Breaking: ABC News Reports Bill Clinton Hospitalized With Chest Pains

George Stephanopoulos‘ political contacts paid off for ABC today. The network scooped everyone with news that former President Bill Clinton had been hospitalized with reported chest pains. ABC News broke into Oprah to report the news. Stephanopoulos reported that Clinton had been admitted to Columbia Presbyterian hospital and “that it is related to his heart and likely a stent procedure.” Video below.

Update from the New York Times below. Hillary Clinton is reportedly on her way to New York. Update again: Shep Smith on Fox says Clinton is said to be in good spirits following the surgery.

From the Times:

Former President Bill Clinton was taken to a New York hospital today, and underwent surgery to have two stents placed into one of his coronary arteries, his spokesman said.

Mr. Clinton has had a history of heart trouble.
Last month, former President Clinton appeared at the White House with President Obama and former President George W. Bush to discuss aid relief for the survivors of the Haiti earthquake.Luke Sharrett/The New York Times Last month, former President Clinton appeared at the White House with President Obama and former President George W. Bush to discuss aid relief for the survivors of the Haiti earthquake.

Douglas Band, counselor to Mr. Clinton, issued this statement: “Today President Bill Clinton was admitted to the Columbia Campus of New York Presbyterian Hospital after feeling discomfort in his chest. Following a visit to his cardiologist, he underwent a procedure to place two stents in one of his coronary arteries. 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. In 2004, President Clinton underwent a successful quadruple bypass operation to free four blocked arteries.”