Sen Ted Kennedy hospitalized

January 20, 2009

According to CNN, Sen Kennedy was hospitalized for recurrent seizures, but is expected to just stay the night.

Before the inauguration, Sen Kennedy walked in, unaided except for a cane, and was smiling and waving. He had on a great black hat and looked completely present. Evidently, at the post-inauguration luncheon, he began to convulse. He was alert just previous and was talking by the time he reached the ambulance. The Secret Service whisked him away while he was still seizing - his wife, Sen Dodd (D-CT) and Sen Hatch (R-UT) by his side. He was evaluated at the hospital by the Chairman of Neurosurgery, Dr Edward Aulisi - who was probably standing by anyway - and his seizure felt to be due to exhaustion. He will stay overnight for hospitalization.

barry had earlier made remarks:

Kennedy "was there when the Voting Rights Act passed. Along with John Lewis, [Kennedy] was a warrior for justice. And so I would be lying to you if I did not say that right now, a part of me is with him. And I think that's true for all of us. This is a joyous time. But it's also a sobering time, and my prayers are with him and his family and [his wife] Vicki.

After the seizure, barry reportedly asked for a moment of silence.

Prior to getting into the ambulance, Dodd said Kennedy told him, "I'll be okay. I'll see you later."

And after seeing Kennedy at the hospital, Sen Kerry (D-MA) said:

He has his Irish up.

Ted Kennedy is going to be back in the Senate fighting for the things he cares about.

Senator Kennedy congratulating President Obama at the luncheon prior to his seizure.