Recent Presidents: The Picture of Health
Health has played a significant role in the lives of many of our
presidents. Yet it was not until John F. Kennedy's campaign and
the subsequent impact of television that health became such an important
issue for presidents and presidential candidates. In today's media-conscious
world, presidential candidates and presidents use symbols and positive
images to communicate their messages, pass legislation, and to get
elected to office. Good health - or the appearance of it - adds
to a positive image.
Today, managing a president's health is not just a medical challenge,
but a delicate public relations issue. Recent presidents and presidential
candidates have endeavored to show the American people that they
are "the picture of health".
Ronald Wilson Reagan
1981 - 1989
At age 69, Ronald Reagan was the oldest man to be elected president.
Due to his age, the administration felt that it was important to
show the President as robust and healthy. He was shown horseback
riding, chopping wood, and telling jokes while recovering from the
assassination attempt.
Jimmy Carter
1977 - 1981
President Jimmy Carter played softball and tennis, and he also
jogged. Jogging near Camp David in September 1979, he collapsed
moments after a wire service photograph was taken. The American
public had noticed how much the presidency had aged Carter, and
his collapse reinforced the perception that the office was too much
or him.
George Bush, Sr.
1989 - 1993
President George Bush was an avid jogger during his term in the
White House. On 4 May 1991, while jogging at Camp David, the President
developed an irregular heartbeat, which was caused by Graves disease
or hyperthyroidism. This and later episodes concerned the American
public.
William Jefferson Clinton
1993 - 2001
Like his immediate predecessors, President Bill Clinton was a healthy
president. He was often shown jogging and playing golf. |
