Kerry to leave hospital for his Boston home, U.S. official says

[bananas]

Source: Reuters

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday will leave the hospital where he was treated for a broken leg suffered while cycling in France to return to his Boston home, the State Department said.

The top U.S. diplomat plans to make a brief statement and to take a few questions when he leaves Massachusetts General Hospital, where he has been treated, on Friday afternoon.

<snip>

The State Department did not say exactly when Kerry would make his statement on leaving the hospital, but reporters were asked to be there by 3:30 p.m. EDT (1930 GMT).

Kerry has not returned to Washington since his injury, and U.S. officials have declined to say when he may do so. One of the central questions after Kerry's fall was whether it would affect negotiations between Iran and six major powers seeking to strike an agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.

<snip>

Read more: http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/06/12/usa-kerry-idINKBN0OS1ZO20150612

[alboe]

1. Glad to see Secretary Kerry returning home

[Warpy]

2. Glad he's able to go home, don't envy him the next two months.

I'm two months out on my own broken leg. It's just now getting more comfortable to drive a stick shift.

[bananas]

7. Sorry to hear about your broken leg. nt

[heaven05]

3. totally irresponsible

for an individual with his responsibilities to have been on that bike in the first place. Hope he heals well, anyway.

[alboe]

4. I disagree

You'll go nuts if you don't have the chance to do something for yourself when you have such a high-stress job.

[mylye2222]

9. Yep. Ordinary Kerry bashing over here

As too often.

[TwilightGardener]

5. This is true. Hate to bash someone who's in pain, but he wasn't there to run the Tour De France.

And he's 71, and a major deal hinges on him, and the rest of the world is kind of topsy-turvy as well. Put it all together and it adds up to a bad decision.

[alboe]

6. I guess I see your argument to some degree

[mylye2222]

8. Disagree.

He may be 71 but still in good form. A fall might happen wenever your 70 or 20.
Plus it is not us to judge whatever are his hobbies

[davidpdx]

41. It's great that he stays in shape at his age

and with such a stressful job. Bravo to him for staying in shape.

[blm]

10. Wrong - this is something Kerry does often and he is in top condition.

For him this was no different than a regular run would be for a runner.

It was a fluke, not a certainty as some would like to suggest.

WSJ:
John Kerry: Not Your Average Cyclist

The Secretary of State, injured in a biking accident, is an ‘incredible’ athlete, say those who have ridden with him

By JASON GAY
May 31, 2015 4:54 p.m. ET

Seven years ago, the former pro cyclist turned manager Jonathan Vaughters accompanied then-Sen. John Kerry for a bike ride in Colorado. Vaughters, who oversees the current Cannondale-Garmin Pro Tour team, expected the pedal with the politician to be a “dawdle.”

It proved to be anything but.

“A lot of times, you go on rides with executives or dignitaries or VIPs and it’s a very, very casually paced ride,” Vaughters said Sunday. “But Kerry is the real deal—fit, fast, confident. If he raced in his age category, he’d be one of the top riders in the U.S.”

[TwilightGardener]

12. I normally agree with you, but I don't give a good goddamn how he "ranks" in biking.

He wasn't on vacation. He was there on business, not to pursue bike racing.

[mylye2222]

13. The bike ride happened on Sunday morning

He took a break from work... like a lot of us can do. I dont see anything wrong here.
Plus Kerry is one of the hardest working SOS in modern era. Like anyone he needs sometimes to refresh his mind.

[blm]

14. He wasn't racing. This ride to him was like taking a walk to most anyone else.

If someone walked or ran regularly should they be barred from doing so while in other countries for meetings and business?

I think that it is highly unlikely that a runner would get criticized for a fluke accident while taking a regular run.

[TwilightGardener]

15. There's running for exercise around the block, and then there's jumping hurdles or doing a marathon.

There's taking a nice bike ride, and racing so fast you crash and break the largest bone of your body. Sorry, he made a poor choice here.

[mylye2222]

16. As I stated above..

That can happen to anyone. No poor choice here.

[blm]

17. Sorry, but this was a regular ride for him.

Death-defying for most, a regular ride for him.

Your mileage may vary.

[Jesus Malverde]

49. Not so fit anymore.

[karynnj]

54. Actually, he is likely more fit than all but a small number of 71 year olds - even with a broken leg

It is entirely true that he is not as mobile as he was.

Note that his very highly regarded doctor spoke of how his athleticism will help him recover faster than otherwise.

[Jesus Malverde]

56. Thats awesome

[awoke_in_2003]

20. and he can always...

attend meetings in a wheel chair until he is healed.

[blm]

11. Baloney. He bikes regularly like someone people take walks and runs.

There is nothing irresponsible about an expert biker taking a regular ride.


http://www.wsj.com/articles/john-kerry-not-your-average-cyclist-1433105684?tesla=y

John Kerry: Not Your Average Cyclist
The Secretary of State, injured in a biking accident, is an ‘incredible’ athlete, say those who have ridden with him

By JASON GAY
May 31, 2015 4:54 p.m. ET

Seven years ago, the former pro cyclist turned manager Jonathan Vaughters accompanied then-Sen. John Kerry for a bike ride in Colorado. Vaughters, who oversees the current Cannondale-Garmin Pro Tour team, expected the pedal with the politician to be a “dawdle.”

It proved to be anything but.

“A lot of times, you go on rides with executives or dignitaries or VIPs and it’s a very, very casually paced ride,” Vaughters said Sunday. “But Kerry is the real deal—fit, fast, confident. If he raced in his age category, he’d be one of the top riders in the U.S.”

>>>>>

[heaven05]

22. fine

I stand by what I said.

[blm]

25. LOL - Go ahead - I suppose voicing an opinion on what exercise or sports

others enjoy is a form of relaxation and/or sport for some people.

[heaven05]

27. can you spell

responsibility? Guess not. No sport or relaxation garnered, just concern. Laugh all you want, won't change my opinion of the SOS's irresponsible behavior at this time in history.....have a good one.

[blm]

31. LOL - Yeah - If he was a walker who took a walk you would still scold him, eh, for

going for a relaxing walk.

Fearful people NEED NOT APPLY at this time in history.

[heaven05]

33. No

Walking is not riding a two wheeled moving conveyance. You've proved what I was saying. A brisk walk would give him the same cardio vascular benefit(s). Fear has nothing to do with it, responsibility has everything to do with it.

[mylye2222]

36. Lets imagine he was taking a walk in a city

And suddently, he , for example, slips on someting and breaks his arm. Tou would have say it was "irresponssible"to take a walk in town....

[heaven05]

37. no

chances of falling off a bike is much more likely than a simple walk, slip and fall. That's been my experience.....

[blm]

38. Riding a bike for Kerry is like BREATHING to a couch potato -

being a couch potato is more threatening to one's life than biking is to Kerry's.

Get a grip - it was a fluke for him to be injured.

[heaven05]

39. got a grip

why so much concern over a comment I will NOT retract or back away from. You grip this....I stand by my statement.

[karynnj]

43. Imagine the timing were different and the problem was HRC breaking her elbow (confining her

to DC for PT) or getting a concussion. Both happened. Would you be arguing that she was doing something wrong? Accidents happened and Kerry has worked through the period when he is getting better. (Not to mention, his peer Zarif was in an Iranian hospital.)

The fact is NO ONE has worked harder for a deal with Iran than Kerry, second is likely Zarif. It has been a gruelling process for both. If it happens it will be because of the incredible effort by these two men.

[heaven05]

45. Does not equate

is not relevant to this incident....whether you want to admit it or not....he showed gross irresponsibility being on that bike, at this time in history. Like my opinion or not, I know I'm right. Period.

[karynnj]

51. I know that I am right -- he was doing something that has always helped him focus

and which he has routinely done for years, without something like this accident. My point was NOT that the Clinton injuries were caused by anything that she should be faulted for -- just that accidents do happen. I would guess that JK's fitness has been what has allowed him to have the endurance that he has amply shown on many occasions as Secretary of State.

Not to mention, as JK said, he missed no planned Iran meetings. He and Zarif had just met for 6 hours and - just as in all previous iterations - the next step was for BOTH of them to speak to their own people and do "the homework" that came of the meeting. Kerry has been doing just this. Believe it or not, he can still both think and speak - and he has done so. At this point, Wendy Sherman and others are meeting to continue to work on the details. As he said, he will be able to go to whatever meetings are held on Iran.

Going back to how he uses things like bike rides, he has always stated that it helps him in rethinking things - and when negotiations are stuck -- that kind of imaginative diplomacy is exactly why YOU are implying that the success of the negotiations depend on him being there. Note that he is NOT the only US diplomat involved, but his peers have credited him personally with helping them reach this point in the process.

[heaven05]

53. He was still irresponsible

and I read the article here that the Iran talks were faltering, failing and it's not a stretch to know he has NOT been in touch or present and accounted for. Hey you like the Kerry, so do I. Yet, just on principle he should be present in ALL negotiations he is responsible to attend. Your attempt to paint him as such, doesn't wash. I will never back off how irresponsible he was to be on that bike, when he could have used a less dangerous, to a man in his position, manner to exercise. Period.

[blm]

57. No - you're just 'dug in' and don't want to accept reasonable behavior

from Kerry, a man who has a full grasp of what reasonable behavior entails.

[heaven05]

62. I'm sure

and I do trust his abilities as SOS, but concerning the bicycle? Not his abilities in riding while an SOS, in this case.

[karynnj]

60. Think what you want, but I assume that you did not closely follow the negotiations

before the interim agreement and the April agreement on the framework. In all of them, there were articles from vested interests (ie Israel, neo cons, Republicans etc) that the talks were failing. In addition, the pattern was that there were meetings between Kerry and Zarif, Kerry and his other peers, other FM and Zarif (who incidentally at the same point was HIMSELF briefly hospitalized for old back problems that became aggravated.), followed by them returning to speak with their governments and the large team of diplomats (Sherman has led that for the US) working - as they make progress, the FM meet to start the next steps. Note that in both earlier cases, the articles were completely negative --- until an agreement was announced - which in both cases exceeded expectations of the "experts".

Also, note what changes were made to Kerry's schedule. He cancelled a trip to Spain, which of course could be done later. He remotely participated in both the preparation and the conference on dealing with ISIS that he was to co host with Fabius. His surgery was scheduled AFTER the completion of his 4 hour "attendance" at the meeting. His deputy, Blinken, substituted for him at a speech to the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and and an American/French celebration of the anniversary of something to do with Lafayette.

Note - from those missed commitments, you can see where he was supposed to be these last two weeks. Spain, Paris and the DC area. His chief of Staff, Jon Finer, went to Boston twice to meet with him on State Department management stuff (which likely would have been done in DC) and he spoke for a few hours (multiple calls) with Obama on a secured line on Iraq and Iran - again something he would have done in person after the meetings with Zarif and the Paris conference. He has also worked with Wendy Sherman on Iran.

Now, you can argue that all this was made up by the State Department and Kerry, but what can't be denied is that he was supposed to be in Spain, Paris, and DC.

Not to mention, if you look at ALL the cycling he does, it absolutely does not have a high probability of him being hurt. Would you argue that Reid should not exercise period? Note that Goldberg died from a treadmill accident. People have slipped on the wet areas around swimming pools. As I pointed out, Clinton, JUST going about walking had an accident that injured her elbow - which changed her schedule.

[heaven05]

61. very good

yet, the point is, for me, not all this analysis of critical negotiations, which is fine mind you and thanks it's interesting and whets my appetite for more which I shall research. Yet, think what you will of my point, he was irresponsible to be on that bicycle, in my book. But okay you win...he needed exercise and got it. He won't be riding for a while though, now.

[awoke_in_2003]

18. Oh for fuck's sake. nt

[mylye2222]

21. Some here wil never forgice Kerry for losing to Bush

in 2004, yet they are OK with Clintons cozying with RW and her Republican lite inclinations. ... Crazy world.

[heaven05]

24. my comment

had nothing to do with 2004, gwb would have stolen the election no matter what. His responsibilities today are very clear. And being, 71 and engaged in delicate negotiations with Iran, the TOUR could have done without him and he without it. I stand by what I said.

[karynnj]

28. The "tour"?

He was NOT part of the tour and certainly not racing. In fact, he was injured riding out of the parking lot. An accident can happen anywhere.

[heaven05]

30. I was under the impression

that he was riding in the event...I am wrong, I guess. HE SHOULD NOT have been on that bicycle. Period. No matter the reason. Have a good one.

[karynnj]

42. That bicycle is his bicycle

and even long ago, as a young Senator there are accounts that he used physical activity - biking or running to clear his mind to allow him to refocus on a problem.

There is he US government who has worked harder than Kerry - which is why the President referred to him as tireless when they got the interim agreement. But, that was in a time period when teh Swiss were very much impressed with his biking when he was not in negotiations going up to ten hours straight. What would you prefer he have done to regain the equalibrium he needed?

[heaven05]

23. I stand by what I said

[karynnj]

26. Nonsense - it was an accident

He has written the first day of the Pan Mass Challenge about a dozen times and that is over 100 miles - and never hurt himself.

In fact, Hillary had two accidents that I know of that altered her schedule. She fell in a garage and broke her elbow -- and was out for about 2 weeks. (Like Kerry, she continued some things but needed to stay in DC. She also had a concussion that was potentially more serious than Kerry's injury. (Even if, heaven forbid, he was wheelchair bound, he COULD do his job - had the concussion been worse, she could have been unable to work. Fortunately - neither were as bad as they could have been.)

How could you prevent all injuries?

[heaven05]

29. Impossible to prevent all injuries, true

yet I stand by my saying that at this time in history and with the delicate negotiations he was involved in, he SHOULD NOT!!!!! have been in an accident prone event like the event he was in. I'm not going to succumb to the thought that he was being responsible by riding on that bicycle for any reason. Period.

[blm]

32. LOL - You prefer FEARFUL people at this time in history, right?

Bikes scare you - OK - we got it.

[heaven05]

34. you're being silly

and I stand by what I said. Period. Have a good one.

[karynnj]

44. There was no "event"

It was a bike ride arranged by Kerry and his secret service people.

ASs a 65 year old, far less athletic and far less in shape than JK, that rides a bike on Burlington's bike path, I really don't get why you think an activity that most of us taught our kids to do is inherently dangerous. SHould Clinton have avoied exiting cars, to avoid falling in the State Deapartment garage and breaking an elbow?

[heaven05]

46. Fine

"event" or not, your HRC response is distraction and irrelevant to the FACT that as far as I'm concerned he should NOT have been on that bike. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Yet, today I see the posting that he is going to get up from his recovery bed and go take care of business. Good for him.

[Jesus Malverde]

50. Do you know for sure it was an accident?

I haven't seen any accounts about how it happened?



Do you have a link?

[karynnj]

52. The Boston Globe article after his surgery said that

he was distracted by the motorcycles with him and did not notice a curb - and hit it - causing him to fall off the bike and hit another portion of the curb. This was at the very start of a ride and he was not going fast. (There are videos of earlier rides in Lausanne before the April agreement filmed by local people. He is an excellent cyclist, but he clearly was not going at a high speed then as well.) I think this is the correct link - but I have exceeded the number of Boston Globe articles I can read for free.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CC0QFjAAahUKEwjr6tPbho3GAhUXFZIKHSo3AHA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bostonglobe.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F2015%2F06%2F03%2Fphysical-political-injuries-won-stop-kerry%2FQGDEqNcOEk93bI3eSMzORN%2Fstory.html&ei=OlV8VevlApeqyASq7oCABw&usg=AFQjCNHWiDEt-BX8GcF4x8W5F2_0hkpgCQ&sig2=Yf1vu8R8Y4HjgJC6F3WqWw&bvm=bv.95515949,d.aWw

Note, if it was not an accident, what are you suggesting it was?

[truthisfreedom]

19. Feel better soon, John!

[mylye2222]

35. OK. I get it .

Gore some takibg a break to bike is more dammaging than, say, using private mails for job use and imagining RW won't question it.
We would not see that kind of critics if say, Kerry's predecessor would have done very same. For sure. And yes, Hillarys concussion was far more serious, both for her and for the diplomatic job.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

40. Totally irresponsible ...

... for someone in his position (or any other position) to neglect exercise, in whatever form helps maintain enthusiasm for the activity.

I'm sure his bike will have new forks, etc, long before he's able to ride.

Negotiations can continue by skype or by envoy. And Iran will do what Iran does.

[heaven05]

47. Nothing beats, in person

and present for important, world affecting negotiations. Period.

[blm]

58. LOL - That is what the TEAM is for. The top guys guide their team and then

show up at key points. Surely you don't believe the top diplomat is part of every meeting? That is NOT how it works, and not how it has worked for at least a century.

[heaven05]

59. yeah, yeah, yeah

if you say so. Which amounts to nothing with me. Irresponsible...all this distractive BS is par for the course. IRRESPONSIBLE!!!

[Jesus Malverde]

48. How many americans spend weeks in hospital over a broken leg.

The medical system in the US sucks, Kerry represents the treatment the elites get that the regular people don't.

[6chars]

55. Not Dave Grohl

The Foo Fighters’ June 12 show in Sweden didn’t go quite as planned: Dave Grohl broke his leg after falling during a song and had to leave, according to a fan-shot video from the show.

In the video, Grohl’s spirits seem to be up despite his injury: “I think I really broke my leg,” he tells the audience before promising to come back after first making a stop at the hospital. And apparently he made good on his promise: Some Reddit users posted photos of Grohl sitting on a chair with his leg bandaged up, strumming on his guitar.

http://time.com/3920259/dave-grohl-foo-fighters-broken-leg/

[karynnj]

65. Not to knock Grohl, but he likely broke his lower leg, not his femur

Still amazing he returned, but Kerry's was a more serious injury and -- Kerry has a few years on Grohl.

[karynnj]

63. That had to be extremely unique care - not just what you can get if wealthy

However, that care was probably was partly the function of who he was and his desire to both have a very aggressive rehabilitation and to continue his work to the fullest degree possible.

This allowed the doctors to very carefully monitor his progress and to allow him to avoid any potential strain in going to and from cars and into the hospital. (Note this also helps him have more time for all those phone calls. ) Whether the government or John Kerry paid for care beyond what would be medically needed (and for the private room needed for his work), it was likely well worth it to the payer.

I would assume if a random 71 year old with 2 replacement hips broke his leg, he would be in the hospital for less than a week and then moved to a place for inpatient rehabilitation. I seriously doubt they would remain in a world renowned hospital -- even if his daughter and son in law were doctors there. However, given his job, he and Obama want him back in action as soon as possible.