Statecraft
How to Hide the President’s Condition
Jul 10, 2024
In this engaging discussion, historian John Milton Cooper Jr., a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his biography of Woodrow Wilson, unpacks the mystery of Wilson's 1919 stroke and its shocking cover-up. He reveals how Edith Wilson controlled the narrative, hiding crucial information from Congress and the media. The psychological shifts in the president and the implications for governance are explored, alongside the tension between Wilson and his advisers. Cooper also dives into the constitutional dilemmas that surfaced during this critical time, making for a riveting historical analysis.
50:35
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Quick takeaways
- Woodrow Wilson's health crisis significantly impaired his leadership capabilities, leading to political fallout and the defeat of his League of Nations treaty.
- Edith Wilson's controversial role in controlling access to her husband during his incapacitation highlights the complexities of private influence on public governance.
Deep dives
Wilson's Health and Its Impact on Leadership
Woodrow Wilson's health significantly impacted his ability to lead and govern effectively. He experienced multiple strokes, with the first notable incident occurring in 1906, leading to a diagnosis of hardening arteries and advice to reduce stress. Instead of heeding this advice, Wilson chose to intensify his work, which some argue marked the beginning of a more driven yet deteriorating leadership style. Following his final stroke in 1919 during a demanding speaking tour for the League of Nations, his physical and mental health rapidly declined, affecting his capacity for decisive governance.
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