Breaking: Bill Clinton rushed to hospital
posted at 5:02 pm on February 11, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
ABC News reports that former President Bill Clinton has been rushed to a hospital this afternoon:
Former President Bill Clinton was rushed to a Manhattan hospital late this afternoon, sources tell ABC News.
Clinton, 63, was transported to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan for a condition related to his heart.
ABC News’ chief political correspondent George Stephanopoulos reported that sources said he was taken to the hospital “likely for a stent procedure.”
ABC says that Hillary did not appear to be in a rush to leave the office, which may mean that the issue may be more routine. Anything with the heart would be an area of concern for Bill Clinton, as he just had a quadruple bypass less than five years ago.
I’ll update the post as the story develops. Meanwhile, the family will of course be in our prayers.
Update: An update to ABC’s initial dispatch seems more reassuring:
An official told ABC News that Clinton’s ailment seems more like “discomfort…something wasn’t right” rather than a health “crisis.”
A friend of the former president’s said that he had been suffering from a cold and had been warn [sic] out from his recent trip to Haiti.
It’s also possible that he picked up something in Haiti that’s unrelated to his heart in the difficult environment in Haiti as well.
Update II: Good news from ABC in a further update at the same link:
“Today President Bill Clinton was admitted to the Columbia Campus of New York Presbyterian Hospital after feeling discomfort in his chest,” said Band. “Following a visit to his cardiologist, he underwent a procedure to place two stents in one of his coronary arteries.”
A stent is a wire mesh tube used to prop open an artery.
“President Clinton is in good spirits and will continue to focus on the work of his Foundation and Haiti’s relief and long-term recovery efforts.”
The First Mate had a stent installed in one of her coronary arteries as a precaution before her kidney transplant in 2004. It’s fairly routine, and after lying flat for about 12 hours, the patient can usually resume normal activities. Best wishes for former President Clinton for a speedy recovery.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3
So so wrong . . . *shudder*
Ingenue on February 11, 2010 at 6:11 PM
Hillary’s reaction is the most interesting part of this story. Wasn’t she concerned? Either to despair or to gloat, she should have been in the hospital with him.
joe_doufu on February 11, 2010 at 6:12 PM
I think the psychologists call is….”denial.” :)
AnninCA on February 11, 2010 at 6:13 PM
I wish President Clinton a speedy and complete recovery. Just because I disagree with him about politics, I’m not not going to use this occasion to launch an attack against him. Hot Air is not Daily Kos, Huffington Post or Democratic Underground.
simkeith on February 11, 2010 at 6:13 PM
No heart attack on Bill Clinton ever fed a hungry child.
Johnson on February 11, 2010 at 6:14 PM
Worth repeating.
Knucklehead on February 11, 2010 at 6:14 PM
And a complete lack of self-awareness. Nor any appreciation for irony.
misterpeasea on February 11, 2010 at 6:15 PM
I think that’s a typical media story today. We’re really plagued with this type of reporting today, whether it’s about Palin and notes on her hand or Hillary’s facial expressions.
It’s what I call “garbage journalism.”
AnninCA on February 11, 2010 at 6:15 PM
um, no, it’s called “projection” in your case
Branch Rickey on February 11, 2010 at 6:15 PM
Let’s be clear here. Bill Clinton is a serial rapist who used his position to force and/or entice women to have sex with him. Monica Lewinski was a stupid slut that actually thought she’d become the second Mrs. Clinton but she was also an intern which would normally send radical shrews like you screaming about workplace sexual harassment.
It doesn’t matter how many stupid women had “Bill Clinton sex dreams.” Bill Clinton is Tiger Woods with a dark underside and more power to hide the truth.
So-called feminists who defend this bastard undermine their own stated values.
highhopes on February 11, 2010 at 6:16 PM
Probably his condition does remind us all that racing through McDonald’s isn’t a great idea for our body.
AnninCA on February 11, 2010 at 6:17 PM
Cough*
AnninCA on February 11, 2010 at 6:18 PM
I don’t agree to not respond to anyone here at HA. This is not a high school popularity contest, but who do you think would win the vote if the HA posters voted between me and you?
You just go on with your fantasy life about a man who is nothing but a rapist, liar, and disgraced and disbarred attorney to your heart’s content…you consider yourself to be a thinking person but all you do is spit out talking points. If you don’t like my snark, then you are free to ignore it, but I’m still sharin’ it with ya.
ladyingray on February 11, 2010 at 6:18 PM
The last 12 months and whatever days really made me appreciate President Clinton.
Get well, Billy Jeff.
Chuck Schick on February 11, 2010 at 6:18 PM
God Bless the Big Dawg and Hillary
ginaswo on February 11, 2010 at 6:18 PM
Self control is not one of WJC’s strong points. It’s caught up with him, as it always does.
joe btfsplk on February 11, 2010 at 6:21 PM
Seriously, that’s your idea? Popularity?
Okey dokey.
AnninCA on February 11, 2010 at 6:23 PM
And you do know garbage.
The fact of the matter is that there is a double standard. The media will not speculate on Hillary Clinton’s actions today but they went out of their way to attack Palin. We saw this when the media was trying to prove that Palin’s child was actually a bastard grandchild. Yet, it is commonly known that Clinton is still sleeping around and there isn’t a word about it in the press.
Honestly, I don’t care about how many sluts Clinton has on his speed dial but the hypocrisy from the left is just too much to be tolerated or ignored.
highhopes on February 11, 2010 at 6:24 PM
No offense, ladyingray, but she brought up Clinton sex dreams. Perez Hilton might win that poll.
nico on February 11, 2010 at 6:24 PM
Neither is serial rape.
HornetSting on February 11, 2010 at 6:25 PM
Intelligent conversation. Go play in the kiddie pool, ann.
HornetSting on February 11, 2010 at 6:26 PM
I thought you were ready to retire….
ladyingray on February 11, 2010 at 6:33 PM
I heard Bill jets around on a billionare friends boeing business jet that’s known as “air f ck one”
seriously
Sonosam on February 11, 2010 at 6:38 PM
*snicker
Love the “cigar” comment, btw.
ladyingray on February 11, 2010 at 6:40 PM
My dream is to see Ann and Bill finally united in eternal bliss forever
AsianGirlInTights on February 11, 2010 at 6:41 PM
Ann? Princess???? Where’d you go?????
*crickets
ladyingray on February 11, 2010 at 6:41 PM
Glad to hear things went well. Here’s wishing him a long and healthy life.
Midas on February 11, 2010 at 6:46 PM
Ooops~she left to fix her mask. It slipped…..she’s an aging hippy…..growing up with Bubba as her governor?
HornetSting on February 11, 2010 at 6:51 PM
Bill Clinton will always be in people’s hearts. In spite of being impeached, he remained the people’s choice.
I personally think his remarks about Palin and how he recognized the populist sentiment is related.
He managed to thread that fine needle. Nobody, on the GOP or the Dem side, ever has done so since.
I do think his policies were flawed. I think his own personal demons were real.
But I can’t think of another president who so wove together in such a tapestry of political thought, the best of what America, and represents true democracy.
He will always be the president of people. Real people. He respected all of us.
AnninCA on February 11, 2010 at 6:55 PM
Get’s me all fired up when my women-folk HA patriot’s are dissed. LOL! Not that any of you need a man’s help, here. Esp with ConcernTrollSluginTXformerlyCAand-now-apparantlyArkansasBubbaLand
OmahaConservative on February 11, 2010 at 6:58 PM
You think his policies were flawed and his personal demons real…that is inconsistent with him being “the president of the people” and with him respecting “all of us”. He used stupid women like you to get elected.
BTW, we don’t live in a democracy…
ladyingray on February 11, 2010 at 7:00 PM
He respected all of us except for the women he harassed and assaulted. Then again the fact that you are ignorant of the whole situation speaks volumes about your political knowledge.
Also funny, how lefty women of your type are willing to look past these types of accusations because he is some sort of pudgy, warped, ideal lefty Ken doll of what a man should be.
Abuse of women is A-Ok as long as there is a D by the guy’s name.
ClassicCon on February 11, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Can you put your poetry on a needlepoint sampler and hang that above the porcelain throne?
OmahaConservative on February 11, 2010 at 7:01 PM
Especially women……..yeah right. Go sell it at HuffPo.
HornetSting on February 11, 2010 at 7:01 PM
[hahahahaha] Never a majority though as he only ever won a plurality of the popular vote. The popular vote seems to be the “Gore” standard for nitwits.
Branch Rickey on February 11, 2010 at 7:02 PM
too bad he’s not a senator….
Get well soon bubba!
Handel on February 11, 2010 at 7:02 PM
I don’t agree with any of you that the women were reluctant.
LOL*
Therein lies the difference of opinions here.
AnninCA on February 11, 2010 at 7:02 PM
So instead of Princess Diana, Bill Clinton was actually the “Peoples’ Princess>”
Ann, you wear delusional well.
Branch Rickey on February 11, 2010 at 7:03 PM
Do something about that nervous tick, Reagan hater…
OmahaConservative on February 11, 2010 at 7:04 PM
Not the only difference I hope as I don’t find RAPE anything to LOL at nitwit.
Branch Rickey on February 11, 2010 at 7:05 PM
That isn’t the only difference, ann. Go get someone to blow in your ear~you need a refill.
Clinton is a scumbag, philanderer.
The women were used, abused, thrown away, and then kicked for their trouble.
HornetSting on February 11, 2010 at 7:05 PM
Guess Willy should lay off the sex for a while. No doubt it got him into this predicament.
He may deserve a lot of things but a fatal heart attack’s not one of them. My prayers will be going out to him and his family.
Ryan Anthony on February 11, 2010 at 7:05 PM
Please do us all a favor- put on the blue dress, go under the desk, and never come out.
DarkCurrent on February 11, 2010 at 7:05 PM
So…you chose to belief the female victim is lying instead of the male suspect?
Damn! I love feminism…
ladyingray on February 11, 2010 at 7:06 PM
Gold star.
I’m gonna say this once. I did not respect Bill Clinton for lying, not one time, not ever!
Chris_Balsz on February 11, 2010 at 7:06 PM
That is, by far, the best post I have ever seen here.
(I think I love you)
ladyingray on February 11, 2010 at 7:11 PM
LOL! Lanny Davis just told Shep it can’t be a very big deal since the ice-princess Sec’ of State is keeping to her rigid schedule. Poor Bubba, no respect, I tell ya’, no respect…
OmahaConservative on February 11, 2010 at 7:11 PM
Man, this is beyond gross.
THEY WERE ASKING FOR IT!…stupid sluts.
ClassicCon on February 11, 2010 at 7:11 PM
I could while away the hours
Conferrin’ with the flowers
Consultin’ with the rain………..
nico on February 11, 2010 at 7:12 PM
Dude, I’m trying to eat here!!!
mizflame98 on February 11, 2010 at 7:12 PM
I didn’t care for Clinton. Didn’t vote for him. But at least the guy had the good political sense to slow/alter his own agenda when it became apparent it wasn’t in line with what America wanted. With each passing day, Clinton is looking better and better. Of course, that’s true of any ex-President not named Carter, Johnson, Wilson as well…and I may be saying it’s true of them too before too long.
stldave on February 11, 2010 at 7:14 PM
Ann’s toast
DarkCurrent on February 11, 2010 at 7:15 PM
Does this remind anyone else of that scene in “War of the Roses” when Kathleen Turner doesn’t show up to the hospital…or is it just me?
Branch Rickey on February 11, 2010 at 7:18 PM
And we don’t agree with you that all the women were willing. Therein lies the real difference of opinion.
And what’s with all the LOLing? As if, at the very least, him humiliating his wife is something to laugh about? Or are you of the school of thought that she is a closet lesbian, and they have the secret agreement for him to screw around as long as she’s not humiliated, and therefore all his adultery is all right because he’s living a lie anyway?
Yes, all of this is so hilarious!
haikusrock on February 11, 2010 at 7:22 PM
“He respected all of us.” No, he didn’t, Ann.
He didn’t respect those of us who believe in and practice fidelity to our spouses.
He didn’t respect those of us who believe in integrity and honesty.
He didn’t respect those of us who believe in telling the truth under oath.
What La-La Land do you live in, Ann?
GrannyDee on February 11, 2010 at 7:23 PM
I’m sorry. I really am. My eyes are welling. Can’t. Stop. Laughing.
It just resonates with meaning.
nico on February 11, 2010 at 7:26 PM
Any procedure involving the heart is serious enough that your spouse should be with you. I cannot fathom not being there for support. My spouse has had two procedures for atrial fibrilation where they go up into the heart through the groin and cauterize spots in the heart. Even though it is a common procedure, there are risks and it is scary to the family. There’s always risks with any procedure, so I can’t imagine Hillary not being there.
silvernana on February 11, 2010 at 7:27 PM
Bad week for democrats. First Murtha . . . . .
kens on February 11, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Bill Clinton has a heart?
Who knew???
MikePappas on February 11, 2010 at 7:33 PM
Don’t you remember? He felt your pain….
ladyingray on February 11, 2010 at 7:35 PM
Did the government panel approve those stents? Couldn’t he have just gotten the blue pill? How much money are those evil surgeons getting for putting in those stents?
MADgirl91 on February 11, 2010 at 7:35 PM
Don’t you remember? He felt your pain….
ladyingray on February 11, 2010 at 7:35 PM
Did the government panel approve those stents? Couldn’t he have just gotten the blue pill? How much money are those evil surgeons getting for putting in those stents?
MADgirl91 on February 11, 2010 at 7:36 PM
Don’t you remember? He felt your pain….
ladyingray on February 11, 2010 at 7:36 PM
Well he did seem to be able to fake it better than the current occupant of the White House. He didn’t tell the press that Americans were too stupid to understand his policies.
Is that what you mean?
Lily on February 11, 2010 at 7:39 PM
You notice Bill didn’t go to a government run hospital.
Aviator on February 11, 2010 at 7:39 PM
Sorry for the triple post…I am embarrassed
ladyingray on February 11, 2010 at 7:41 PM
It’s funny how time can make you soften on someone. I really despised Clinton. I was disgusted by his personal actions.
I guess if I had to listen to him I might get some of that disgust back. But as long as he keeps mostly quiet. I am now fond of him and truly wish him well.
petunia on February 11, 2010 at 7:42 PM
Don’t be, Darlin’
Nine out of ten love and respect you.
OmahaConservative on February 11, 2010 at 7:43 PM
K. Wiley, P. Jones and J. Brodderick would beg to differ.
thomasaur on February 11, 2010 at 7:44 PM
I thought that you were stuttering and I didn’t want to say anything.
thomasaur on February 11, 2010 at 7:46 PM
He could pull off the anecdotal stories of the system that let a person down without coming off as a complete jackass too. He won’t be ending any of his stories with a “And she’s going to be buried in one of my t-shirts too!” line. He’d just bite his lip until a tear formed, and those of us who opposed his policy would be left to say, “Damn, he’s good.”
stldave on February 11, 2010 at 7:47 PM
Hillary couldn’t care less! Even if Bubba bit the big one and keeled over dead… Such a loving family!
IntheNet on February 11, 2010 at 7:48 PM
The USS Cutey Snark fires a “broad”side and scores a direct hit!
Shiver me timbers, that’s some fine shootin’ there…
karl9000 on February 11, 2010 at 8:00 PM
Why? He was a pervert that disgraced the office of the President!
Hobbes on February 11, 2010 at 8:02 PM
The placement of a stent is not inconsequential either procedurally or by reason of necessity. There is good reason to believe that Mr. Clinton was much more affected by his earlier surgery than has been disclosed. See http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/bypasssurgery/a/pumphead.htm
I’m not a Clinton guy but I wish him all the best.
Mason on February 11, 2010 at 8:04 PM
Ninjapirate wanted to feel all warm and fuzzy tonight…..
HornetSting on February 11, 2010 at 8:05 PM
Is there any doubt that Laura Bush would have been with George on the way to the hospital or met him when he got there if she were somewhere else when the news came? I can’t imagine Michelle not doing the same for Barak. I realize that they’re not the Secretary of Defense, but ANYONE would want to be there with their spouse, wouldn’t they?
For the first time in my life I feel sorry for Bill Clinton. I think this is the saddest part of the whole story. And I feel less respect for Hillary than I ever have.
Lily on February 11, 2010 at 8:11 PM
Bush used smart women like you to get elected? Please.
Monkei on February 11, 2010 at 8:17 PM
The Democrats are dropping like flies this year.
chunderroad on February 11, 2010 at 8:25 PM
<3
Ingenue on February 11, 2010 at 9:02 PM
For some strange reason I don’t feel much good will towards those who have been working to destroy our Constitution/Republic, have insulted us, have misused their offices to satisfy their own egos and needs, who shun our military, and quite frankly have allowed an environment where thousands of Americans have died needlessly, and seek to impose their ideological will upon us…and they aren’t done with us yet.
I still remember the clip of this guy laughing and joking at Secretary Brown’s funeral, looking at the camera, and then realizing he was being filmed acted like he was wiping away a tear.
I will not feel sympathy for someone like that.
Dr. ZhivBlago on February 11, 2010 at 9:26 PM
I’m glab Bill is OK. I saw him speak in Frankfort for his wife’s primary run. Even though i think he is a snake in the grass, he is America’s snake in the grass. Get well soon Bubba.
tom0508 on February 11, 2010 at 9:33 PM
Come on Bill! I want you to get better and back on your feet ASAP… sure, I couldn’t stand you when you were CIC, but now you’re sort of like the kooky uncle that’s nice to have around every once in a while! Godspeed…
D2Boston on February 11, 2010 at 9:48 PM
“You better put some ice on that.”
- Juanita Broadderick
daesleeper on February 11, 2010 at 10:14 PM
Glad to hear he’s doing well. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Mr. President.
NoLeftTurn on February 11, 2010 at 11:09 PM
I agree Clinton was a masterful politician, or at least a masterful survivor. He wasn’t an ideologue like Obama. At the same time, he maintained his popularity because we were in the middle of the tech boom. If unemployment had been 10% in 1998, people would’ve been ready to string him up from the nearest lamppost.
What I resented was his constant lying. I couldn’t have cared less what women thought about him. Apparently there were those who had sex nightmares about him as well.
ddrintn on February 11, 2010 at 11:41 PM
My prayers are with Bill & Hillary and daughter Chelsea. I hope he makes a speedy recovery. I never voted for him, nor would I, but I wish him all the best.
TN Mom on February 12, 2010 at 12:21 AM
I am not going to waste my time praying for his recovery. Rather, on behalf of Ron Brown, Juanita Broddrick, Vince Foster, thousands of Serbs, and hundreds of thousands of Rwandans, I will pray that Billy Boy gets what he deserves. :)
Bizarro No. 1 on February 12, 2010 at 1:49 AM
Freak
Daemonocracy on February 12, 2010 at 2:59 AM
Get well soon Bubba.
Never liked the man seeing as he put my family out of business and we damn near starved. Not to mention the tens of thousands of other hard working independent truckers his diesel fuel tax raped and left destitute. I guess I can thank him for that though in some fashion as I moved from trucking into technology and haven’t looked back.
Honestly I thought I would say this. I find myself missing Bill when I look at the current admin.
vinceautmorire on February 12, 2010 at 7:04 AM
Aww shoot. “Honestly I thought” should say “honestly I never thought”
vinceautmorire on February 12, 2010 at 7:05 AM
I don’t like Bill Clinton…..never did, never will. Nonetheless, I wish him a speedy recovery and a return to good health.
olesparkie on February 12, 2010 at 7:35 AM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3