The media's role in shaping public perception and influencing political discourse is undeniable. In the case of President Joe Biden, the liberal media has been criticized for allegedly ignoring crucial aspects of his medical history, particularly his brain aneurysms and subsequent surgeries.
This essay examines the implications of the media's handling of Biden's health, drawing parallels with past instances of political figures' medical issues and exploring the broader context of media bias and political maneuvering.
Recent Quotes From Leading Democrats
- Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling Biden “sharp” and describing him as “intensely probing and detail-oriented.”
- In February, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called Biden’s mental acuity “great.”
- Senator Ron Wyden (D., Ore.) added, "Everything I read is they’re trying to get him to cut back his hours because he’s got too much energy."3
- Mitch Landrieu who is now a national co-chair of his re-election campaign, told NBC News' “Meet the Press” that this kind of sense that he’s not ready for this job is just a bucket of B.S.
Biden's Medical History and Media Coverage
Joe Biden's health has been a topic of discussion, especially considering his age and medical history. In the late 1980s, Biden underwent two brain surgeries to address life-threatening brain aneurysms.
According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, such medical issues can have lasting effects, and public figures' health conditions are often subject to scrutiny due to their potential impact on leadership capabilities.
Despite this, the liberal media has been accused of downplaying Biden's health issues during his presidential campaign and early presidency. This selective coverage raises questions about media responsibility and transparency.
Personal Insights and Broader Implications
Having witnessed the effects of a stroke on my father, a Federal Judge, I recognized signs in presidential candidates that others may have overlooked. Personal experiences can provide unique perspectives on public figures' health and their ability to perform demanding roles.
The media's reluctance to delve deeply into Biden's medical history contrasts sharply with its treatment of other politicians. For instance, even former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's hospitalization for a brain injury, blod clots, and concussion received less than substantial attention.
This disparity suggests a potential bias in how the media covers health issues based on political affiliations. As an example, Dan Quayle essentially dropped out of a presidential race when his medical history was exposed showing some DVT related issues and the media questioned his health.
Kamala Harris and the Question of Succession
The prospect of Vice President Kamala Harris stepping into the presidency if Biden were to resign has generated significant debate, especially in the past week since the presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Biden, at which Biden fell flat.
There appears to be a lack of confidence in Harris's ability to lead, both among the public and within the White House staff. This uncertainty stems partly from Harris's political record and partly from a fear of change within the current administration.
The media's portrayal of Harris, coupled with the White House's desire to maintain stability and power, further complicates the narrative surrounding Biden's health and potential resignation. Overall, if Biden is replaced and VP Harris is overlooked and not elevated, it will be one of the biggest kicks in the gut by Democrats to African American women in all of U.S. history.
Then again, many Democrats do not think Harris is electable.
Media Bias and Political Collusion
The media's integrity has been questioned, particularly in light of past instances of political collusion. During Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, CNN was criticized for allegedly providing Clinton with debate questions in advance. Donna Brazile, a former CNN contributor, admitted to leaking these questions, as reported by The Washington Post. This revelation undermined public trust in the media's impartiality and highlighted the potential for political interference in media coverage.
The 2020 Presidential Debate: A Turning Point
The 2020 presidential debate between Biden and Donald Trump was a critical moment in the election. While Biden's performance was scrutinized, Trump's unexpected smoothness and presidential demeanor stood out. The split-screen format of the debate may have exacerbated Biden's perceived weaknesses, contributing to a narrative that favored Trump. The media's role in framing this debate and its aftermath has been viewed by some as an attempt to cover up any perceived bias or shortcomings in their earlier coverage of Biden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the media's handling of President Biden's health narrative reveals broader issues of bias, transparency, and political maneuvering. The selective coverage of Biden's medical history, contrasted with the treatment of other political figures, underscores the need for greater accountability in journalism. As the public relies on the media for accurate and unbiased information, it is crucial that media outlets uphold ethical standards and avoid becoming tools of political agendas.
The debate over Biden's health and potential succession by Kamala Harris highlights the complexities of political leadership and the critical role of the media in shaping public perception. In sum, everyone agrees that the mental and physical health of a president is a national security issue, and many now blame media for putting this nation at risk.
Remember, there is no ADA when it comes to certain jobs such as a U.S. Federal Judge or the Presidency because you must be able to do the job and comprehend, synthesize and respond to the demands of the job.
However, we have seen some excellent role models with President Roosevelt/FDR and his disabilities where his administration seemed to prosper and hold onto power. So only time will tell what will happen. Overall, I would urge President Biden to stay in the race, and avoid interviews with anyone who might want to replace him with one of their old friends.
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Commissioner George Mentz JD MBA CILS CWM® is the first in the USA to rank as a Top 50 Influencer & Thought Leader in: Management, PM, HR, FinTech, Wealth Management, and B2B according to Onalytica.com and Thinkers360.com. George Mentz JD MBA CILS is a CWM Chartered Wealth Manager ®, global speaker - educator, tax-economist, international lawyer and CEO of the GAFM Global Academy of Finance & Management ®. The GAFM is a EU accredited graduate body that trains and certifies professionals in 150+ nations under standards of the: US Dept of Education, ACBSP, ISO 21001, ISO 991, ISO 29993, QAHE, ECLBS, and ISO 29990 standards. Mentz is also an award winning author and award winning graduate law professor of wealth management of one of the top 30 ranked law schools in the USA.
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