Clinton 'confirms' post-op speech

Clinton may not resume his role in the US presidential campaign

Former US President Bill Clinton will make his first public appearance on 9 November, more than two months after having quadruple heart bypass surgery.

Mr Clinton would keep his appointment at the Hamilton College in New York, the Associated Press (AP) news agency quoted his office as saying.

The 58-year-old former leader has begun taking long walks as he recovers at his home in the city's Chappaqua suburb.

It is not clear whether he will resume his role in the presidential campaign.

His 9 November speech will be delivered a week after the election.

Kids' support

The former president is "making real progress" his wife, Hillary Clinton told AP.

Little kids come up and throw their arms around him and say, 'Oh, Mr President, we're so glad you're here' Hillary Clinton

"He's walking 45 minutes to an hour," Mrs Clinton said.

She said "people are so happy to see him".

"Little kids come up and throw their arms around him and say, 'Oh, Mr President, we're so glad you're here!'

"That's a good tonic," she said. "I think it speeds the healing process."

Presidential centre

After his New York speech, Mr Clinton is to take part in the annual meeting of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce in Arkansas on 16 November.

Two days later he is due to open his presidential library.

Mr Clinton underwent surgery on 6 September after complaining of suffering pains in his chest and breathing difficulties.

Doctors said he had been in imminent danger of a major heart attack before the operation.