Kennedy visits Jesse Jackson Jr. at Mayo

Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., said he traveled to Minnesota to visit Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., who is being treated for bipolar II depression. Jackson took a medical leave June 10 and has been in treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., since July 27. Kennedy, a longtime friend of Jackson's, said the meeting Thursday made it clear to him the Illinois congressman had been "dealing with a deep depression," which has affected him physically. Kennedy -- who once received treatment for depression and addiction at the same facility -- told NBC News he tried to reassure Jackson about his political future. "I tried to emphasize there is a future," Kennedy said, pointing out Jackson can serve as an "inspiration" for "showing people this is a serious issue that should be dealt with like any other medical condition." Kennedy said Jackson deserves credit for making progress and encouraged him to stick with the treatment even when he feels pressure "to get out" and get back to work.