In the middle of the 90s, precisely on November 5, 1994, Ronald Reagan, one of the most respected figures in American history, shared distressing news with the country. He had been diagnosed with a neurological disorder, Alzheimer’s. Through their courage, Reagan, and his wife wished to use their personal tragedy as a conduit for a wider conversation, to create and extend empathy towards those living with the disease. At a time when he wasn’t anymore navigating the vast reins of being the world’s most powerful leader, Reagan managed to assume another mantle – that of becoming the face of one of the world’s most dreadful disease, connecting with sufferers and their family members who typically felt lost and alone.
Even with a strong network of family and friends, facing one’s mortality feels like a lonely trek. The semblance of an unfamiliar journey through unchartered emotions can bring individuals to tears. However, realizing that someone else is battling the same demon somewhere and extending a hand of understanding can help pave the way for much-needed solace. This serves as a reminder of the power of shared suffering, where the possibility of drying tears exists in the form of shared humanity.
Fast forward to the present, recently Joe Biden shared the news of his prostate cancer diagnosis with the national audience. Although it’s undeniably a private affair, it also provides him with a unique chance. But instead of demonstrating leadership in the political sphere like Reagan, Biden seems to be focusing more on a weak, defenseless human side.
In Ronald Reagan’s era, there was a certain taboo associated with Alzheimer’s that he boldly shattered to push for better understanding and conversations around the ailment. He took the initiative to lead discussions in a direction distinct from his previous roles as a governor or a president. Regrettably, Biden seems far from harnessing this opportunity to reciprocate the same openness.
Today, unlike in Reagan’s time, diseases like the one Biden has, are talked about openly. However, the emotional turmoil, the roller coaster of fear, and trauma that accompanies a cancer diagnosis, remains hidden under the surface. Millions around the globe grapple with this reality every day, finding it hard to bring it up, process it, or get through the daunting nights of staring death in the face.
However, the timing of Biden’s revelation doesn’t appear to bode well for him politically amid swirling discussions around his perceived decline during his presidency. He stands indicted of orchestrating a kind of deception, where his staff and family allegedly concealed critical details, leaving the American people in the shadows.
There’s mounting conjecture from some quarters that he might have been aware of his health ailment for a much longer timeframe than what has been shared publicly. Such arguments level Biden with the charges that were unjustly waged against my father, who was speculated to know of his disease while still in office, years before the disclosure. Expanding this unfounded speculation, they insinuate he must have lived with Alzheimer’s for an extended period stretching two decades- a prognostic unfeasible for his age group.
Contrary to Reagan’s valiant effort to destigmatize such discussions surrounding Alzheimer’s, Biden’s handling of his personal health appears to foster mistrust. Some see this as a systematic effort to keep important matters from public view. This helps form an atmosphere of doubt rather than openness.
In fairness to Reagan, he aimed for transparency during a time when the subject was still seen as a taboo. His advocacy and personal journey became a beacon of hope. He initiated a brave conversation rooted in his personal experience, striving for empathy and understanding.
Biden’s current situation is positioned starkly in contrast – a cloak of doubt exists as to when he first discovered his diagnosis. Many speculate whether Biden knowingly withheld this information. Yet the question lingers, how long was the public left in the dark about their leader’s health?
While Reagan became an ambassador for Alzheimer’s awareness, pointing the spotlight on the issue, Biden’s revelation draws attention to the seemingly calculated timing and potential political strategizing of the news. The announcement appears to be overshadowed by the auras of potential fabrications and mistrust.
One could argue that Reagan’s approach was a show of strength: facing adversity with candid exposé rather than hiding it. Biden, on the other hand, has found himself boxed in suspicions and speculations rather than empathy and encouragement.
Given Reagan’s legacy, it’s disappointing to see the stark contrast provided by Biden’s behavior. By concealing the truth, he has given rise to skepticism. Whether it was intentional manipulation or not, this ultimately adds fuel to public resentment.
The essence of leadership doesn’t solely reside in governance or politics, rather it expands onto a vulnerable and human level. When exemplified by Reagan, it inspired change, forged connections and pushed for understanding. Unfortunately, by withholding information, Biden’s recent reveal feels more like a chokehold on transparency than an open conversation, causing a setback instead of progress in public health discussions.