Poll Shows Less Than Half of Adults View President as Effective

A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted last month found fewer than half of U.S. adults believe the president possesses the mental acuity or physical health to serve effectively. American presidents have a record of limiting public details about health issues.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt concealed use of a wheelchair after a polio diagnosis. John F. Kennedy kept details of his back pain private.

The president made a fourth visit to Walter Reed hospital during the current term. Officials stated that all tests checked out perfectly. A CNN appearance by a former vice president’s cardiologist raised questions about possible daytime sleepiness and its potential link to cognitive conditions.

Staff in a prior administration worked to limit information about age-related changes until a debate performance drew widespread attention. That president later ended a re-election campaign. The current president, the oldest person elected to the office, will turn 80 in June.

The same poll showed public concern over fitness for duty. Calls have emerged for mandatory public reporting of both physical and mental health assessments for anyone holding the presidency.