The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a top ally of President Donald Trump, has renewed focus on the country’s aging lawmakers. Graham, who was 71, suffered a tear in his aorta, according to a preliminary report from the medical examiner.
Health Transparency
Some politicians have continued to obscure details about their health challenges, asking for privacy despite their public positions, and fueling conspiracy theories. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said, ‘I think we need some transparency.’ He wished Sen. Mitch McConnell and his team would have done that earlier, as it would have resolved a lot of questions.
McConnell, who is 84, was hospitalized in June with barely any explanation. Aides said he was ‘receiving excellent care’ but offered no details about his condition. The dearth of information fueled a wave of speculation about his prognosis.
Constitutional Questions
The issue of health transparency raises constitutional questions about the right to privacy and the public’s right to know. As Sen. Rand Paul said, ‘People think they have a right to know everyone’s medical problems, but I don’t know, where does it begin and where does it end?’
The oldest person ever elected president, at age 78, has long offered only the rosiest picture of his health. His past medical reports have been criticized for offering limited detail and including statistics that some health professionals have viewed with skepticism.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
