Fragile Bill Clinton, 79, fuels health fears with rare public appearance

Clinton attended the groundbreaking of the 70-bed expansion of the Anchor House Men’s Addiction Rehabilitation Facility.

The former president, who turns 80 in August, spoke in hushed, serious tones as he emphasized the personal significance of the center, praising it as a place for addicts to kick the habit and start over.

“I believe in the God of second chances, and I’ve needed a lot of them,” Clinton joked. “So this is a place for second chances. As long as one person dies unnecessarily, keep going. Everyone counts, and everyone deserves a chance.’

Clinton admitted that the case was crucial to him, citing his brother Roger’s battle with substance abuse.

“I have a brother who I am very proud of, who has been to rehab four times, spent 14 months in prison and almost died after fighting for almost 50 years,” he continued. “And just when it seemed like all our time was up, he decided he wanted to live. And there were people there who wanted to help him stay alive.”