Stricken Before Election: Presidential Health Crises From 1880 to 2020

Between 1880 and today, 6 presidents have suffered major health crises just before their reelection campaigns. Ranging from Chester Arthur’s development of Bright’s Disease to Donald Trump contracting COVID-19, diseases and their treatments varied considerably. More interesting than the medical management, however, is the political maneuvering around each and the extraordinary lengths Presidents went to demonstrate their health to the American people. This article reviews these episodes, comparing and contrasting how each administration handled their crisis and what effect it had on the ensuing election—and thus the history of the United States.