MyDD :: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized

Ted Kennedy Hospitalized

by Jonathan Singer, Sat May 17, 2008 at 04:32:06 PM EST

bumped - Josh

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts was hospitalized in Boston Saturday after suffering stroke-like symptoms, according to a knowledgeable official.

There was no immediate word on his condition.

The official who provided the information declined to be identified by name, citing the sensitivity of the events.

Hyannis Fire Lt. Bill Rex told the AP a 911 call came in from the Kennedy compound at 8:19 a.m. EDT A male was transported to Cape Cod Hospital and was transferred by medflight at 10:10 a.m. from Barnstable Municipal Airport to Massachusetts General Hospital.

We will update this thread with more information as it comes in. But for now, please take a moment to pray for Senator Kennedy, who has worked so hard and for so long in service for his nation and who has helped bring so much good to this country.

Update [2008-5-17 13:6:28 by Jonathan Singer]: From The Boston Globe:

Doctors believe that Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts suffered a seizure at his home in Hyannis Port this morning, then a second seizure as he was being transported by helicopter from Cape Cod Hospital to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, according to an official briefed on the situation.

Update [2008-5-17 13:56:4 by Jonathan Singer]: The AP updates:

The Massachusetts Democrat did not appear to have had a stroke as initially suspected, Kennedy spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said. She said he is undergoing 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," she said.

Update [2008-5-17 16:32:39 by Josh Orton]: Seemingly good news - the updated story at CNN adds:

Family members reported that Kennedy was well enough later in the morning to call to say he would not be able to join them for lunch.
They said they were guardedly optimistic that he would make a full recovery.

Tags: Ted Kennedy (all tags)

Permalink :: 45 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 6)

Words can't express what an earth-shattering loss this would be.

Give to Redistricting Project candidates for Democratic maps 2011-2021! http://www.actblue.com/page/redistrictin gproject

by Sandwich Repairman on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:20:28 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 4)

A speedy recovery for Sen. Kennedy.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:21:40 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 4)

God bless this great Lion of progressive values and principles.

Let the children lose it Let the children use it Let all the children boogie

by toyomama on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:24:53 PM EST

Blessings, Senator Kennedy (2.00 / 4)

May you swiftly and fully recover.

by 4justice on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:29:41 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 3)

Just saw this on Yahoo. Very sad news, for the country, MA, and the Democratic Party. Have said a prayer and am keeping my fingers crossed. What a great man he is - I hope this "no word on his condition" is a no news is good news kind of thing.

Ever heard of a Blue Moose Democrat?

by Nathan Empsall on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:29:49 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 3)

Please be okay. Please.

by Pat Flatley on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:34:06 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 3)

Official word, he is under evaluation at Mass General. He had a discussion with his doctors regarding his symptoms so was conscious when he arrived there.

by mady on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:37:26 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 2)

The news his family has been summoned is not a good sign.

by Benjaminomeara on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:38:19 PM EST

It's become a ritual for the Kennedy family (2.00 / 3)

They've had so many tragedies. President Kennedy himself was administered his Last Rites four times.

So they're cautious.

Commissar: Canadian Gal; Proletariat Policemen: ragekage, Lord Hadrian. "For the Proletariat!"

by Lord Hadrian on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:48:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Teddy! (2.00 / 4)

My thoughts are with you and your family. Hang in there, big fella. America needs you.

by Rumproast on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:39:47 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 2)

Our Prayers and thoughts to the Kennedy family.

by redwoodsummer on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:47:36 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 3)

God Bless you and be with you, Senator Kennedy. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery for the country's greatest Senator.

by ArkansasLib on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:50:16 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 3)

Also they are reporting that he called a family member around 10:30 to cancel his appearance at a family luncheon, which hopefully indicates not so terrible news.

by mady on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:51:59 PM EST

A comment on dKos (2.00 / 2)

Just talked to a Kennedy staff member...
who didn't have all the details but said from what info he's been given, that it isn't a serious (life threatening) situation.
He told me that Ted has to cut down on his schedule...which he says is the busiest in the Senate.

A ship adrift in a sea of rhetoric & recycled clichés.

by DemsRising on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:18:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A comment on dKos (2.00 / 2)

If this is true, thank goodness. Kennedy isn't a spring chicken anymore, and probably does need to cut back his schedule a bit. Its gotta be hard for him, as he's obviously feeling as passionate and involved in politics as he ever has.

I hope he does lower his workload a bit, though. We want to keep you around as long as we can, Ted!

by upstate girl on Sat May 17, 2008 at 02:02:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Our Prayers Are With You (2.00 / 2)

Our prayers are with you, Senator Kennedy, and the family. May you be all right and fully recover.

by politicalfan on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:53:29 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 3)

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breakin g_news/2008/05/ted_kennedy_sai.html

Apparently suffered seizures.

by mady on Sat May 17, 2008 at 12:56:28 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 1)

If the only consequence of a stroke might be a seizure, wouldn't that be a good sign?

I think seizures by themselves would be relatively harmless, wouldn't they (compared to the other possibilities)?

by frankly0 on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:12:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 1)

Seizures are usually symptoms of something else though, so the under-lying cause is important to determine.

Mass General is a great hospital though, so he is in good hands...

My prayers are with him and his family regardless though...

"If you ever post anything on that website again, I will shove a motherboard so far up your a$$...!" C.J Cregg

by JenKinFLA on Sat May 17, 2008 at 02:17:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

He was supposedly conscious this morning (2.00 / 2)

so hopefully that means he will be ok. But you never know, and who knows if he will be able to remain in senate. I'd hope so, and i feel optmistic that he will be ok

DEMOCRATIC 08!

by rigsoHC on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:06:25 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 2)

I sincerely hope for a full recovery for Senator Kennedy.

I was in high school when his brother, JFK, was assassinated. I was in college when Bobby was shot, I recall when Teddy was in a plane crash.

Yes, many tragedies....and, while this is painful, it must be noted, the last significant political comments, as i recall, were in an interview in which he dismissed the idea of Hillary as a V-P nod, saying he thought Obama should to in a direction more in keeping with his noble aims.

That was a sad, unneccesary jibe considering the race has been pretty much sewn up, how sad that a grand man of liberal policy and impulse succumbed to a cheap shot.

No matter, I hope the Senator recovers and goes on to campaign for Obama, I have been around too long to hate, but do not choose to ignore the lapses that take away from the whole matter of the man's well being, of which, again, and I know futilely, of which i hope only improves, if it take a miracle, then I would pray for one.

To those who will, understandably, take this & let it foster resentment, please understand, life is a complicated matter, the best have warts, sometimes the worst have beneficent impulses...white and black, not always but this does not change my urgent prayer for Ted and hope for his return, he is one of a kind, that is a damn fact no matter who you are

by blackflag on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:09:43 PM EST

"cheap shot" (none / 0)

It was the man's opinion. It was not a "cheap shot." It was opinion I share, although for slightly different reasons.

The "cheap shot" is trying to sneak in your own political characterization under these circumstances and carry on a never-ending pissing match virully.

This event should be a wake-call to the greater blogosphere that some of this personal stuff is going too far - not a signal to tweak the personal rhetoric just to change pissing match strategies.

Although the Democratic Party at large is a crazy chaotic place, the netroots have characteristics and qualities not unlike a family. I think at a time like this, we should be leaving this stuff outside... and maybe, through a reminder of mortality, take the opportunity to put these disagreements back into perspective.

by odum on Sat May 17, 2008 at 02:30:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 1)

Teddy God Bless You

I would say at this point we're starting to see a little desperation on the part of the woman who I support... NY Governor Paterson

by obamaovermccain on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:17:11 PM EST

Wake up call (2.00 / 2)

The primary infighting has been so ugly here, it was only days ago that we could all witness the most gross, far-right-wing smear-style attacks on this man tossed around without a second thought - and all because he preferred a different Democrat in the Presidential Primary than the commenters.

Sometimes it takes a reminder of mortality and the fragility of life - a complete life, that like everyone's, cannot be reduced to a single event - to get people to regain their perspective.

Yes, even if he prefers 'Democrat A' over 'Democrat B.'

But I'm truly confident that we'll all be hoping for a full recovery for this man, to whom we all owe a great deal.

by odum on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:22:10 PM EST

Re: Wake up call (2.00 / 2)

some people did that. Most Hillary supporters did not.

my thoughts, which are good and full of pride of my Senator, are with him.

by colebiancardi on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:25:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Wake up call (2.00 / 1)

no need for attacks please

by zerosumgame on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:25:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Wake up call (none / 0)

How can you read this as an attack? That's a real stretch.

It's a wake up call. Happens with families sometimes.

by odum on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:26:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 1)

Please Teddy, get well quickly. We need you. I've spent my life watching the Kennedys endure tragedy and expend themselves for the benefit of our society. They have been the very model of civil servants and humanity. Despite being only human, they have been committed to giving back and improving life for us all. Praying for you, Teddy.

by whognu on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:24:35 PM EST

Best of Luck, Theodore (2.00 / 1)

Best wishes for Senator Kennedy and his family.

-chris

Motley Moose: Progress Through Politics

by chrisblask on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:25:28 PM EST

C'mon Uncle Teddy (none / 0)

We're pulling for you.

The guy really should slow down; we need him in good shape.

Thankfully, if something does happen, Governor Patrick can recruit a Democrat to fill his spot. Maybe his niece, Caroline?

You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:29:36 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 3)

Get well Sen. Kennedy!

We are ALL pulling for you.

Oh Mammy Dear, we're all mad over here livin' in America

by JDF on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:35:53 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 1)

Just heard friend at the Kennedy office in DC...Did not know exactly what was happening, but knew it did not appear to be too serious - and that Teddy would likely be kept for a period of time to make sure he didn't have any more "episodes," but will be allright.

Matthew25Network.com

by cardboard 1 on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:36:21 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 2)

As a stroke survivor, the doctors say the key is to get to the hospital ASAP.

He should be fine but seizures are bad. They will have to find the source of the seizure and run many tests.

May need brain surgery but he is a tough fighter and should pull thru.

May be out a while like Johnson.

by gotalife on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:43:34 PM EST

He's going to be okay (2.00 / 1)

Phew!!

Be well, Teddy.

by Bee on Sat May 17, 2008 at 01:44:40 PM EST

Get well soon (none / 0)

Senator Kennedy and best wishes to the family.

That One is the Right One for 2008.

by GFORD on Sat May 17, 2008 at 02:22:40 PM EST

seizures (none / 0)

Just so everyone knows: seizures can be caused by a wide variety of circumstances, ranging from trivial to catastrophic. The can be caused by extremely low blood sugar, a variety of types of brain trauma, certain types of stimulants (including some legal ones), strokes, tumors or brain injury.

Medline has some great resources on this.

I'm just posting this because people are asking and making assumptions. A seizure in itself doesn't mean much of anything and doesn't tell us anything about long-term prognosis.

I hope that in Kennedy's case it's one of the trivial elements and not the serious ones.

I'm only a click away

by juliewolf on Sat May 17, 2008 at 02:33:07 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (2.00 / 1)

I didn't get to comment while the story was actually going on, but I'll admit I was a little choked up when I initially heard the news and there was speculation on MSNBC that he had died.

by unionfield on Sat May 17, 2008 at 05:17:56 PM EST

Re: Ted Kennedy Hospitalized (none / 0)

Here's hoping for a swift recovery and a couple more terms. He'll be a great asset to either candidate's Presidency.

Torture me once, shame on you; torture me and get away with it, shame on us all.

by freedom78 on Sun May 18, 2008 at 12:03:39 AM EST

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