The president who wasn’t there | Planet America

Key Concepts:

• Woodrow Wilson's stroke and subsequent incapacitation.
• Cover-up of Wilson's illness by the White House, his physician, and First Lady.
• Edith Wilson's role as a de facto president.
• The 25th Amendment and its relevance to presidential disability.
• Modern-day application of the 25th Amendment.

Woodrow Wilson's Illness and the Cover-Up

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, suffered a massive stroke in 1918 after addressing a crowd in Colorado. This stroke was concealed from the American public for the remainder of his term. Before the era of widespread radio and television, it was easier to hide the extent of Wilson's condition. He was paralyzed on his left side, unable to walk, sign his name, or feed himself.

The White House orchestrated a medical cover-up. Dr. Hugh Young, a surgeon, issued a statement downplaying the severity of Wilson's condition, claiming his mental processes were unaffected and that he was in better shape than before. Wilson's personal physician, Dr. Carrie Grayson, played a central role in this deception.

Edith Wilson's Role

Secretary of State Robert Lancing convened a cabinet meeting to discuss the possibility of Vice President Thomas Marshall assuming the presidency. Marshall stated he would only take over if Grayson and First Lady Edith Wilson declared Woodrow Wilson unfit and Congress passed a resolution. Grayson denied the president was seriously incapacitated. Edith Wilson stated that if he resigns, the greatest incentive to recover is gone. She demanded Lancing's resignation for calling the cabinet meeting, which she received.

Some historians argue that Edith Wilson effectively became the de facto president during her husband's final year and a half in office. She communicated on his behalf, although she maintained she was only a wife, carer, and gatekeeper.

The 25th Amendment

The 25th Amendment was introduced almost 50 years later to address the issue of presidential disability and succession. It outlines a process for removing a president who is unable to discharge the powers and duties of their office but is unwilling to resign.

The amendment states that the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet or Congress can declare the President unable to fulfill their duties. Upon such a declaration, the Vice President immediately assumes the powers and duties of the office as acting president.

Modern Applications and Debates

The video mentions that some have argued that Joe Biden's memory lapses should have triggered the 25th Amendment. Others have suggested that Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election warranted his removal under the 25th Amendment. However, neither of these scenarios resulted in the invocation of the 25th Amendment.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Woodrow Wilson's stroke and the subsequent cover-up highlight the challenges and potential crises that can arise when a president is incapacitated. The 25th Amendment was designed to address these situations, but its application remains a subject of debate and interpretation, as evidenced by discussions surrounding more recent presidents. The video underscores the importance of transparency and clear procedures for presidential succession in times of disability.