Kennedy 'feeling well'

Last update: January 21, 2009 - 12:06 PM

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., was awake and "feeling well" Tuesday after suffering a seizure during a post-inaugural luncheon in honor of President Obama, said a physician who treated him.

Kennedy, who has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments since having surgery for brain cancer in June, was rushed from the Capitol by ambulance after he began convulsing, lawmakers said.

"After testing, we believe the incident was brought on by simple fatigue," said Edward Aulisi, chairman of Washington Hospital Center's neurosurgery division. Officials said they planned to release Kennedy this morning.

A hospital spokeswoman said Kennedy was able to receive a phone call from Obama. Kennedy's wife, Vicki, and son Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., were with him. A few hours later, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., visited Kennedy, 76. "He's laughing and joking right now, he's got all his Irish dander up," he said.

Sen. Robert Byrd, 91, D-W.Va., also left the luncheon early, but his office said he was fine.

that awkward moment

Chief Justice John Roberts swore in Barack Obama as president with a slight stumble over the wording of the oath of office. Roberts started reciting -- and Obama repeating -- the 35-word oath that is prescribed by the Constitution. But at one point, Obama paused abruptly after Roberts reversed several words in the oath.

The oath includes the phrase "that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States" but Roberts said, "that I will execute the office of president to the United States faithfully."

Obama apparently realized that something was out of order. Roberts then repeated the phrase correctly, but Obama repeated Roberts' incorrect version. Later, as they shook hands, Roberts -- performing his first inauguration -- appeared to take responsibility for the error.

CLINTON'S VOTE POSTPONED

The Senate swiftly approved seven of President Barack Obama's Cabinet-level appointees, but put off for a day the vote on his choice to be secretary of state, Hillary Clinton.

The vote on Clinton was sidetracked when Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, objected, saying he still had concerns about foreign donations to former President Bill Clinton's foundation. Senate leaders agreed to have a roll call vote on Clinton today after three hours of debate.

Confirmed were Steven Chu to be energy secretary, Arne Duncan at education, Janet Napolitano for homeland security, Eric Shinseki to head veterans affairs, Ken Salazar for interior, Tom Vilsack for agriculture and Peter Orszag to head the Office of Management and Budget.

ON TODAY'S AGENDA: IRAQ

President Obama's promise to end the war in Iraq will be on the agenda today when the new commander-in-chief meets with top national security aides and senior commanders, officials said. Obama has summoned Defense Secretary Robert Gates, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, and other members of his National Security Council to discuss the war, officers said.

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