Saturday 1st August 1964
The Press Briefing Room, the White House
Jack stood at the podium looking a healthy young man who was looking forward to becoming a father again. “Good morning.” Jack said.
“I was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease in the early forties. It’s a disease that means you don’t produce a certain amount of a hormone and it can have a serious effect on your body which you saw the other night at the debate. I did deny I had it during the first campaign because I hadn’t had a flare up in years, but during this year and last year because of stress I’ve had one or two attacks. There are many side effects but it just means I need my medication.”
“Sir, do you think it stops you in performing your job as President?”
“No, I manage my disease well which means it hardly bothers me.”
“Why didn’t you tell the nation before now?”
“I guess I was ashamed in a way but now I realise it could help other people deal with their fight with Addison’s.”
“Is it a factor in your everyday life?”
“Well I take my medicine and that’s it.” Jack replied. “I may have Addison’s disease but Addison’s disease doesn’t have me.”
When he eventually got out of the room he went into Pierre’s office and slumped down on to the sofa. Pierre hadn’t noticed he was there till he put the paper down. “Oh my God Mr President you gave me a fright.”
Jack laughed. “You okay Pierre?”
“Yeah my heart rate’s returned to normal.”
Jack smiled. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
“It’s okay sir I understand.”
Jack hesitated. “Do you think we’ve still got a chance of winning this thing?”
“Of course we do….In fact you’ve gained more support since you announced it the other night. People feel you’ll do more with health care since you’ve got an illness.”
Jack sat up he’d just got an idea. “That’s a brilliant idea Pierre; we could concentrate on a new health care system. Get some people together and discuss it and see what you can come up with.”
Pierre nodded. “Yes sir.”
Jack smiled before heading out of the room. He could maybe just pull this thing back in the right direction and win the election.
YOU ARE READING
The Winter of 63
FanfictionIn late November Jack and Jackie disembark on trip to Texas to help with the re-election campaign. Jack is hoping it will lift both his and Jackie’s spirits after the death of their infant son Patrick in August. He and Jackie are as close as ever an...
