Projo Politics Blog

AP photo / Winslow Townson
U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., left, is greeted by his cousin, Caroline Kennedy, as he arrives at and she departs from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, today, where Patrick's father Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., is hospitalized.

A throng of reporters gathered for word outside the hospital soon after reports surfaced that the senior senator had been airlifted there. The media were collected in a roped off area on the sidewalk about 100 yards from the hospital’s main entrance, where there was no sign of extraordinary security precautions for the senator.

More than a dozen television cameras representing local and national media outlets were trained on the front door in the event that a hospital spokesperson or family member might speak publicly.

None did.

At 8 p.m., more than 10 hours after some reporters first gathered on the sidewalk, hospital spokesperson Peggy Slasman distributed a written statement from the senator's primary care physician, Dr. Larry Ronan (who also works as an internist for the Red Sox), noting that Kennedy was "resting comfortably, and watching the Red Sox game with his family."

Slasman also delivered 33 Papa Ginos pizzas and four cases of water to the reporters, cameramen and photographers –– who numbered about 30 at that time –– who had spent much of the day waiting for a live update that never came.

According to reports before 7 p.m., he was recovering in good spirits from a seizure suffered at his Cape Cod home.

-- Steve Peoples, of the Journal State House Bureau, with reports from the Associated Press

Comments

Roberta Winkleman said:

So sorry to hear of your misfortune. My family wishes you a speedy recovery.

Roberta & Joe Winkleman

Link | May 18, 2008 7:53 AM
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Sherry Temple said:

I hope Senator Kennedy is doing well and recovers fully and quickly. Btw, what happened to Patrick Kennedy's hand? It looks like broken fingers on the right hand?

Link | May 18, 2008 5:58 PM
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