easy, you deserve it.

Steve, Chino Hills, CA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:28 PM)

My thoughts and prayers are with both Sen. Byrd and Sen. Kennedy. I hope both recover to full health and I wish they were both out of the Senate.
There should be term limits for all Senators and Congressman.

Geoff in NC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:28 PM)

Edward Zinner, Virginia Beach, VA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:29 PM)

ENJOY!!!! He is all yours. Just remember what the country is like today and don't try to blame anyone else when you see what the country is like in 4 years

Paul, MN (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:29 PM)

I do hope that those of you who say ALL of America are.... when it comes to Obama realize I and many other Americans DO NOT want to be included in their ALL. All I can say is the power of prayer will hopefully get us through this mans term in office.

Marlu Olney, IL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:29 PM)

Sen. Kennedy i hope you recover very fast, we need you in the Senate. You are a great Senatore as well as a great person, and you have done so much for our Country in passing laws have have benifited the people of our Country. Your the Best, and we need you to work with Pres. Obama. Westchester NY RG

Ron Gatto, Westchester New York (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:29 PM)

I sure hope Sen. Ted K. will soon admit that he was responsible for Mary Jo Kopechne's death. That will give him peace in this life and life after.

Bob, Palmer, Alaska (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:29 PM)

I wish sen. kennedy a quick recovery, and i wish to congratulate President Obama once again. God bless you.

Michael Ajide, Yola, Nigeria (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:32 PM)

God Bless America!!! May the hopes of your President, his family, administration and staff see you ALL through to a successful term of 4 satisfying years and BEYOND!!! The world is watching and this is the United States of America's time to shine.

Lynda A. Chiovitti, Sutton West, Ontario, Canada (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:32 PM)

My prayers go out to Senator Ted Kennedy and his family for a speedy recovery. He is a very Strong Man. It was a joy to see him there considering his illness.

God Bless our new President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama!

Sharon, Dallas, Texas (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:33 PM)

the thing that both have in common is that they're both older than dirt. term limitations??? some of these men need to get a life - retire and let new folks in. they're as bad as supreme court appointments for life.

fed up with the royalty in DC
phil gonzales
silver city, NM

phil gonzales, silver city, NM (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:34 PM)

May they both R.I.P. and as soon as possible !!
Kennedy - creamated and thrown off a bridge and Byrd in his white sheets and white pine box

John Doe, Seattle Wash (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:41 PM)

The ambulance should have driven off a bridge, into a river, with the driver escaping. God Bless Mary Jo Kupeckne and her parents.

Bunny (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:42 PM)

I was not fond of what was happening while Bush was president,Things that he said and did were not called for.However I cant imagine how hard a job it is to be president many pressures and responsibilities,I do believe however that Obama will bring great things for the country,What Ive heard so far is better than anything I have heard from previous presidents.I think he will make great changes and I wish him all the best in his term as president.

Michelle,Canada (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:47 PM)

IT is TIME for both to GO GO GO Away!!!! Retire NOW!!!

Bill Salyer, Sumter, SC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:47 PM)

Teddy, Mary Jo is waiting for you.

Dave Elshout (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:50 PM)

I am sorry but this is what happens when you leave old men in office way too long. They are old and their health is not the best. We would be better served by younger senators and congressmen with senior 'advisors' that would not have to take on such heavy workloads and attendance.

Lorri Miguel (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:51 PM)

Sally (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:19 PM)
BTW, President Obama isn't African-American he is multicultural...his mother is as white as I am and he was raised by a caucasian grandmother. Personally, I wouldn't care if he was pink and purple striped as long as he shows good judgement and class, uses his brain, and can help this country out of her present problems which have been building for 30 years.
==============================================
Sally:
I'm almost certain President Obama appreciates your comments. But, President Obama has defined himself as an African American. When he looks in the mirror or when anyone looks at him; they see a Black Man.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:51 PM)

Demos once again show their truth selves by booing the President of the USA. You all are a joke to our country. There hasn't been a President in the history of the country that has had to deal with what Bush had to deal with. He wasn't perfect, but either have the previous 42 Presidents. The last I checked there hasn't been another 911. He's a great man and a great President and deserves the respect of you petty minded dems as he leaves Washington. Let's wait 4 years to see how we judge Obama. And I won't say president Obama because most of you dems couldn't say Pres Bush. Good luck to all.

John, Knoxville, TN (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:52 PM)

I think Daniel is one of the few people who actually paid attention in history class/civics. Congratulations on educating so many others with a simple, classy post.

Ellie, Naperville, IL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:53 PM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1752193