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* I couldn’t agree more with Brian Thomas…
I love Roe Conn (WLS-AM, 2pm- 6pm). But [yesterday] he started a nasty rumor about Jackson’s leave of absence, based upon two anonymous Washington sources. Until that story is confirmed (if it’s confirmed), he should have kept his mouth shut.
* Conn cited “two high-ranking people on the Democratic side of the aisle, in both fundraising and in the legislative branch” as sources for a rumor that Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. had attempted to commit suicide.
I asked a top Jackson staffer about that rumor and received this e-mailed response…
NO he did not. I hope you find the reporting of false rumors very disturbing. What has the news media become?
I do indeed find this all very disturbing. So did the congressman’s father…
“No, that’s not true,” Jackson Sr. told POLITICO. “He’s with his doctor and getting treatment, regaining his strength. That’s all I really want to say at this point.”
Jackson Sr. added that there is “no truth” to the WLS broadcast. “None at all,” he said.
An aide to the congressman also said the WLS report is inaccurate.
* From ABC News…
The source, who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity, declined to provide any details on where Jackson is seeking treatment, but said that he is genuinely suffering from “exhaustion.”
“That’s what he has. He doesn’t get a lot of sleep and he has sleep disorders. He’s very energetic, running full-steam ahead, working six or seven days a week often and he’s been doing that for a long time,” the source said. “There’s a great deal of pressure on him due to unfounded allegations [related to the ethics inquiry] and negative press onslaught against him that are not true, so it kinda all caught up to him. He needed downtime to get away from grind.”
* Sun-Times…
A senior aide to the congressman told the Sun-Times that Jackson is being treated at a medical facility outside Illinois and that his doctors will release information “soon,” perhaps as early as Wednesday, though not necessarily.
“His condition is not life-threatening,” the aide said. “He does have sleep disorders. He works seven days a week most weeks. He has been under intense pressures over the last four years, so he wants to see if he can figure out a way to get some decent sleep.”
* Congressman Luis Gutierrez wants full disclosure very soon…
“He has a responsibility to give us more information. I’m not demanding that information, but the people of his congressional district deserve it. The people of Illinois deserve it. If he’s gonna stand for re-election, you guys are gonna demand it,” Gutierrez said.
“Let’s not kid ourselves. He’s going to have to answer these questions one way or another or I don’t know you guys in the Chicago press very well. You’re gonna get the answer. Why not give the answer at the earliest, most opportune moment?”
Yes, Chicago reporters are aggressive. Thankfully so. But that doesn’t excuse this rumor-mongering. And there may be a little spite involved as well…
Last year, tensions ran high between Gutierrez and Jackson after the decennial redraw of the state’s Congressional map. Jackson angered Gutierrez when he sought answers about whether the state’s burgeoning Hispanic population required a second majority House district.
Good point…
The reverend noted that he has long supported the political career of Durbin and signaled that he would be willing to talk about his son’s health.
“If he really wants more, he could call me. He could call the office, and we could talk about it.” Rev. Jackson told WBEZ radio. “I think it’s not appropriate to go any further at this point.”
* I don’t, however, agree with the Sun-Times editorial today, which concludes…
Jackson is still a father, a husband and a human being who deserves a measure of sympathy. Let’s give him space.
He’ll get his space when he makes some honest disclosures.
Discuss.
*** UPDATE *** Some early afternoon stories…
* Hoyer joins calls for Jackson Jr. to open up about mystery ailment: “Let me just deal with this briefly in this way: I think Congressman Jackson and his office and his family would be well advised to advise the constituents of his condition. He’s obviously facing a health problem. We have many members who are out right now. This is not an unusual circumstance. People get sick, and when people get sick, they miss work. Everybody in America understands that. But I think the family would be well advised to give his constituents as much information as is appropriate.”
* Pelosi expects Jackson to explain medical absence: House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi says she expects Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to explain his weeks-long leave of absence after he has had an evaluation of his medical condition.
* Staff: Rep. Jackson could release more health info soon
* Rep. Jackson’s wife ‘hopeful’ doctors will release medical details soon: “I’m hopeful that my husband’s doctors will be able to release something soon,” she told the Tribune. “I’m in constant talks with them about Jesse’s condition and his medical prognosis going forward.”
* Quinn: Voters have ‘heard enough’ about Jackson: But the Democratic governor said Wednesday, “I think you’ve heard enough _ that he has some health challenges that he’s dealing with right now.”
* Jesse Jr. Story Goes National
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:09 am
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I don’t share the outrage over the rumor mongering. Jesse Jackson, Jr. is a member of Congress. He’s not just some guy from the south side. His district has a right to know if he is able to represent them.
He has failed to provide any meaningful information. That leads to speculation. Don’t want people to speculate? Then tell the truth.
Comment by Skeeter Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:13 am
I agree with Skeeter. The rumor mill only operates if it is given room to operate. The Congressman, his family and his staff have been less than forthcoming during this episode. Until they come clean, they can expect no less as they brought this rumormongering on themselves.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:17 am
Roe Connis hardly part of the “news media.”
But yeah, more information from Congressman Jackson’s office would be helpful in squelching rumors.
Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:18 am
He’s brought it on himself by choosing the route of secrecy. I think if a public servant attempts a coverup of anything, then its Game On.
Comment by Ace Laredo Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:21 am
===I think if a public servant attempts a coverup of anything, then its Game On. ===
People, nothing excuses this crud. Nothing. To endorse lousy reporting because somebody - anybody - is being less than forthright is truly disturbing and, frankly, unAmerican.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:23 am
The irony of this whole thing is that if the Congressman is truly ill, his district and reporeter types would most definately be sympathetic. However, this “we can’y tell you” act begs for the sharks to smell blood in the water.
Comment by downhereforyears Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:26 am
You should (or not) hear the ugly stuff flying around the CBOT.
Way back when, a certain Chicago TV broadcaster was pregnant. The absolute, slam-dunk certainty expressed in every office, restaurant and bar for months was that the father was a certain Chicago Bulls player.
That certainty turned out to be completely false.
But a couple foolish radio personalities talked about it on air. The broadcaster sued and won millions.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:27 am
Rich, Conn claimed to have two sources. How much of reporting is based on unnamed sources? It is rare to rely on unnamed sources? Conn believes they are reliable. We take it for what it is worth. But we can’t get upset because we rely on sources believed to be reliable, just because the information is upsetting.
Comment by Skeeter Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:30 am
This is only a rumor, but I heard that Roe Conn is an extraterrestrial who was sent here to do advance work for the coming giant snail invasion. I think he needs to address these rumors publicly. His viewers deserve a respectful airing of these issues.
Comment by soccermom Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:31 am
Certainly the rumor is disturbing but the lack of information coming from the Jackson family facilitates this type of speculation. It is amazing to me that this matter has been handled media wise in such a poor fashion by JJJ, his office and family.
Comment by Stones Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:32 am
===People, nothing excuses this crud. Nothing. To endorse lousy reporting because somebody - anybody - is being less than forthright is truly disturbing and, frankly, unAmerican.===
well, I didnt know what the rumors were until this post of yours on your blog, so your argument is a bit disingenuous.
Comment by Jake L Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:32 am
This whole thing is ridiculous and I am appalled that there isn’t more outrage. Who does he think he is? I feel the same way about Sen Kirk - can we please get more information about these guys? They serve at the will of the people, not the will of themselves.
It’s really frustrating. Rumors are going to fly if the truth isn’t being told. While I appreciate you calling this out, it is the media’s job to keep a hot spotlight on this. If this were NYC, the NY Post would have this on the cover everyday. There is so little public accountability. Everyone is an enabler here.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:32 am
Hey, news reporters — I think it’s time someone had the guts to ask Roe Conn about those rumors.
Comment by soccermom Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:32 am
Nice way to sneak into the generally unsourced Daily Mail piece on JJJ with the hand wringing about Roe.
DumbWade&Coma used the Daily Mail piece this morning as if it was from the COngressional Record but then they seem able to get DeadbeatJoe Walsh on the air so we guess it is a wash
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:38 am
–well, I didnt know what the rumors were until this post of yours on your blog, so your argument is a bit disingenuous.–
I call b.s. It’s been on the radio, TV and on Internet feeds constantly since last night.
Of course, maybe you’ve been in the Fortress of Solitude for the last 14 hours or so.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:46 am
I have to ask what the game plan was? Did Jackson just think he could disappear from the face of the Earth and non one would ask any questions?
Did anyone bother to think through the whole idea of not telling anyone where he was going for more than about 5 minutes?
Comment by J Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:47 am
You know, sometimes people do stuff without thinking through a media strategy first. Yeah, I know JJJ has been in the big leagues for a long time, but that doesn’t mean that he’s invincible to the kinds of overwhelming stresses that can sideline any of us.
Clearly, this was mishandled. But on the other hand, if he were feeling up to pulling together a comprehensive strategic media plan to handle this situation, he probably wouldn’t need to go away.
Comment by soccermom Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:55 am
Another thing compounding the issue is that neither Jesse Jr. nor his father exactly have a history of being forthright in their personal dealings — with the media, the public or even with their own family. Just as these rumors can’t be taken at face value, anything they have to say about this issue can’t be taken at face value either.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:03 am
Skeeter, I wouldn’t go too far in trusting a radio yapper as to their journalistic integrity.
Orson Welles was closer to the truth broadcasting “War of the Worlds” than most of these “entertainers.”
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:04 am
I appear to be in the minority, but I think that someone, no matter what his or her job, has the right to announce and take medical or personal leave without disclosing the details if that is what they need to do.
Elected officials experience tremendous stress in the burden of the spotlights, and although it is necessary for policy matters, it isn’t for personal health matters. If voters feel like they don’t know enough about their ailments, then they don’t have to vote them back in. But voters can’t make decisions based on medical diagnoses or prognoses and we shouldn’t encourage them to.
This type of reporting would have been off limits just decades ago, and that’s a good thing. It isn’t news–it is just another political circus. There is plenty of significant news to cover.
Comment by Dan Bureaucrat Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:04 am
==I call b.s. It’s been on the radio, TV and on Internet feeds constantly since last night.
Of course, maybe you’ve been in the Fortress of Solitude for the last 14 hours or so.===
I am sure they have. It was also my first guess when I heard about JJJ, but still, to complain about the media spreading the rumor and then spreading the rumor is disingenuous.
Comment by Jake L Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:04 am
===to complain about the media spreading the rumor and then spreading the rumor is disingenuous.===
Circular logic, man. The report is out there, it’s all over the place. Your ignorance is not my problem.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:07 am
It seems to me that alot of CapFax posters and many
Reporters have a double-standard.
I ALREADY know much more about Jackson’s
medical condition than I still do about Mark Kirk’s.
Is the double-standard because Jackson’s
Condition is primarily mental health?
What do you really need to know other than the fact that an MD thought his condition serious enough to admit him to a medical facility for prolonged treatment?
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:10 am
Actually Yellow, we do not know that an M.D. has admitted him. We have nothing other than vague comments like “exhaustion” and “more serious than we thought.” As far as we know, he’s gone to Tibet to seek spiritual enlightenment on a mountaintop. We know nothing at all.
Comment by Skeeter Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:15 am
Let’s face it Jackson is hiding something. I am not outraged by speculation. Same for Kirk.
Comment by Let's face it Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:17 am
===I am not outraged by speculation===
That’s exactly the sort of attitude from the old Soviet era. The party and the government would smear people, and too many citizens took the bait.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:20 am
i like roe conn. as an entertainer. he should leave breaking news reports to — reporters. i am not a fan of JJJ, but he deserved better. this shows what happens in a vacuum.
Comment by langhorne Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:21 am
Capt Fax is right.
Here is Politico citing the unsourced Daily Mail story being used by Blagoof Broadccasting’s WLS-AM
“The elder Jackson was responding to a “rumor” broadcast by an Illinois radio station Tuesday. WLS of Chicago cited “two high-ranking people on the Democratic side of the aisle, in both fundraising and in the legislative branch,” as the source of this information, none of which had been confirmed with Jackson’s office or family.
“No, that’s not true,” Jackson Sr. told POLITICO. “He’s with his doctor and getting treatment, regaining his strength. That’s all I really want to say at this point.”
Jackson Sr. added that there is “no truth” to the WLS broadcast. “None at all,” he said.
An aide to the congressman also said the WLS report is inaccurate.”
Now that’s what we call journalism boys and girls
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:21 am
I’ll preface my remarks by saying first that I am primarily a Democrat..
I find it disturbing that parallels are being painted between the JJJ and Kirk health situations. To me, Kirk has been much more forthcoming to the point where video has been released which clearly shows his condition. In addition, the public was made aware early on that he had suffered a stroke. In contrast, JJJ’s camp has only cited exhaustion and two weeks after the fact to boot.
I just find comparisons between the two situations to be ridiculous.
Comment by Stones Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:27 am
RE: Roe Conn
There is nothing wrong with speculation, but what media/political insiders speculate amongst themselves over drinks, via e-mail/text and with intimates should never make it on air/print (or even social media) without verification. After Roe started getting heat he began to claim that he gave the disclaimer that it was only speculation.
Roe has been in the media long enough to know that 50% of his listeners would run with it as fact and 95% of the people who got it 2nd hand would also to believe it to be true.
This was reckless on his part.
Comment by wndycty Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:35 am
To see some of the mega-savvy political observers who frequent this blog expressing outrage over political “rumors” is kind of funny. Please. Within hours of both Gutierrez and Durbin expressing their displeasure and quite publicly telling Jackson’s office to release info about his condition, (and with all Washington D.C. abuzz over JJJ’s absence) coincidentally two Democratic sources leak a rumor to a radio show? It’s very likely the story was intentionally run up the flag pole by high level Dems to force JJJ’s hand, and Roe Conn in the local media was the vehicle chosen to do it. JJJ’s own district may not care all that much about his absence from his job, but the National Dem party is not so sanguine. They are deeply worried about scandal in an election year and do not want this story to drag on. IOW, the Roe Conn “rumor” is playing out exactly as it was intended–to smoke out the truth from the JJJ camp.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:42 am
I have a lot of compassion for Jackson in his current situation — probably scared he is. And I have nothing to really base this on, but I bet the reason the staff isn’t so forthcoming is because they don’t really know what’s going on.
Comment by Cheswick Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:52 am
“That’s exactly the sort of attitude from the old Soviet era. The party and the government would smear people, and too many citizens took the bait.”
Just like our Governor and Legislature are smearing public employees and blasming them for the pension crisis and people are taking the bait. - just sayin
Comment by Irish Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:59 am
My natural inclination is the same as my reaction in Kirk’s case - give the man some time to get his bearings and get back on track. He is a public servant, but also a human being going through a difficult time.
In thinking this through, however, significant differences exist between the two cases - most namely the manner and speed with which basic details were disclosed. While Kirk could and should have provided more details, at least he disclosed the situation quickly and accurately while offering his physicians to the media at least once as well as multiple updates.
JJJ was gone for 2 weeks before anyone heard a peep.
I hope he is improving and the news that comes forth from his doctors will be positive.
Comment by Freeman Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 12:09 pm
As for Conn’s double-sourcing the information with “two high-ranking people on the Democratic side of the aisle, in both fundraising and in the legislative branch” before reporting it? That may appear to be solid procedure, but you’d better be 1000000% certain before reporting something like that. Breaking the “news” of a sitting Congressman’s purported suicide attempt ain’t exactly whistling dixie. Come on.
A little more info from the JJJ camp to close allies could have also helped avoid this. Not among the public, but among allies and close friends.
The fact a journalist was able to double source something so dramatic also makes one wonder who these sources were.
Do certain closely placed individuals know this to be truth or did Conn get in touch with 2 interns randomly speculating and pretending to be in the know? It’s ridiculous we have to even consider this.
NOT good enough for a reporter with over 20 years in the Chicago market. Unless his “exclusive” sources just helped him stumble upon some sort of massive cover-up no one else knows about yet.
Comment by Freeman Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 12:32 pm
Unless Roe Conn can give substantial evidence, not sayin he has to reveal sources, but something more than what appears now to be speculation on someone’s part, then he should not make the comment.
That being said, when Kirk suffered his stroke we knew right away he had suffered a stroke. That diagnosis alone is followed by a period of uncertainty. As a person who has had experience with family members who have had strokes, even the doctors involved have no clear idea of the prognosis. So uncertainty is part of the game. And making guesses as to where the person will be a a given time in the future does no service to anyone.
In JJJ’s situation all we know is that he is supposedly at or has been at some medical facility for some unknown ailment. Completely different situation and a lot less information.
Comment by Irish Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 12:36 pm
== I ALREADY know much more about Jackson’s
medical condition than I still do about Mark Kirk’s ==
Ummm, you do, YDD?
Then I would suggest you share, because I seem to recall press conferences with doctors about his condition, the surgery, a follow up video, updates on where he was and is being treated even information about an research program he was taking part in.
Vs an initial statement about “exhaustion” which I don’t think it a medical diagnosis and then some vague follow up…
No real details about anything, so to say you ‘know more’ means either you have non-public information or you have a very different definition of knowledge than what I suspect is the rest of us.
Did JJJ or his people really think they could just say what they have said and not had rampant speculation and rumor? When they announced after the candidate deadline was that just a fluke of the calendar.
If I recall correctly he wasn’t that forthcoming when he was asked if he had surgery for his weight either.
This should be used as a how to deal with this sort of thing “don’t”
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 12:53 pm
{To endorse lousy reporting because somebody - anybody - is being less than forthright is truly disturbing and, frankly, unAmerican. }
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Even lousy reporting is protected speech; although civil liability can extend in the form of both libel and slander. That would require litigation however, but how much more American can you get than that?
Comment by Quinn T. Sential Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 12:55 pm
===Even lousy reporting is protected speech===
Yes, it is. I didn’t say it should be banned. I said it shouldn’t be cheered or encouraged.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 12:57 pm
On channel 7 last night, they were reporting that some aide said Jackson could be out two months, past Labor Day. You can’t throw out speculation like that without coming up with some details. Time to step forward with a medical diagnosis.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 1:03 pm
=That’s exactly the sort of attitude from the old Soviet era. The party and the government would smear people, and too many citizens took the bait.=
There’s plenty of that now going on here in the US. My “favorite” (snark) is that highly-paranoid IL click who accuse all of their real and imaginary foes of being nuts.
I guess it worked for them once so they believe they can keep repeating it without anyone eventually wondering why the only allegedly sane people left in the state are those who are making the accusations and exhibiting the symptoms.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 1:10 pm
===they were reporting that some aide said Jackson could be out two months, past Labor Day===
That was twisted and exaggerated as well. Congress is adjourning soon. He likely won’t make it back before the adjournment. So, he won’t be back on the floor until September, when Congress reconvenes.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 1:19 pm
Steny Hoyer just called on JJJ to release more details.
Looks like Durbin and Gutierrez’s pressure on JJJ is spreading to others.
Comment by Freeman Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 1:22 pm
Sandi Jackson just said that she’s “hoping” the doctors will release the info. Isn’t it the patient’s decision, not the doctors’?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 1:27 pm
And now Quinn just said people have “heard enough” about JJJ’s situation.
Interesting to see how internal Democrat personal alliances and grudges can shade something like this.
The Hoyer comments: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-leading-house-democrat-calls-on-rep-jackson-to-disclose-illness-20120711,0,4731687.story?track=rss
The Quinn comments: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/IL_JACKSON_QUINN_ILOL-?SITE=ILBLO&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Comment by Freeman Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 1:35 pm
Right anonymous 1:27. The decision is not up to the doctors, it’s up to the patient (and his family). Not a very artful dodge there by Mrs. Jackson.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 1:41 pm
Can’t we wait to see what is really wrong with Jackson.It sounds like the man has some real problems.Now is not the time to be cute or snarky.
Let’s not go off on the deep end,maybe he could use your prayers.
Comment by mokenavince Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 1:48 pm
Roe’s ratings will be way up this afternoon. That’s the name of this tune.
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 1:49 pm
===Even lousy reporting is protected speech===
{Yes, it is. I didn’t say it should be banned. I said it shouldn’t be cheered or encouraged.}
I am not sure anyone is endorsing or encouraging lousy reporting here; however I do believe they have offered the detailed news vacuum from the subject as an excuse for what it is occurring in the way of reporting.
I agree that the news vacuuum provides no excuse; however that the lousy reporting can and still should be protected, and that the best solution to this problem is to turn the page or change the station, and vote with your feet so to speak.
Either that or you can follow the good reverend’s example and organize or join in the boycott of the advertisers.
Comment by Quinn T. Sential Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 1:52 pm
I imagine it’s tough to steer around announcing a suicide attempt without simultaneously tendering a resignation. This could be both emotional and political survival.
Comment by archibaldjones Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 1:55 pm
Kirk seems to have gotten a pass because news was given as it was known…and updates given when something was there to report. JJJ is getting creamed becuase of the “cover up” feel to it all (which invites the unhinged to speculate and spin conspiracy theories).
Comment by titan Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 2:02 pm
===I am not sure anyone is endorsing or encouraging lousy reporting here===
Umm…
===Until they come clean, they can expect no less as they brought this rumormongering on themselves. ===
And…
===Let’s face it Jackson is hiding something. I am not outraged by speculation.===
And…
===I think if a public servant attempts a coverup of anything, then its Game On===
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 2:08 pm
Speculation is one thing, but to throw the word “suicide” around is completely wrong. Unless verified by the physician, no reporter or media personality should be using it.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 2:15 pm
1. He was always clear on his report that this was speculation not a confirmed report. He said this pretty consistently throughout.
2. the Jacksons behavior here has been almost as shameful as the congressman’s behavior the last 4 years.
3. The comparisons to senator kirk are disgusting. Senator Kirk’s problem was a real legit health issue of natural causes and he’s been pretty transparent about it.
Comment by Shore Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 2:18 pm
@YDD
=I ALREADY know much more about Jackson’s
medical condition than I still do about Mark Kirk’s.=
With all due respect my guess is that you’re the only one. We’ve heard from Kirk since his stroke, we’ve heard from his doctors, we know what hospital he’s in and as recent as today had a medical update.
Comment by downhereforyears Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 2:35 pm
===3. The comparisons to senator kirk are disgusting. Senator Kirk’s problem was a real legit health issue of natural causes and he’s been pretty transparent about it.
We don’t know what Jackson’s health problems are and I doubt they are not legit and of natural causes. Even if it was an suicide attempt, that’s a legit health issue. We have every reason to think it was not such an attempt, but treating mental illness differently from physical health when they are completely intertwined is only about 30 years out of date.
Even if it is addiction, that’s a disease and should be treated as such.
On the final aspect, you get it right–Senator Kirk has been transparent and his way of handling this is a much better model for public servants.
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 2:35 pm
=Kirk seems to have gotten a pass because news was given as it was known…and updates given when something was there to report.=
This isn’t right either. Based on that logic, Kirk could decide never to provide another status update again because there’s no news and nothing to report. Something that those of Kirk’s apologists who keep pointing to other public servants being out for months, years and sometimes even terms would love, I’m sure, to become “acceptable” reporting standards BY the pol, staff, etc.
And I’ll argue that in some cases, “There’s no news/no change in status…still recuperating” isn’t a good sign either, especially when the official isn’t in good enough shape to speak to the press himself.
So, depending on the length of time and how serious the illness is, Kirk’s team’s “great reporting” could come around full circle. I.e., we WILL know as much about the Kirk situation as we do about JJJ’s situation. Therefore, I can see some logic in how some are able to compare the two.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 2:42 pm
=On the final aspect, you get it right–Senator Kirk has been transparent and his way of handling this is a much better model for public servants.=
Hmmm…I’d imagine that some situations are so severe that you can’t quite hide them any more so you don’t have any choice but to report them.
I’m going to guess that many pols wouldn’t be “transparent enough” to report extreme medical (physical or mental) conditions that are treated in hospitals over extended periods of time IF they CAN be hidden. And some would argue that the public have a right to know about those, too–especially if they can affect the pol’s “abilities.”
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 2:49 pm
JJJ and the family have been in the public arena for a long time. You would think they had enough handlers / consultants / managers / interns / attorneys that they could have come up with a rational explanation pretty fast and be able to stick to it. Hope the guy is OK with whatever has happened, but stuff happens. I would think most organizations have Plan C that gets puled out when the main NAME player has something unplanned happen to them.
Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 2:53 pm
=We’ve heard from Kirk since his stroke, we’ve heard from his doctors, we know what hospital he’s in and as recent as today had a medical update.=
Do you have a link to today’s update, downhere…?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 2:59 pm
I do seriously hope Jr’s health is improving.
The Trib, you know, could go to court to get private records released. They have experience in this sort of thing, I recall.
Comment by Southern Peggy R Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 2:59 pm
1. Jackson is not kirk.
2. The democrats trashing kirk asked no questions about ted kennedy or robert byrd when they dealt with issues.
3. This is just the latest in a now 4 year mess of issues for congressman jackson, this guy clearly has completely lost it.
Comment by Shore Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 3:06 pm
===Until they come clean, they can expect no less as they brought this rumormongering on themselves. ===
Provides an excuse for the behavior, blaming the news vacuum created by the subject, and does not appear to endorse or encourage the lousy reporting.
===Let’s face it Jackson is hiding something. I am not outraged by speculation.===
Many people are not outraged by speculation and encourage it and engage in it openly. It’s almost a daily endeavor on this blog; often un-checked.While it is incredibly distasteful when you have a 50,000 watt mega phone, let’s face it, Roe Conn is an entertainer, not a journalist. He is no different than Jerry Springer and the like, capitalizing on fanning the flames that are fueling the lowest common denominator. Turn the dial and move on.
And…
===I think if a public servant attempts a coverup of anything, then its Game On===
This is the foundation of investigative reporting. Again, the entire nature of this story however is about a private health matter but the response both here and on Roe Conn’s show is predicated on politics; there is very little genuine concern being expressed for the individual.
There is very little pressing business taking place that cannot be conducted in the absence of 1/435th of the enterprise.
If the people he represents have concerns about their continued representation, they can simply vote against him or not vote at all on the second Tuesday of November.Somehow; if out of nothing more than political self preservation, I am confident they will here from him before then and they can form their own opinions and act upon them as they see fit.
Comment by Quinn T. Sential Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 3:11 pm
=Jackson is not kirk.=
And how is it that they’re different, shore?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 3:13 pm
The more we learn, the less promising things sound: “His spokesman, Frank Watkins, said Thursday that the congressman needs “extended in-patient treatment” and care afterward.”
That appears in a Tribune article from July 8th. The article also mentions: “The same day Kirk entered the hospital in Lake Forest, he was transferred to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where he eventually underwent three brain surgeries. Nearly two days after Kirk was hospitalized, his stroke was disclosed to the public, following his first surgery.
Two news conferences were held in the second hospital, and doctors said Kirk would regain his mental faculties but could suffer lingering paralysis on his left side.
He is now undergoing outpatient rehabilitation in the city.”
We’re talking about voluntary disclosure in 2 days vs. involuntary partial disclosure in over 2 weeks. There’s a big difference. A very big difference.
And whatever thoughts we may have regarding the way Kirk’s office handled his situation, some jounralists and politicians are now comparing these two situations using Kirk’s handling of things as a positive example to live up to. From ABC News yesterday: “Like some of Jackson’s opponents, Durbin on Monday compared the congressman’s situation to that of Illinois Republican Sen. Mark Kirk, who in early May offered the public a deeply personal look via a Web video at his difficult recovery from an ischemic stroke.”
We can bicker and debate all we want, but at the end of the day hopefully Mr. Jackson comes out of this healthy and better. Comparing and contrasting the two cases seems almost trivial when it sounds like the Congressman may have some very serious issues he’s dealing with and working through right now.
It must be scary knowing that you are in the public spotlight and the glare is only about to get hotter while things are falling apart all around you.
Comment by Freeman Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 3:40 pm
Roe Conn is now playing what he says is a solid 3 minutes of audio of Roland Burris flipping out on this issue.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 3:42 pm
Typical of YDD to somehow make this partisan.
It is a very unpleasant part of public life that this stuff gets bandied about by the likes of us on this blog, but there it is.
Without Yellow Dog’s sad whining, there is a clear difference between the Kirk and JJJ situations.
Kirk’s condition was publicly disclosed within about 36 hours of him going to the hospital. Doctors provided detailed information on what happened and what had been done to treat it.
Now we are waiting to see how his recovery progresses. It may be fast, it may not. But we know exactly what he is dealing with.
JJJ has gone to great lengths to hide whatever this is from everyone. We don’t know anything other than that he is sick. That is just unacceptable.
There is no double standard here. JJJ is hiding info and the pressure is building fast.
Kirk was forthcoming and he is being given a lot of leeway because we all know exactly what is going on. (Of course even that leeway will have it’s expiration date at some point.)
In the end, Yellow Dog is just so eager to get his Party’s hands on the Senate seat that he throws facts and reason out the window. The hyperpartisan at his finest.
Comment by Adam Smith Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 3:51 pm
–1. Jackson is not kirk.–
True.
–2. The democrats trashing kirk asked no questions about ted kennedy or robert byrd when they dealt with issues.–
Who are “the Democrats trashing Kirk?” Names? Instances? Where could one find that?
–3. This is just the latest in a now 4 year mess of issues for congressman jackson, this guy clearly has completely lost it.–
Sounds like he should get some rest.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 3:51 pm
I’d still like to better understand how an average Citizen who sees public servants as representing them in Government–regardless of the level, and who has absolutely no interest in leveraging them and their staff for special favors, jobs, consulting assignments, or “prestige”, or donating tons of money to them to obtain same, would not see the situation as “equal” when it comes to reporting health issues that could impact their ability to do their jobs.
I’m also going to give Kimberly Vertolli the benefit of the doubt that she is not “unstable,” as some on Kirk’s staff and supporters have claimed and believe that there is a possibility that the stroke incident is not the first time “Hillel Underwood” checked himself into a hospital. If the latter is true, it would make me wonder about all of the “transparency” that Kirk’s team is being hailed for today–and would indicate that if anyone should be vocally supporting JJJ’s request for privacy, it would be them.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 4:08 pm
=would not see the situation as “equal” when it comes to reporting health issues that could impact their ability to do their jobs.=
In my mind, if there’s any “inequality” at stake here, it could be the greater risk associated with “who’s minding the store” over an extended absence for someone’s in Kik’s position, rather than JJJ’s. Kirk’s playing field, after all, includes our Nation and foreign “relations,” including security issues.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 4:12 pm
~~I think that someone, no matter what his or her job, has the right to announce and take medical or personal leave without disclosing the details if that is what they need to do. ~~
I wish my employer thought that way. If I’m out three days in a row, I have to have a note from my doctor saying why I was out and that I’m okay to return.
Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 4:14 pm
And I’m also wondering how long the Kirk team is going to be able to dodge some of the questions that are popping up with regard to who is drafting Kirk’s bills while he’s recovering. Just because those questions aren’t getting national press attention, it doesn’t mean that the question is not valid
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 4:19 pm
Anon: it stands to reason the same staffers as before his stroke are “drafting Kirk’s bills”, especially since he has been out of the hospital. He introduced bi-partisan legislation a few days ago with Sen. Cardin and Sen. Mikulski.
You may also recall that Sen. Durbin and Sen. Manchin, among others, were gracious enough to step up and help during Sen. Kirk’s hospitalization.
Their conduct follows any number of examples one may look to for precedent in the Senate: Robert Wagner, Carter Glass, Joe Biden, David Pryor, Tim Johnson, Ted Kennedy, Lyndon Baines Johnson, etc.
Comment by Freeman Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 4:56 pm
Rich, according to Andrea Mitchell, Jackson is in AZ receiving treatment for alcohol addiction.
Comment by J Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 4:58 pm
Just saw this:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/11/jesse-jackson-jr-alcohol-_n_1666504.html?utm_hp_ref=politics&ir=Politics
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 5:30 pm
If “J” is correct about Andrea Mitchell allegedly having said that Jackson has gone to Arizona for alcohol rehab, I am just a little curious as to why he would have gone all the way to Arizona to dry out? It is no crime to “burn out” due to work overload and self-inflicted personal problems but it makes your constituents wonder “is this guy really able to effectively represent me?”
Comment by Phineas Fogg Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 5:45 pm
FWIW, Jackson’s staff is denying reports about him being in AZ for alcohol rehab.
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/jesse-jackson-staffer-denies-democrat-is-in-arizona
Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 6:01 pm
Phineas,
I am not particularly a fan of JJJ, but getting on him for choosing a rehab facility in AZ rather than Chicago just seems like piling on.
Maybe you disagree with the doctors that think alcoholism is an actual illness that people should be sensitive about. Fine. But just think about this logically in terms of treatment for alcohol addiction as it exists and how the best rehab facilities aren’t always located close to home and in some cases it’s better for addicts to get far away from home to get in a different mindset and different routine to make needed changes in their lives.
In any event, with these rumors now about alcohol rehab I am wondering how long it will take John Kass to make a “D-Budweiser” joke.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 6:05 pm
Special thanks to the all-knowing Tribune for endorsing JJJ.
Comment by the Dark Horse Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 7:04 pm
sure one can be cynical. and I do think that they should say more. but I hope for his health. and that is a sentiment from someone who is not fond of the guy. health matters most. any kind of health. it’s way past time that anything related to health that is mental or drugs or alcohol loses a stigma. no one seems to bat an eyelash when a health condition comes on and clearly someone has not 1)been to a doctor in years or 2) has not handled a physical problem. but substances or mental/biochemical disorders? the commentary sky falls in. and it should not. peace Junior.
Comment by amalia Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 7:30 pm
The official story has moved from exhaustion to mood disorder.
http://www.suntimes.com/13718391-761/rep-jesse-jackson-jr-being-treated-for-mood-disorder-his-office-says.html
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 7:41 pm
Abdon got a nice dig in:
Earlier Wednesday, the congressman’s father, contrary to his habits over the last four or more decades, walked briskly away from the television cameras.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 7:43 pm
Roland went off:
When the press asked questions of Jackson before the event, former Sen. Roland Burris jumped to the senior Jackson’s defense.
“Let it go!” he yelled. “You all are not here to cover this convention. You’re here to cover Jesse Jr. That is ridiculous, and I’ve got enough seniority around here to tell you media people to cool it. You did it to me. Now you’re going to try to do it to Jesse Jr. You’re just hounding people. Go on and get a life. I’m telling Sen. Durbin to back off. I’m telling Steny Hoyer to back off. I’m telling Congressman Gutierrez to back off. That’s what they did to me.”
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 7:46 pm
Cheryl44: ~~I think that someone, no matter what his or her job, has the right to announce and take medical or personal leave without disclosing the details if that is what they need to do. ~~
===I wish my employer thought that way. If I’m out three days in a row, I have to have a note from my doctor saying why I was out and that I’m okay to return.===
Well, okay, if you want medical benefits or sick leave, your employer can ask for proof that you have a medical issue. But you don’t have to put your condition and prognosis on the front of the office newsletter.
Comment by Dan Bureaucrat Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 8:13 pm
All of a sudden, quick response by the Jackson camp.
He’s suffering from a mood disorder.
Yeah. Right. Sure.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 8:15 pm
@Adam Smith-
First, my comment was not partisan. I noted a double standard in society when it comes to mental health. Let’s face it: we make judgements about people suffering from a major mental illness like depression that we do not make about people who suffer a major physical illness like a stroke.
Secondly, I recall only one early press conference from Kirk’s doctors, with scant medical information, and zero info about his prognosis. Followed by two months of silence.
I’m glad he’s doing better now, and they are releasing more info now, but let’s be honest that you couldnt get much info from them when things were up in the air with Kirk, which is exactly the situation with Jackson now.
A very different situation, I might add, than John Stroger. Hoodwinked, we were.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 9:52 pm
I hope Jackson is being shielded from all the chatter about him in the media, the commentariat, the public, his peers. The weight of all that talk can be crushing, as we saw with Tim Davlin and others whose names escape me.
Comment by Cheswick Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 10:40 pm
Now all of those people that feel self entitled to someone elses personal medical information; almost none of whom are represented by him in Congress, can have a great belly laugh at the Congressman’s expense, and post snark filled commentary on newspaper sites and political blogs with reckless abandon.
Comment by Quinn T. Sential Wednesday, Jul 11, 12 @ 11:31 pm
Hillel Underwood has what looks like an old facebook account. Think he’ll accept our friend requests?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 12, 12 @ 4:55 am