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Subscribe to RSSFormer President George H.W. Bush is currently in the intensive care unit where his doctors have prescribed him a liquid-only diet. NBC's Natalie Morales reports.
Updated at 7:08 p.m. ET: Former President George H.W. Bush was battling an elevated fever Wednesday and was in "guarded condition" in a hospital intensive care unit, a family spokesman said.
"The President is alert and conversing with medical staff, and is surrounded by family," said a statement from family spokesman Jim McGrath. Bush, 88, was moved to the intensive care unit at The Methodist Hospital at the Texas Medical Center in Houston on Sunday, McGrath said.
Bush has been in the hospital since Nov. 29 for treatment of complications related to bronchitis. After initial expectations that he would be hospitalized for only a few days proved to be wrong, doctors said through a hospital statement on Dec. 13 that they expected Bush would "be able to celebrate Christmas at home."
But the 41st president remained at The Methodist Hospital -- where he was visited on Christmas by his wife, Barbara, his son, Neil, Neil's wife, and his grandson, Pierce -- all of whom brought him a meal of Chinese food for Christmas dinner, The Houston Chronicle reported.
He also received gifts, emails, and telephone calls from family members and close friends, NBC's Janet Shamlian reported.
On Wednesday, McGrath told NBC News that the former president's fever was elevated from the previous day, although he said that he did not know by how much. Earlier, McCrath had said that doctors saw a "slight improvement" in Bush's condition that morning.
McGrath said that Dorothy Bush, his daughter, visited Wednesday, and George W. Bush, the 43rd president, would be visiting soon.
Bronchitis is a common condition in which the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed and produce mucus, which creates the need to cough, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can turn serious in people with weak immune systems, including children and the elderly. Symptoms such as chest pain, weakness and coughing typically last two weeks, but can linger for as long as two months.
In the weeks since he was admitted, Bush has had a low-grade fever, but doctors have said they are "cautiously optimistic" he will recover, Shamlian reported.
George Kovacik, a hospital spokesman, said in a statement earlier this week that Bush was in stable condition.
“His doctors feel he should build up his energy before going home. They remain optimistic about his full recovery and are being extra cautious with his care,” the statement said.
Robert Sullivan / AFP - Getty Images
Leader of an American political dynasty, George Bush's influence was felt beyond his terms as president and vice president. Take a look back at his life and career.
Bush was elected president of the United States in 1988, the capstone of a long career of public service.
He was a Texas Republican member of the House of Representatives in the 1960s and 1970s and head of the CIA in 1976-1977. The organization’s headquarters in Langley, Va., was later renamed the “George Bush Center for Intelligence.”
Bush lost his first bid for the Republican nomination for the U.S. presidency in 1980, at which time Ronald Reagan chose him to be his running mate. He went on to serve two terms as Reagan’s vice president before winning the presidency. He was defeated for re-election in 1992 by Bill Clinton.
In late 2004, Bush teamed up with Clinton to raise money for the victims of the Asian tsunami. That effort was so successful, the two former presidents did the same for Katrina victims in 2005.
President George H.W. Bush remains in the hospital. NBC News' Janet Shamlian reports.
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There will always be low life pieces of S — — T like Frank-512516 (posted at 5:26PM EST) out there looking for a place to spew their crap.
Hope you get well soon Mr. Bush.
I wish you a speedy recovery George H.W. Bush.
It never seizes to amaze me the amount of disrespect and contempt people have for others. This poor man is sick. Maybe all you ill wishers did not like him as a president, fine; you have a right to your opinion, just keep it to yourself. This man is a husband, father, grandfather, have a little respect and empathy for him and his family during this very stressful time. You aught to be ashamed of yourselves. God forbid you or any of your family members are ever in this position.
Why don't you keep your wish for a speedy recovery to yourself ? Typical conservative lover .. you have a right to your opinion but, want to silence the opposition. You can kiss me where the sun don't shine me lady. George Bush and "baby"bush are both a__holes. The sooner they stop sucking air, the better off the world will be. Just wish they had been born sterile.
If they would marry their cousins/sibling like Ya'll, they would be sterile too. Think about being an organ donor, ...brain would be good for a start, its un-used and theres a monkey in the Nat'l zoo that could use it. Now go practice peeling bananas. God speed Mr President.
Last Rebel, funny you should label me being that you don't know me. And just what is this "opposition" you speak of opposing? Did you feel threatened by my comments, did you take them personally, did they make you feel small. LOL!
Dear Mr. President, please get well soon. I think what you have is the flu. It started going around in early September and everyone that has been sick stays sick for two months or longer. It makes you cough so hard. Eventually you end up needing antibiotics. Tell them to give you a strong dose of penicillin, if you can take it. It is not overusing the medicine, they prescribe a dosage that is too low to work. Have someone rub your back and your chest. Keep your feet and your head warm. You will get well. Love you.
Get well soon Mr.President.God bless you and yours.
And one more thing, whatever this bug is, everyone ends up with a lung nodule.
May you never have a nodule.
Godspeed, Mr. President
Croak second fiddle to a grade "B" actor: Somebody worthy needs the bed!
I wonder if he's thinking about all the American people he screwed while our tax dollars keep his sorry a*s*s alive?
Are you afraid you wont get your handouts?
Those same tax dollars kept Teddy alive when he was brain dead.
What handouts are you talking about, moron? Bush is the one getting the handout after totally screwing the working class. The level of stupidity on this board just amazes me!
I hope this LIAR dies and BURNS IN HELL where he belongs ! Why was HE standing on the railroad bridge with Oswald three nights before the killing of JFK... Ruby was there and Ferry, I was nine and watching trains at the MKT... they ran me off, I remember them ! Killer ! Also there is a photo of this KILLER in front of the building where the shots were fired an hour afterwards !!!
I saw him... I KNOW he was in Dallas !
I saw the tooth fairy there too.
Yeah Yeah thats the ticket........standing on the railroad tracks he was !! And he was there with my wife yeah........yeah that's it my wife Morgan Fairchild !!!!
I really didn't know they stacked S— — T this high!!!
A gentleman of great honor and integrity; humble and gracious. You were a good president and
I pray God's special hand of Grace upon your healing!
Are you gay ?
At the very least, it sounds like pneumonia. I just hope that's all it is.
I fear that President is close to death. I would urge the mods to close this thread when that occurs so that we don't have to endure the hatred spewed by the likes of RT and the other losers.
You know what .. you well wishers of this barbaric bastard are just as pathetic to me. You have no idea what you're talking about. It really makes me nauseous. And it's people like you that are destroying this country. You believe any damn thing you're told and don't have the intelligence or the desire to find the truth for yourself. You NEED someone to tell you what to think and believe because you're not capable to do it on your own ! Frigin Morons.
Last Rebel - You obviously believe every fairy tale you read on the internet, and you're calling other people out?
Frank is just another typical hatefull liberal SOB who only cares about himself
The sooner the better for him anyways.
I don't really get all teary eyed for people of power, its just like the pope, queen, they don't give a rats a$$ or shed any tears for the common folk.
So like I said.....the sooner the better......for him of course.
Anyone with the balls to jump out of an airplane AND be President AND team up with Bill Clinton for charity is a pretty good man. Hope you feel better, Mr. Bush Senior.
It's ashame that so many are politicizing this. Personally I voted for Sr. & Obama maybe if there were more reasonable men left in politics such as this gentleman we wouldn't have the problems that we have now. God bless Mr. President and get well soon.
Just another global elitist puppet.
speedy recovery
There is allot of ignorant comments regarding George senior. Talk about a "hurried death" is cold and evil. Yesterday was Christmas...right?
I lean Democrat but i would never wish anything mean on him. He was a hero in WWII!!!
Chill out and start being more human!
As was my daddy who passed away last October 18, 2011. I was there when it happened and so grateful I made it in time. My daddy was 17 when he joined the Army back in WWII. He said he couldn't wait untile he turned 17 so that he could go fight for his country.
God bless you Highspeeddirt!
Now think strategically.
I hear you, Highspeed. There are some very cold-hearted libs in this post. Thankfully you aren't one of them.
dkostuk - I too lost my father recently. At 91 he died on May 31st of this year. A veteran of WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and a man of ethics and principles. My heart goes out to the Bush family during this difficult time.
Be nice people !! Get well soon Mr. President and Merry Christmas !
RIP, Mr. President. I hope you are surrounded by family and loved ones as you make this journey into Heaven. Don't think you'll need to be doing any skydiving once you reach your destination, tonight. Love you!
before he passes he gotta listen to the millions of children he genocided so each one can forgive him
dont wish death or suffering on anyone, yet the king of genocide is passing ,and by his deathbed the millions of children he genocided patiently forgiving the assassin
Stalin is dead already dink
Let you post some links outlining George Herbet Walker Bush's genocidal tendencies. You have all the time in the world now.
So Rob who exactly are these millions of children he genocided? Please give facts and not just spew your self righteous B.S.
Hey Brent Guthrie / Brutus Rules .. you can start readin here. Then go to the follwing page where Georgie was found guilty of International War Crimes in YOUR country. New York city to be specific. You'll need to eliminate the space between the // and the beginning of the link, if you're capable. After you read it .. get back to me O.K. ??
Charges: http:// deoxy.org/wc/warcrim2.htm
Final Judgement: http:// deoxy.org/wc/warcrim3.htm
This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend, the end
Best Wishes for a speedy recovery, Mr. President. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family.
LMAOF!!!! Just found out that Freedom Works, the largest Tea Party posse, paid $8,000,000 to Dick Armey to pack his bags and go home...SUCKAS!
post links.
ALSO, FROM WIKIPEDIA
History
FreedomWorks originated from a campaign called Citizens for a Sound Economy, which split in two in 2004. CSE was set up by businessman David Koch (Koch Industries).[4] Citizens for a Sound Economy merged with Empower America in 2004 and was renamed FreedomWorks, with Dick Armey, Jack Kemp and C. Boyden Gray serving as co-chairmen, Bill Bennett focusing on school choice as a Senior Fellow, and Matt Kibbe as President and CEO.[5][6][contradiction] Empower America was founded in 1993 by William Bennett, former Secretary of HUD Jack Kemp, former Ambassador Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, and former Representative Vin Weber.[7] In December 2006, Steve Forbes joined the board of directors.[8]
The ‘FreedomWorks’ name was derived from a common Armey saying: “Freedom works. Freedom is good policy and good politics.” [9]
On November 30, 2012, Armey resigned as chairman of FreedomWorks. Armey told Mother Jones, "The top management team of FreedomWorks was taking a direction I thought was unproductive, and I thought it was time to move on with my life." Armey stipulated that FreedomWorks was to immediately remove his name, image, or signature "from all its letters, print media, postings, web sites, videos, testimonials, endorsements, fund raising materials, and social media."[10] The Associated Press reported that in September 2012, Armey agreed to resign by November 2012 in exchange for $8 million in consulting fees paid in annual $400,000 installments.[11] Prior to his resignation, Armey was paid $500,000 per year and flew first class, along with other FreedomWorks employees, for work travel.[12][13]