WASHINGTON — Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy collapsed during a ceremonial lunch with newly sworn-in President Barack Obama and congressional leaders. Mr. Kennedy suffered a seizure at the end of the lunch,… and was taken from the gathering in a wheel chair, a Republican lawmaker said on background. Sen. Kennedy, 76 years old, had appeared in good health and spirits hours earlier when he stepped out of the Capitol and onto the inauguration platform where Mr. Obama took the oath of office. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, 91, also was taken from the luncheon but it wasn’t clear whether his departure was prompted by his health. Sen. Kennedy has suffered seizures since he was stricken and had surgery for his tumor last year, but it wasn’t known what caused him to fall ill at the early afternoon lunch. In his remarks, Mr. Obama said his prayers were with the stricken senator, his family and wife, Vicki. “He was there when the Voting Rights Act passed, along with John Lewis who 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,” Mr. Obama said.
This is sad, but will not put a damper on our President’s first day in office.
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