Bill Clinton's doctor Roger Band (circled in white) looks on as North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (left) talks to the former U.S. president in Pyongyang on Aug. 4.
Posted on 09/16/2009 7:55:45 PM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
Bill Clinton's Doctor 'Took Close Look at Kim Jong-il'
Bill Clinton's doctor, who accompanied the former U.S. president to Pyongyang last month, has told the U.S. government that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is still recovering from what appears to have been a stroke last year but is in stable condition, sources in Washington say.
Diplomatic sources said Roger Band, a professor of emergency medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania who regularly checks Clinton's health, accompanied the former president on a visit to the North and got a close look at Kim. Brand had been briefed by U.S. government officials, the sources said.
The U.S. administration was looking for concrete information about Kim's health after rumors that he suffered a stoke in August last year, asking Band to look closely at Kim's teeth, facial color, hair, scalp, speech, movements of hands and feet, and weight. Band was by Clinton's side in a meeting with Kim that lasted over three hours. Based on Band's observation, the U.S. government has reportedly concluded that Kim's condition has significantly improved.
Bill Clinton's doctor Roger Band (circled in white) looks on as North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (left) talks to the former U.S. president in Pyongyang on Aug. 4.
In preliminary contacts with the North, aides insisted that Clinton travel with his doctor on overseas trips. The North reportedly did not oppose this. The U.S. administration now believes that by allowing Band to accompany Clinton, Kim sought to publicize his good health to the world and may have taken advantage of the opportunity to dispel rumors that he is at death's door.
Adm. Timothy Keating, the commander of U.S. Pacific forces, indirectly confirmed the story in a speech he delivered at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Tuesday. Clinton's trip to North Korea was "great intelligence," he said.
Keating said Kim was "upright" and appeared to be comfortable and able to carry on reasonable discussions. But he cautioned that this does not mean it is clear what Kim's succession plans are.
Ping!
Was this his mission, or is something so wrong with Bubba that he travels with a doctor?
I believe that he had bypass surgery in the past and probably wants a doctor around just in case he has a little too much candy.
I hear Bill really likes his candy.
Candy comes in many varieties!
WHile this may be valuable info, it is UNETHICAL
for a Doc to be used like this.
I am shocked it is public. If I did this for the gov, it would never ever come to light.
THis Doc may be sanctioned for this.
Funny thing is that Chia Pet actually looks good in the picture when compared with Krinton and Podesta!
I don’t suppose it occurred to them
that Kim might just be ahead of the game?
This doctor sounds like a sell-out.
It wouldn’t be in accordance with the Hippocratic Oath, but who would have jurisdiction? Not the Norkies.
Even so, it was a smart thing for us to have done considering the lack of intelligence on NK.
You got to be kidding right
I agree. It’s a good way to see exactly what shape he is in. They should go to Cuba and check Fidel out.
Dear Leader probably had all his failing organs replaced. Lots of camps from which to make a harvest...
I think the dear leader will now accuse Bill Clinton of spying on him. Hillary had better watch her step if she visits North Korea. I don’t think Bill will come over and get her.
Free health care for dictators.
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