Joe Biden’s significant concealment of his mental and physical health issues, only revealed through certain media outlets involved in the story, draws parallels to events over a century ago.
President Woodrow Wilson experienced a stroke on October 2, 1919, severely hindering his ability to perform presidential duties. First Lady Edith Wilson quickly took action, shielding her husband from public scrutiny.
Historians have suggested that she essentially became a president in her own right, assuming much of his workload.
To obscure Wilson’s paralysis, Edith cleverly draped a blanket over his left side, which prompted him to position himself in a way that minimized its visibility. Even the doctors were complicit in maintaining this façade.
In Rebecca Boggs Roberts’ book, “Unspeakable Power: Edith Wilson’s Charming and Intricate Legacy”, it’s noted that Congress members grew frustrated when they were denied access to the president.
Senate groups assembled to inform White House aides of their intentions to meet Wilson.
Edith and Wilson’s staff even rehearsed for these encounters. There had been discussions of propping him up on a beach chair, but they opted to present him in bed instead.
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A Democratic spokesperson was brought in to maintain the ruse.
Fortunately, Wilson had one of his “good days” when senators visited.
He interacted with guests and even shared a joke. In response to someone saying, “We have prayed for you, Mr. President,” he quipped back, “Which direction?”
In many ways, Edith Wilson operated like the first female president of the United States, controlling access to her incapacitated husband and making key decisions for nearly two years.
She portrayed herself as a “steward,” claiming she wasn’t making decisions for Wilson directly.
This scenario might resonate in today’s context, as some elements echo the current narrative used to mask Biden’s own health struggles, supported by his staff and aided by media denials regarding serious concerns about his wellbeing.
They collectively advanced the notion that Biden was “sharp as a tack” and “fully engaged.”
Democrats now appear trapped by their own narrative, responding to reporters with a reluctance to discuss the past while hesitating to move forward.
Republicans should ensure this doesn’t pass unchallenged.
If the situations were reversed, Democrats would certainly have reacted differently than they did during the previous administration.
The House Oversight and Accountability Committee has announced plans for a hearing on alleged cover-ups. Those involved must be called to testify—explaining their knowledge and motives behind the deception.
This should include former First Lady Jill Biden, who could be viewed as the modern equivalent of Edith Wilson.
Under oath, these individuals must either tell the truth or face the repercussions of perjury.
Questions may arise about why the 25th Amendment wasn’t invoked to remove Biden from office.
The public deserves not only to read the accounts from media figures previously involved in the concealment but also a narrative that cleanses the dishonesty associated with their actions, while seeking the truth.
