THE POLITICAL EFFECTS OF PRESIDENTIAL ILLNESS - THE CASE OF JOHNSON,LYNDON,B

Lyndon B, Johnson's presidency was marred by illnesses of various sort s and severity, Johnson generally tried to conceal his physical indisp ositions until concealment became impossible. During his presidential years, the public was kept completely or partially uninformed about hi s ailments and medical personnel occasionally participated in the proc ess of cover-up, either by saying nothing or by painting a far rosier portrait of his health than at times appeared warranted. Inevitably, J ohnson's presidency was affected by his bouts with ill health, His fev erish working style, his relationship with Congress, his attempt to de al constitutionally with the issue of presidential disability, his str ong interest in health policy, and his decision to retire from politic s at a relatively young age all reflected, directly or indirectly, the physical illnesses and pain that beset him.