Stroke and seizure reports are circulating but there has not been an official statement:
Kennedy was transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston for evaluation after initial treatment at Cape Cod Hospital, a statement from his office said.
The senator spent less than an hour in the Cape Cod facility, hospital spokesman David Reilly said.
Massachusetts General said it had no information on Kennedy.
A well-informed Democratic source in Massachusetts said the 76-year-old senator had “symptoms of a stroke” at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port. Video Watch an update on Kennedy’s condition »
An official with the Hyannis Fire Department said it received a 911 call from the Kennedy compound at 8:19 a.m. and transported a patient to the hospital, arriving at 8:50 a.m. The official would not be more specific.
The Boston Globe’s report makes it sound quite serious:
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.
His condition was unclear early this afternoon, as a special police security detail gathered at Mass. General. Kennedy family members were called this morning and told to rush to Boston, according to sources.
Update:
The Moderate Voice comments on the potential political implications:
The campaign of Senator Barack Obama had won his endorsement earlier this year and Kennedy had reportedly been planning to go out on the hustings and work for Obama’s election. Since he’s also a superdelegate, he was expected to be influential as the primary season was winding down and was expected to be influential at the Denver convention.
Obama and McCain have both issued statements:
“We are putting in a call to Vicki Kennedy and we are going to try to figure out as quickly as possible [how he’s doing]” Sen. Barack Obama, campaigning in Eugene, Ore., told reporters Saturday morning. “Obviously my thoughts and prayers are with Teddy Kennedy, he is one of my favorite people.”
Kennedy has been a key supporter for Obama, campaigning vigorously on behalf of the Democratic front-runner. Obama is expected to hold a rally in Rosewood, Ore., accompanied by his wife Michelle and their two young daughters. He will then make several local stops in the state which holds its primary Tuesday.
Presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain also issued a statement: “I was very sorry to hear that Senator Kennedy has taken ill, and like millions of Americans, Cindy and I anxiously await word of his condition. Senator Kennedy’s role in the U.S. Senate cannot be overstated. He is a legendary lawmaker, and I have the highest respect for him. When we have worked together, he has been a skillful, fair and generous partner. I consider it a great privilege to call him my friend. Cindy and I are praying for our friend, his wife, Vicki and the Kennedy family.”
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I am sitting here listening to FOX News and all the reporters and others are blubbering and singing the praises of Kennedy as if he were already dead, well, even if he does die, I am going to make this very clear, I have always considered Teddy Kennedy as an enemy, an abortion supporting, gun grabbing liberal and not worth more than a few lines of criticism from time to time…
This current health crisis has done nothing to change my opinions either but it’s going to be interesting to see just which so-called Conservative politicians come out singing his praises, should be interesting…
I don`t feel sorry for this guy. I pray he is ready to meet his maker. Because he has alot to answer for.Especially Maryjo.The young girl he left drown to save his hide. He and the whole Kennedy family have a lot to answer for.
I agree with the blog by Kerry. When this man speeks you weep because of the money he plans to take from you.
One also said he is the nucilus of todays american family. Sadly that is also correct this is the reason for the problems we have in this country.
My wife had breast cancer in 1998. I have been disabled since 1991. She has now been disabled since 2000.
We have both been in the hospital several times. Lost a house we had paid for. Lost other houses. We now owe a large amount of money. We did not have the american people to pick up all our bills, plus pay us from now untill eturinity. They always say what if you could walk in the other mans shoes.
Like they say pay backs are a bitch.It`s time to pay the piper. So the story goes.