OPINION:
Ostensibly the American people select their president after consideration of his or her ability, capability and vitality but without consideration of mortality or possible incapacity.
It is as if the people believe presidents are physically and mentally invincible during their term(s) of office. Of course, that is not true. Eight presidents have died in office. Until the 25th Amendment was formally adopted, there was no mechanism for removing a president due to incapacity, temporary or otherwise. Thus, Edith Wilson served as de facto president — over objections — after President Woodrow Wilson’s massive stroke.
After President Eisenhower had a stroke, he wrote a confidential letter to then-Vice President Richard Nixon on what to do if he were incapacitated, either temporarily or permanently. Nixon served as acting president during Eisenhower’s subsequent illnesses.
However, the language of the 25th Amendment does not effectively address our present situation. Politics, among other things, are at the fore.
There are two declared presidential candidates for 2024, and others are expected. During the campaign, the voters must raise the question of the role the presidential candidate and vice presidential candidates envision for the vice president. Voters need to carefully consider the qualifications and backgrounds of both.
We need substantive answers and must not allow the candidates to deflect our questions on this matter. The election of 2024 is critical and pivotal — and the outcome is in the hands of the voters.
HESSIE L. HARRIS
Silver Spring, Maryland
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