Big Clinton Role in Kerry Campaign Is Seen as Unlikely

[kskiska]

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 - Former President Bill Clinton seems unlikely to play a major role in Senator John Kerry's campaign for the White House this fall if his recovery follows the pattern described by his doctors on Monday.

Speaking to reporters at Columbia-Presbyterian Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where Mr. Clinton underwent heart bypass surgery on Monday morning, doctors said other patients of his age and physical condition had taken up to three months before they could fully resume an active schedule. The presidential election is eight weeks from Tuesday.

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"I would encourage him to resume all activity, including campaigning, that is safe and appropriate in consultation with his entire medical team, Dr. Schwartz said.

But Dr. Craig R. Smith, the cardiologist who led the four-hour operation - and a supporter of President Bush who donated $2,000 to his re-election efforts in April - said similar patients achieved 70 percent recovery in six weeks and reached 100 percent "within two to three months."

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http://nytimes.com/2004/09/07/politics/campaign/07dems.html