How Are You, Mr. Cheney? (NYT wondering about a Cheney health cover-up)

The New York Times ^ | 12/22/03 | editorial board

[Pokey78]

The American public knows just about all it needs to know about the health of President Bush. The White House last week released results of the M.R.I. on his knee, which showed signs of arthritis and a malady called runner's knee. Earlier, there were results of his colonoscopy and of various physical examinations. There was also an account last year of the president's misadventure with a pretzel that lodged briefly in his throat, causing him to pass out. All of this information is a necessary part of keeping tabs on the president's health.

By contrast, there is much we do not know about the health of Vice President Dick Cheney, who is also expected to run for re-election. We know something about his heart, which is being assisted by stents that keep his coronary artery open and by a device that delivers electric shocks when necessary to correct an irregular heart rhythm. He was also reported to have done well in a cardiac exam last July. But the vice president, who turns 63 next month, may have other health concerns. He should have been checked for prostate and colon disease. He should be regularly monitored for side effects to prescribed medication — some beta blockers in drugs that protect the heart affect the ability to think clearly. Mr. Cheney's press office said he had a physical examination in the last month, but so far it has not released specific results.

It has been standard practice for both presidents and vice presidents to immediately go public with their medical exams — privacy concerns are less important than the public's confidence that its leaders are fit. President Reagan had colon cancer and the first President Bush a thyroid condition; both were successfully treated while in office. Bill Clinton's weight gains and losses, skin lesions and knee surgery were a matter of public record. Vice Presidents Al Gore and Dan Quayle allowed the public to know intimate details about all aspects of their health.

Mr. Cheney has been mostly out of public view as he heads up the effort to corral support for a second Bush administration. That's his right. But we'd like to know that he's not neglecting his health.

[Nick Danger]

The New York Times can't let a day go by without throwing a spear at the Bush Administration. That this was the best they could come up with for today is testimony to what a good week the Administration has had.

[skr]

I guess NYT forgot to send reporters to the fund-raisers and other events I've heard the Vice-President was attending.

[boris]

"Cheney's had four heart attacks. I think he should step aside and let someone else run for VP in 2004."

Yes.

As I've repeatedly stated he is an unreliable backup. **I** am in better health than he is and I would still be unqualified to be veep for this reason alone. (Diabetes [bad] and double-bypass but no heart attack).

IMHO he should have taken the Oath of Office and resigned.

--Boris

[Utah Girl]

NY Times must be bored, I see a change in direction from picking on President Bush to picking on Cheney and/or the old saw that Cheney is really running the country.

[Cosmo]

better to appoint after the election, as Cheney is a known quantity. Republicans control the Senate , meaning we won't have to worry too much about being given another Gerald Ford/

[Jeff Chandler]

Cheney's had four heart attacks.

So he's gotten them out of the way. He should be fine now.

[Lancey Howard]

That New York Times will never let up until Dean releases all that secret stuff from Vermont. No winder the New York Times is proud to be "the former paper of record".

[Lancey Howard]

I forget how many heart attacks Eisenhower had while he was President, but I believe it was in the 4 to 6 range.

[Political Junkie Too]

...knee surgery were a matter of public record.

Would that be the surgery resulting from stumbling drunk out of golfer Greg Norman's home at 2:00am after a night of partying and what-not? Just how much of that "knee surgery" (and what-not) was made public anyway?

-PJ

[cheesebus]

He should be regularly monitored for side effects to prescribed medication — some beta blockers in drugs that protect the heart affect the ability to think clearly.

Unlike the marijuana and cocaine consumed in the Clinton White House, which actually enhanced the decision makers' judgement abilities.

[NYCVirago]

Bill Clinton's weight gains and losses, skin lesions and knee surgery were a matter of public record.

Actually, they weren't. He never released his medical records.

[LadyDoc]

I'm glad someone is worried...in 2000, I commented that Cheyney would be good for four years, but I should point out that although his heart has a fairly good chance of living thru 2008 that his risk of NOT making it thru 2008 is increasing...

I say, Condi for VP and let Cheyney become national security advisor...

[Glenn]

I think he should step aside and let someone else run for VP in 2004.

Why not just have him put down? Or stick him on an ice flow.

Having heart problems does not make one a cripple in this day and age.

[iopscusa]

Maybe Cheney could do Tom Rich's job...pickin the colors.
What about Ruddy G for VP....might develop a credible candidate for the 2008 GOP run...stratergy jic there is a serious CWusty CWinton up for the big job!

[laredo44]

I'm worried sick that her thighs are taking over her entire body.

You may be on to something. It appears her ankles have already sought protection under the auspices of her calves.

[dawn53]

but I should point out that although his heart has a fairly good chance of living thru 2008 that his risk of NOT making it thru 2008 is increasing...

I think it's called aging, LOL. And all adults his age have an increasing risk of dying by 2008.

Sorry, didn't mean to be sarcastic, but I couldn't resist.

[Maria S]

"But we'd like to know that he's not neglecting his health.
Awwwwwwww. How sweet."

No kidding!!! With the barrage of 'the-company-that-used-to-be-run-by-Cheney' hate-filled articles, I'm surprised the stress hasn't caused another heart attack!

[Maria S]

"And why wasn't the rest of his [Clinton's] medical history made a matter of public record...?"


Because Hillary said so, that's why.

[mdmathis6]

"If Cheney dies he will still be better than all the Democrats and most of the Republicans"

After he dies...maybe he could then get some dead Republicans to come vote on our side for a change and balance the dead Democrat vote in places like Illinois and Louisiana!

[Maria S]

"Would that be the surgery resulting from stumbling drunk out of golfer Greg Norman's home at 2:00am after a night of partying and what-not? Just how much of that "knee surgery" (and what-not) was made public anyway?"

AHA! I see that you, too, have read 'Dereliction of Duty'!