June 18, 2009
Posted: June 18th, 2009 04:04 PM ET
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton makes remarks at the State Department on Wednesday.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton makes remarks at the State Department on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was working from home Thursday after fracturing her right elbow the day before during a fall, State Department officials said.

Clinton fell Wednesday afternoon at the State Department on her way to the White House and was taken to George Washington University Hospital. She was treated and released. She will have surgery to repair her elbow in coming weeks.

Clinton was with Richard Holbrooke, President Obama's special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, when she fell.

"Secretary Clinton appreciates the professionalism and kindness she received from the medical team who treated her this evening and looks forward to resuming her full schedule soon," said department spokeswoman Cheryl Mills.

Philip Crowley, an assistant secretary of state, said President Obama was one of the first people to call Clinton Wednesday night.

Clinton was at home "resting comfortably, or uncomfortably. She is working from home. She is already taking some calls, and I'm sure starting to learn the limits of movement - how well you can text with one arm in a sling," Crowley said.

–CNN's Paul Courson contributed to this report.

Updated: 4:04 p.m.

Filed under: Hillary Clinton


Zero.   June 18th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

The Shirrif of Fractured Elbow?

joey from san diego   June 18th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

Hillary Clinton did something to deserve that break.

Jasmine in Germany   June 18th, 2009 5:11 pm ET

Get well soon. A fractured elbow is nasty, but it could have been worse. Let's all be thankful.

Red by Choice   June 18th, 2009 5:09 pm ET

What I conclude from this is one has to be a klutz or a tax cheat to be appointed by Obama.

I wonder if SNL will slaughter Clinton and Sotomayor for their falls as they did Republican President Ford. I doubt it.

diane   June 18th, 2009 5:09 pm ET

hope you have a speedy recovery, Hillary.

Johnboy   June 18th, 2009 5:07 pm ET

Get well Hillary. I don't like you politically, but I wish you well.

Xavier-Santa Barbara CA   June 18th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

OUCH! Hope you feel better soon Hillary!

candian pov   June 18th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

If you had universal health care like we do in Canada, anyone requiring surgery to mend a fracture would be treated immediately. Don't use someone else's misfortune to further a shallow and misinformed opinion. Mrs. Clinton is doing a fine job as Sec of State.

Steve (the real one)   June 18th, 2009 4:56 pm ET

Personally, I blame the democrats for this. If she were President she would have been in the Oval Office where it is carpeted! All joking aside, get well! From a Christian conservative!

Last Honest man   June 18th, 2009 4:56 pm ET

She can hang out with the Supreme Court Justice nominee.

Island girl   June 18th, 2009 4:52 pm ET

Why would these mishaps have anything to do with Obama and why would someone call her clumsy? Some people need a life. Get well Hillary, and when you need some rest go south where the islands are warm and sunny all year round. Some of them have mineral springs loaded with curataive powers gushing from the rocks. Soak yourself in one of their pools and let nature heal you!

sara   June 18th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

Get better Hillary...... I need a bone density test, postmenapausal.... but I don't have insurance and is out of work.

Troy B.   June 18th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

Poor Hillary. I hope you have a very quick recovery.

ThinkAboutIt   June 18th, 2009 4:43 pm ET

Hey, to everybody who's calling Clinton clumsy and a fool, get a life!

And don't forget that Gerald Ford had his share of mishaps, too. And don't forget G.W. Bush's fall off the Segway scooter a few years back.

People fall; if you're a public figure, it makes the news. Nothing more, nothing less.

Shari, NY   June 18th, 2009 4:43 pm ET

I wish her a speedy recovery. Same goes to Sotomayor. Ladies, be careful, especially after 50! Those bones become less dense.

Cankles   June 18th, 2009 4:42 pm ET

i thought her hips would have broken the fall. seriously though, that's a very painful injury.

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   June 18th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

Get well soon Secretary Clinton. We've got some N. Korean booty to spank.

G   June 18th, 2009 4:40 pm ET

This would be an excellent opportunity to remind Secretary Clinton that if she really thinks that the rich need to pay more – - she is rich! She can pay for her own surgery out of her own pocket instead of using her Senator Health Insurance that gets paid with tax dollar.

Hehehe, I do wish her a speedy recovery. She's done a good job so far at the State Department.

PS – some day when we have socialized medicine she'll be waiting 6 months to get that surgery. Keep medicine private!!!!

ThinkAboutIt   June 18th, 2009 4:40 pm ET

Very painful! I hope she gets better soon.

La Chatte   June 18th, 2009 4:34 pm ET

To the nasty people who think it's cool when someone else gets hurt:
Your karma stinks and you will live long enough to suffer from it.

Hillary Clinton ‘nursing,’ fractured elbow « Aerial Royal Queen   June 18th, 2009 4:33 pm ET

[...] you were immune from an elbow tendon joint fracture, you should have learned from my JOINT crack. Hillary Clinton nursing fractured elbow Posted: 04:04 PM ET   Secretary of State Hillary Clinton makes remarks at the State Department [...]

Shibumi   June 18th, 2009 4:33 pm ET

Hillary must have popped the clutch on her broom and fell off. This is obviously a right wing conspiracy of some sort.

Dan   June 18th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

Was the elbow hit by enemy fire?

Zach K   June 18th, 2009 4:29 pm ET

She deserves the break. (No Pun Intended)

She's done SO much as our Sec of State in less than five months.

Rest Easy Hillary. :)

Patrick   June 18th, 2009 4:28 pm ET

Perhaps Hillary should travel to the UK and sign up for fractured elbow treatment and see for herself how long a wait socialized, government-run health care can last. Maybe then that will help her understand what's in store for Americans under the Obama Administration

haha   June 18th, 2009 4:28 pm ET

hahahahaha don't worry obamas bailout money will make a great cast

Harry   June 18th, 2009 4:28 pm ET

Ms. Clinton:

Get Well Soon. America needs you.

By the Way. Republicans don't like you.

They like Bush, Cheney and Limbaugh.

Republicans like only those people who can screw them. Republicans don't like Gentle Persons. Republicans like Criminals, Scoundrels, Rascals and Thugs, because there is a saying, "Birds of the same feather flock together".

ch   June 18th, 2009 4:24 pm ET

Josh from Knoxville, TN June 18th, 2009 10:57 am ET / What a clumsy fool.
-------------------------------
I guess Josh is sooo smart and agile that he has never suffered a fall. He can't be too smart or graceful though – he is, after all, from the redneck, trash state of TN! What an ignorant fool!

Josh from Knoxville, TN   June 18th, 2009 10:57 am ET

What a clumsy fool. I wonder if she will have to wait 18 months before she can have surgery on her elbow. Oh wait, they haven't imposed government-run socialist healthcare yet. Good news for her!

Crazy Cat Lady   June 18th, 2009 10:56 am ET

OUCH! Having broken my elbow some years ago, I know how painful it is - and how frustrating and annoying it is to deal with the limitations of the recovery period. Get well soon, Hillary!

Simmy   June 18th, 2009 10:53 am ET

So sorry to hear of your injury, SOS Clinton......Prayers for a quick recovery.......You are doing a tremendous job......You're a strong woman, you're a survivor.....

Marry   June 18th, 2009 10:40 am ET

Get well soon, Hillary!

a little sad   June 18th, 2009 10:39 am ET

Get well soon, Madam Secretary.

love for ya!   June 18th, 2009 10:39 am ET

Wishing her a speedy recovery.
Get well soon!

Get Real!!   June 18th, 2009 10:39 am ET

I wonder how long she had to wait in the emergency room before she was treated. Five, eight, ten hours? Yeah right! That would only happen to us common folk!

indydave   June 18th, 2009 10:35 am ET

"Secretary of State Hillary Clinton fractured her right elbow Wednesday during a fall,..."

The right wing of government is so broken that it's bleeding over into the democrats!

Pete   June 18th, 2009 10:35 am ET

MRS.Clinton can now use that elbow to change some policies over seas, like DustyRhoades the wrestling legends bionic elbow,ha ha!

fella from Chicago   June 18th, 2009 10:32 am ET

Could use an instant replay here to see if there was a third foot under Hillary. Bill or Barack weren't around, were they?

JK Ashburn, VA   June 18th, 2009 10:32 am ET

Clearly George Bush's fault. By spending money in Iraq, he failed to make needed investment in fixing the cracks in the sidewalks at the White House - a far more useful investment.

Actually a good thing this happened to Hillary now. Once the health care program Congress is considering gets enacted, she would have to wait about 4-6 weeks to be seen for treatment for this. But at least it would be "free".

jason stewart   June 18th, 2009 10:30 am ET

Is this story really more important than the fact that Inspector Generals may be getting fired to protect friends of Obama?

Biff   June 18th, 2009 10:29 am ET

she could probably live several more fairly productive years without the surgery. we should spend that health care money on someone younger... at least thats how nationalized heathcare works.... oh yeah, she would never subject herself to that system anyway. I forgot, thats only for me and you.

Victoria   June 18th, 2009 10:27 am ET

What? Was she jealous of Judge Sotemayor's ankle cast?

Texas Teacher   June 18th, 2009 10:27 am ET

uhoh.... I fractured my elbow and have a small piece of bone floating in there.... maybe I need to check this out for possible real problems... hmmmm.... :) I'm serious...

Get well soon, Secretary of State Clinton!

Jimmy the Geek   June 18th, 2009 10:25 am ET

Get well soon Secretary Clinton. We need you back on the job to try to rebuild relationships with other countries.

Abel   June 18th, 2009 10:21 am ET

Hillary contnue with your Good work

fed-up   June 18th, 2009 10:20 am ET

Never really liked her, but OUCH! Get well soon H

Pround Democrat   June 18th, 2009 10:20 am ET

I'm not a Hillary fan, but I hope she recovers promptly.

Travis In Colorado   June 18th, 2009 10:19 am ET

I wish Sec. Clinton a speedy recovery, I don't like to see anyone hurt or in pain. God speed Madam Secretary!

Stephen   June 18th, 2009 10:19 am ET

was that during the fall, or after the fall? I bet after.

zago   June 18th, 2009 10:11 am ET

Poor baby

The Other Michael in Houston   June 18th, 2009 10:11 am ET

Gives a new meaning to "go get em Madam Secretary, break a leg...or arm in this case........stop stop stop back away from the keyboard Clinton worshipers it's just a joke. Seriously, get well Hill, we need someone to keep a close eye on Iran, since our President is sitting on the fence. Yes Republicans, even though we supported President Obama does not mean we give him a free pass, unlike most you did with Dubbaya. While you so called conservatives think us President Obama supporters will accept anything our President says and does, most of don't. We hold him accountable and to a high standard, just like when Bush was their. Surprised?

xavier   June 18th, 2009 10:08 am ET

I wish Clinton a speedy recovery. She is one tough, and intellegent lady.

UCO   June 18th, 2009 10:05 am ET

Looks like diplomacy has to wait a bit longer. OH WELL. Hope she feels better. Don't hate Repubs!!!!

The black spider   June 18th, 2009 10:02 am ET

Oh madam secretary I feel so sorry for you. We love you and wish you speedy recovery. Too many chalenges and problems to solve. You are the best and You are a valuable team player and count on me if you ever want to run president again.

Z   June 18th, 2009 10:02 am ET

i feel sorry for her...
wish her get well soon...

Brooke in PA   June 18th, 2009 10:00 am ET

My mom fell and broke her wrist last month and she's around Hillary's age. It was quite painful. Here's wishing a speedy recovery to the Secretary of State. I am sure her family will be help make her feel comfortable. Get well soon, Hillary! The world needs ya!

Post always rejected by CNN   June 18th, 2009 9:59 am ET

Professional as always. Darn she would have made the best president going. Overshadowing the one we have, even tho he is doing an adequate job.

ben johnson   June 18th, 2009 9:58 am ET

speedy recovery

Candy Wilson   June 18th, 2009 9:58 am ET

I am so sorry to hear of your injury.. I pray for a speedy recovery.. God bless You

Expat American   June 18th, 2009 9:57 am ET

Aiiie! Sounds like a pretty bad spill. That hurts! Get well soon Madame Secretary.

Sue, NY   June 18th, 2009 9:56 am ET

I feel quite badly for her...that is very painful.

Obama Victim   June 18th, 2009 9:54 am ET

will be tough to surrender with an arm in a cast.............traditionally you have to put both arms ups

girlymen love the GOP   June 18th, 2009 9:53 am ET

Get well soon Hillary we need you.

sensible Cape Coral FL   June 18th, 2009 9:49 am ET

Please get well fast. The country needs you and your intelligent approach to our many problems.

makesUwonder   June 18th, 2009 9:49 am ET

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, so did she fall on her own or did someone push or trip her?

Jake   June 18th, 2009 9:48 am ET

Another example of Democrats destroying America. When, in the past 10,000 years of American history has a Republican Secretary of State ever broken a limb while performing their duties? Never; that's when. Clearly, Clintonette does not drink enough milk and is sending a clear message to America's children that osteoporosis and nutritious calcium intake are low priorities with this administration. Who is there to pick up the phone at 3am? The emergency room doctor; that’s who. I just hope and pray to the sweet LORD that the Democrats will finally think of the children of this proud country and allow faith-based medical initiatives that could have helped Clintonette avoid this injury.

Nelson Colorado Springs Co.   June 18th, 2009 9:44 am ET

Get well Secretary of State Hillary Clinton the Uniteds States of America needs you

Lowell   June 18th, 2009 9:38 am ET

Ouch! Same thing happened to my mom. That's got to hurt.

Kim   June 18th, 2009 9:35 am ET

Feel better soon, Madam Secretary.

Pee Wee   June 18th, 2009 9:29 am ET

"Secretary Clinton appreciates the professionalism and kindness she received from the medical team who treated her this evening and looks forward to resuming her full schedule soon,"

What else would she expect? It's not like the medical team are members of politicians. Maybe if the secretary got out a little more often, she'd see that MOST Americans are competent friendly professionals, not partisan hacks.

Best wishes on a successful procedure and recovery.

Paul Rifenberg   June 18th, 2009 9:24 am ET

Good thing she wasn't in Canada....and put on a waiting list for getting her necessary treatment.

anita ms   June 18th, 2009 9:24 am ET

I pray that everything call well with her surgery and she have a speedy recovery soon!

rachel   June 18th, 2009 9:23 am ET

get well hilldog.

Sniffit   June 18th, 2009 9:21 am ET

That's gotta hurt. Looks like that horrible "soshulist" health insurance she receives from teh government did the trick tho, eh?

Carl from MI   June 18th, 2009 9:20 am ET

This is news worth commenting on? C'mon CNN... why don't you make another story on Sarah Palin instead!!

At least we all know she loves being in the spotlight!!

Proud DHS radical   June 18th, 2009 9:18 am ET

Unlike the rest of us, I bet she didn't have to pay a co-pay.

Willy Brown   June 18th, 2009 9:17 am ET

sidewalk ok?

Jeff Brown   June 18th, 2009 9:17 am ET

Get well soon!

Katherine   June 18th, 2009 9:16 am ET

Get Well Soon!

ch   June 18th, 2009 9:14 am ET

Good thing there was no injury to her brilliant mind. Get well soon Hillary – we need you!

Cnn please post my thoughts! 1 love!   June 18th, 2009 9:11 am ET

AWWWW sorry hillary......you are the best! Hope your elbow gets better soon!

Ryan Indy   June 18th, 2009 9:10 am ET

Ha,,,,,Its fair game for republicans to make any comment they want. Remember when GW choked and fell, and you liberals were making comments like" Wish he would have just died",,,,yea republicans remember that, what goes around comes around.

Matt in CT   June 18th, 2009 9:09 am ET

Yikes – my sympathies to her!

NAVY JACK   June 18th, 2009 9:06 am ET

and will the public enjoy the same medical coverage, life insurance , dental plan and retirement plan as all wonderful federal senators, congressmen and other politicians?

these people are sucking on the same supply of our money as the ones at the bottom rungs. They just take a bigger portion!!!!!!!!

jennifer   June 18th, 2009 9:05 am ET

Get well soon we need you

grey stone   June 18th, 2009 9:04 am ET

The way Obama whacked her the other day during his interview with John Harwood, it looked like he did more than just break her arm.

phoenix86   June 18th, 2009 9:04 am ET

A fractured elbow will not stop her and Obama's policy of capitulation.

Henry Miller   June 18th, 2009 9:02 am ET

I think she probably needs mandatory bed-rest for at least the next 3.5 years. Can't be too careful, you know... Older women, osteoporosis, fragile bones... :-)

Dave   June 18th, 2009 8:59 am ET

Get better Hillary.

Your Thursday Morning News Slug, Delivered To Your Desk! FRESH! | DEEP BRAIN DIARY   June 18th, 2009 8:59 am ET

[...] Sonia Sotomayor breaks her ankle running for an airplane?  Now, Hillary Clinton breaks her elbow?  In a "fall"?  What next?  Janet Napolitano gets a black eye from "walking into a door"?  Do we need to send in a social worker? [...]

D.T.   June 18th, 2009 8:59 am ET

Get well soon Hillary!

Richie   June 18th, 2009 8:58 am ET

Ouchy! We love you Hillary. Get well soon.

Dee, 1 Vote   June 18th, 2009 8:57 am ET

Big "O", That way we need help with America Health Issue! Sec of State Hillary, REST, than comeback to work!

Fair is Fair   June 18th, 2009 8:57 am ET

What is it with anyone associated with Obama hitting the skids lately?
First Sotomayor breaks her ankle... now Hillary Clinton breaks her elbow.

Being associated with the Obama administration is becoming almost as dangerous as being associated with the Clinton adminiatration.

Alex   June 18th, 2009 8:56 am ET

ouch, that's no good. good thing she has health insurance!

dominican mama 4 Obama   June 18th, 2009 8:52 am ET

Get well soon HIlary. George Washington University Hospital is one of the best in this area.

Puddytat   June 18th, 2009 8:50 am ET

SEEE ?Nothing wrong with the health care . Even Hillary gets treated right away .

rachel   June 18th, 2009 8:40 am ET

Get well Hilldog, way to go toe to toe with leiberman.

Thomas   June 18th, 2009 8:39 am ET

Get well soon Ms. Secretary

MatthewDetroit   June 18th, 2009 8:38 am ET

That is too bad.
I hope she heals fast and does well.
BUT, can we talk about Barack trying to ram more legislation through congress. Now he wants to take over more of the financial markets. I dont mind some regulation if it is needed, but can they at least read the bills before they vote on them this time.
I would hate to see more bills rushed through that will damage the American Way and Capitalism as a whole.
Barney Frank and Chris Dodd both were KEY factors in the mortgage crisis which caused the entire ecomic collapse. Lets not pass that same legislation.
Unemployment was at 5.3 1 year ago and the Press said we were doing bad. It is at 9.4 NOW under Barack. Let us not make more mistakes. You can cause a lot of damage quickly that will not be able to be fixed for a long time.

KJL   June 18th, 2009 8:36 am ET

Painful injury. I wonder if she has had her bone density tested.

Hastey Dellinger   June 18th, 2009 8:32 am ET

Did someone try to throw her under the bus?

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   June 18th, 2009 8:29 am ET

First Sotomayor's ankle, now Hillary's elbow. The President may have to get his staff an insurance policy.......but not from AIG.

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