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."

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Comments

I like George Bush Sr. Always have and still do. I find him warm and comical, quite intelligent and a brave individual.

I hope Ted Kennedy does ok. I do agree that he perhaps needs to retire as does Byrd and allow some new blood to take over. If they work as hard as we need our Senators and Congresspersons to work at this time I'm not sure either can keep up with the pace that will be required.

For some reason I am not so sympathetic towards Cheney for his hurt back. Don't want to wish pain or hurt on anyone, but let's just say the empathy is not as strong as it is for Bush Sr. and Kennedy.

And oh boy, not attacking him persoanlly, but wait until GWB gets home and has dinner with his Momma. Barabra Bush is no slouch and I bet reads oh GWB the riot act for some of his, well, less than intelligent decisions.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:54 PM)

I would like to express gratitude to our former president, he was not always right but neither were his advisors, and still he must shoulder all the blame. We elected the man twice and for that we must we must be held responsible.

Please keep in mind that I am a democrat, a former Union member, and a baby boomer. I am angry and filled with dispair that I may have to live in this great country without Medical Coverage, decent pension, or the freedom in retirement that my parents enjoyed 20 years ago. Many of us will work into our graves. They even took VA support away for veterans that were not wounded in Vietnam to save money. To many of us I guess.

Let anger wave, for words and government, are like air. They only time you see it is when it is polluted.

Good luck Mr. Obama we are going to need it.

Gary Armstrong, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:54 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 McKinleyville Ca (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:55 PM)

To West Chester PA: What Kind of a heartless person are you. Wow. Return to the festive events of the day?!?!?!? Sen Kennedy deserves more than that dribble.

WFox, Phoenix, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:56 PM)

Congrats Pres Obama,- Republicans stop whining-you lost get over it!

Don Splawn, Cliffside NC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:56 PM)

senator byrd in his youth was a klansman so im sure he had conniptions seeing a blackman president---lol

digdog plainfield nj (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:57 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)

Wow, Bob, sounds like someone doesn't know how to let go of the past, huh? Kennedy isn't the President. Obama is. So who cares

Tim, Harrisburg (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:57 PM)

Kennedy should have been watching this "doom and gloom" event on TV, not sitting in the stands. The man is fragile.

And Obama is just trying to "scare" everyone into Socialism. People were actually heard saying "Obama will pay my mortgage for me." Take form the achievers and give to the lazy. We all know what's going on here.

Palomino (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:58 PM)

Tommy, Selma,AL (sent Tue. Jan. 20, 4:20pm) >> President Obama did not flub up John Roberts did and everybody knows it. Roberts always has that Goofy looking smirk on his face; I think he is on drugs.

gepa (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:58 PM)

Maybe its time for Teddy to go visit Mary Jo since he helped her into her grave SO very many years ago. ooops! Probably can't say that or tell the truth because he's a Kennedy and a liberal and this is a liberal "special" day! Ah! The air is fresher! (but not for Mary Jo)......

George Kester, Springfield, MA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:58 PM)

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

Bill Salyer, Sumter, SC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:59 PM)

He is getting ready to see Mary Jo, Who I am sure is waiting to say hello afer her swim

Ronald Helwig Pine Knoll Shores NC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:59 PM)

The "boo's" and such reflect a complete lack of respect, not to mention class. I was horrified as I watched this awful display today. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. And as someone else stated, Obama is NOT the "first black man" to hold this office of the President of the United States. He is born of the union of a white woman and a black man. History starts this minute, and this is NOT the greatest moment in history. The day Christ was born is the greatest moment in history, and the day he died for YOU is the second.

NWG, Birmingham, AL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:00 PM)

To Paul from MN. Are we to assume from your comments that you are one of the VERY few who are better off here in 2009, than you were in 1999? All the blame and finger pointing stops us from moving forward and here we are 3 hours into a presidential term of a man who was replacing your great uniter....who did such a wonderful job of uniting, both inside the US and outside....

To Marlu from IL. It is exactly your "us vs. them" attitude that put us in this place. Look beyond your "good" book and your skin color and you will find we all bleed read and need to eat to live. You do realize that the folks on the "other side" who speak and act like you are called extremists and terrorists I hope.

To Barack Obama, Sen. Kennedy and anyone else who is adult enough to rise above the rancor to help improve this country. Good luck to you!!

I'm British but not afraid to say God Bless America.

Pedro Martinez, Seattle, Washington (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:01 PM)

MY PRAYERS ARE THERE FOR THE KENNEDY FAMILY. I KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE TO HAVE SIZURES FOR THEY ARE NO FUN. I HAVE EPLIPSY. PLEASE MR KENNEDY GET WELL SOON :)

JOHN CARBONE MEDFORD,OR (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:01 PM)

They both are beyond their usefulness in the Senate and should retire. That being said I wish them both speedt recoveries.

Zman, Bahrain (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:01 PM)

This is a noteworthy day for America. Let each of us concentrate on what each of us can do to help others and pray for those on Capitol Hill and in the White House. As American citizens the responsibility to remain good people is paramount these next four years.

Fr. Dwigth Lynn Dowson (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:02 PM)

Today is the start of a new era , let us give the new administration a chance . Hopefully , President Obama will only change the things for our country that are wrong . We should keep our hearts open to each other and may God Bless this Nation.

Joyce Zimmer Abita Springs , La (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:03 PM)

I am a conservative who feels that the Republican party definitely let us down when they had the chance to steer this country in the proper direction (after 1994) just like the Democrats before them prior to 1994. I wish President Obama the best and truly hope that he will not let either party sway him on what needs to be done. I would like nothing better than to have my liberal friends say I told you so, but I doubt that will happen!!! One can only hope and pray. Maybe a third party is not such a ludicrous notion after all.

Robert James, Denver, Co. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:03 PM)

He is getting ready to see Mary Jo, Who I am sure is waiting to say hello afer her swim

Ronald Helwig Pine Knoll Shores NC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:03 PM)

my prayers go out to the Kennedy family. i know what it is like to have seizures for i have eplipsy. mr kennedy get well soon. :)

john p.carbone Medford, Oregon (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:04 PM)

They both are beyond their usefulness in the Senate and should retire. That being said I wish them both speedt recoveries.

Zman, Bahrain (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:04 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.

--------
Prayer certainly didn't help us through Bush's term...

Nicole, IL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:12 PM)

God speed Sen. Kennedy.

Pres Obama took my breath away with his inaugeration oratory. If he delivers on his promises, he'll then encore by walking on water. He's got a good talk, now let's see him do the walk. As our president for the next 4 years, I wish him the best.

And oh by the way, he'd better not stop quick or the likes of Pelosi, Feinstein, Reed and the whole black caucus will run up his behind! There was certainly a bunch of butt sniffing today!

Andy Milot, Oldsmar, Florida (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:14 PM)

To those of you who have made your thoughts shown on here as not fully supporting our new president... I wish you understanding and pray for you.

MeMyself&I (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:15 PM)

To West Chester Pa,
I don't care who you are but Kennedy is a person who needed help today. I don't see that you care at all. America is Based upon Caring. Surely we can stop and at least show saddness for Kennedy. Obama, Yes but we have 4 years with him. Wake Up!!!!

Timothy Peugh (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:15 PM)

God Bless President Obama and his family. A very special day for all of us whether we agree or disagree with the new administration! Speedy rebound for Sen. Kennedy. Let us be thankful with live in America!

Janice Wallick (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:17 PM)

Congratulations to all Americans , you made the right choice. Wish the people in Zimbabwe could have the same freedom as you to have such great president. Please pray for Zim, the people are suffering!

Laurie, South Africa (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:17 PM)

Anytime anyone on FOX reports "NEWS" they should be arrested for perjury. FOX political commentators never every report the truth. THEY ARE THE WORST! Hopeful this is now going to change in America. Americans should demand and deserve better from the press then we have gotten in the last 8 years of SPIN and LIES.

AmericanMan09, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:17 PM)

Like many others, I wish Senator Kenedy the best for a speedy recovery..... However, what time and time again smacks me right in the face is reading about all the abusive comments and reactions thrown at President Bush over the years as if he was a convicted criminal. While on the other hand, we read and hear just as many comments about Senator Kennedy's life ending condition as if the Pope was on his death bed.....Tell me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the same guy who let another human being drown to death. So sad, that we do indeed live in a nation of sheep.

Mark Amatucci, Baltimore Maryland (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:19 PM)

If anyone has "SPIRITUAL EYE'S", & SPIRITUAL EARS", you will KNOW that;"FATHER GOD" put Barack in this capacity, & GOD "DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES"!. If you think this new Pres. was not sent from GOD, tell ALL those Thousands of kids, with "GLORIOUS" smiles that?

Fred J. Robbins California (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:20 PM)

Personally, I don't know the senator, more like I've never heard of him. However, I hope he gets well. As to our new President, we the people stand behind you as one nation. We need to recover from our wounds and have a better future. It's going to be a tough road, but we will prevail. Peace to the world. We are a great nation!!!!!!!!!

Joe Aragon,Marshalltown, IA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:20 PM)

Laurie, South Africa (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:21 PM)

It is sad the people of mass. can't elect a senator before the one they have dies of old age are liberals
that hard to find in mass?

John Neal (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:21 PM)

I'm with you, Marlu. God help us.

Kathy Nickels, Fresno, CA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:23 PM)

One thing about today is, Mr President Obama is the President, now lets all get behind him and help him make America great again. It has been a long 8 years and the money is gone. Lead, follow, or get out of the way.

marty marterella, haslet texas (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:27 PM)

It's a sad day for America. Obama became the Fuehrer and Kennedy is still alive!

dan, cincinnati, oh (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:29 PM)

I just want VP Biden to know that several of thought his wife looked rather cheap in her black high boots. Looks like he should have more control over her attire as well as her mouth.

Joe the Plumber (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:35 PM)

Congratulations to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama and your beautiful girls. I had a sad day not being in the USA, but watched on TV. It is a very happy day in history and wish you well in your term as President.

And May God Bless America!

Donna Turner, Phila, PA (United Kingdom) (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:35 PM)

I am very disappointed that people don't recognize the great commitment of George W. Bush as well as his Dad. They both stepped up in the arena and have fought a great battle against challenges that most Americans will never know about.

It is very easy to critize what anyone does, but it takes a person of great class to be able to accept the current President OBAMA and to wish him well in his ensuing challenge as a new leader for America. America is in need of parents that teach their children great principles and not just let them learn outside the home. We need to give America a chance with a determined leader willing to step into the same arena, that most would never dare to encounter!

Gary in Phoenix, AZ (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:40 PM)

There was nothing wrong with booing bush. He is a complete embarrassment and failure. He deserves absolutley no respect. Would the thousands of people that died in a war based on lies respect him? How about all the people that he has had tortured? He is a disgusting animal that has no regard for humanity.

John Doe, Seattle wash (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:43 PM)

God Bless our Senior Senators and hope they regain
better health soon. I am inspired by Barackstar and congratulate him on assuming power. I believe in you, and will follow your lead. I wish we would recognize him as "mixed Race" though, like so many of us Americans are. My ancestors were Quakers, who were persecuted in early days. Later on, they helped runaway slaves at great risk to themselves in the underground railroad. Later yet, my Mom's cousin
escorted James Meredith into that first day of college, at great risk. There have always been God loving people who are friends to any race or creed.
The black man has carved out and earned their place in America, died and bled in wars, worked hard, and
gained political ground non-violently with a lot of suffering. They are American Family and always will be. I am so happy for my Nation to move in this direction, Bring back God's Blessing to this Nation. I celebrate in my heart on this day, this most auspicious beginning.

Jo Jo Fehling (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:44 PM)

To the person commented about Kennedy from West Chester, PA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 3:16 PM)
"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?"

How can you overlook the misfortune of a seriously ill man to concentrate on the "festivities" of the day? Things happen... not all good, get over it. I sure am glad that I don't think like you...

Jean, Chester County, PA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:46 PM)

My prayers with Senator Kennedy

Beverlee, Lees Summit, MO (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:46 PM)

As a proud Canadian - I have to say how amazing it was to watch Mr Obama be sworn in today. Not only is it a GREAT day for the US, it's also a GREAT day for the entire world. All the best to our friends south of the border! Best wishes to Mr Kennedy - always cheered for you!!

Robin, New Westminster, BC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:48 PM)

Today, the keys of democracy have been given back into the hands of the American people. We are now
"the deciders" We look to our new president with hope for aid in the healing of our country, wounded by hatred, injustice, corruption, war, poverty, ignorance and disease. I am certain that both Senators Byrd and Kennedy, regardless of condition, felt honored to attend this momentous historic occasion. As an American, I am encouraged to feel once again included in the political process. My voice again, feels heard. I will pick up my broken spirit and move forward with hope for the healing of
my country and the world. Obama is a good man, but he can not do this alone. Let us quell our cynicism, our doubt, let us move forward with respect and work together for the greater good.

Kate Duncan, Silver Spring, MD. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:49 PM)

May both senators recover quickly. We need their wisdom. A great new president, may the lord watch over him.

david nystuen, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:54 PM)

For those of you who would say nasty things about Sen. Kennedy, as if you were there when it happen. I feel sorry that you all have such a hateful heart! Only Yahweh knows what happen and only he can judge! PLEASE REMEMBER THE SAME DITCH YOU DIG FOR SOMEONE ELSE....GET READY TO DIG ONE FOR YOURSELF

MICHELE X (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 6:00 PM)

A new day has dawned in the history of america,this will be a day remembered for generations to come.of course president obama is not the saviour of america or the world,but i do believe that GOD has appointed him for such a time as this when americans need to work together for the good of their country,it should not matter if your are white,black or brown,rich or poor,there is only one america,the united states of america,so stand united!this is the second most historic day of my life,the first was the day my beloved bahamas became an independent country,president obama my prayers, my country"s prayers are with you,GOD bless you.

agnes gray,nassau,bahamas (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 6:01 PM)

God help those two guy's and all of us Americans. We are going to need him now more than ever.

Don Murphy Srasota Fla. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 6:10 PM)

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