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Tribune attempts Kirk diagnosis

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Illinois

As U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk’s re-election bid approached, his camp knew it would have to convince voters that he is still able to serve following a major stroke in 2012.

Kirk’s first TV ad sought to address that question head on, taking people behind the scenes of the Republican senator’s grueling rehabilitation. The 60-second spot, dubbed “Courage,” showed the senator wrapped in medical gear as he struggled to walk on a treadmill, then slowly climbing stairs in Willis Tower and finally returning to Washington and ascending the steps of the Capitol with the help of a cane and a couple of colleagues. He was making a comeback to honor everyone facing their own challenges, Kirk said into the camera.

While Kirk has presented that image to the public, he has declined to produce detailed documentation on his recovery, treatment and physical and mental condition, making it difficult for voters to assess his fitness for office.

And then the Tribune proceeds to try and figure out what, if anything, is wrong with him. Go read it and report back.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:52 am

Comments

Kirk’s problems would disqualify him from an executive position where quick decisions were required.

But the Senate is supposed to be a deliberative body. Getting to the right answer slowly is OK.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:04 am
Wasn’t this debated last week? Kirk has accomplished more since coming back from the stroke than Tammy has her entire congressional career. If the Trib has not thought Kirk was doing his job effectively why not speak up a couple of years ago rather than two weeks from the election? Clear agenda here going on with the Trib.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:18 am
–Questions remain about Kirk’s health ahead of the Nov. 8 election. During an Oct. 3 forum before the Tribune Editorial Board, Kirk, a seasoned debater, delivered short answers, largely refrained from criticizing his opponent and sometimes offered non sequiturs in response to questions. Duckworth, by contrast, responded with winding replies sometimes several minutes in length as politicians typically do in that environment.–

Um, where are the “health questions” that remain in that paragraph?

And I’m pretty sure Kirk lacked a “filter” with what he said long before his stroke. Remember all the crazy stories about his service record, the whacky stuff he said to Chinese officials about U.S. T-Bonds?

It’s not like Kirk’s been babbling hysterically about wishing for a hurricane to hit the city, delivering a Noah-like retribution and reset. What’s the tronc diagnosis on the mental health and capacity of someone who would put that in writing?

This seems to boil down to the tronc edit board thought Kirk looked and talked funny at their dog-and-pony show.

By that rationale, I guess that Stephen Hawking guy can’t do the science stuff anymore.

For crying out loud, what, exactly, do they think senators do? Move furniture and engage in philosophical debates on the floor?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:20 am
I think this is out of line. I disagree completely with Kirk’s politics but I don’t think he is disqualified because of his stroke. He fought hard to rehabilitate and get back to work and I very much admire him for that. I hope that the Trib’s put-down doesn’t discourage other stroke patients from doing their best to get back to pre-incident life.
He’s running for reelection to a job that he’s been adequately performing (political differences aside), not applying to be a bus driver or some other occupation where quick reflexes are vital.
I think the Tribune is looking for a reason to excuse their endorsement.

Comment by northsider (the original) Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:26 am
Tammy will give Carol Moseley Braun a run for her money as Least Effective Senator since The Greatest at Everything Since Anybody, Rollie Burris.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:27 am
Armchair Physician, Heal Thyself.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:31 am
I think these are reasonable questions even if they’re a bit unseemly.

It isn’t going to matter because Kirk is going to lose big.

Comment by Chucktownian Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:35 am
This is just a pure hit job. Todd Lighty has to be smiling, his buddies had his back on this one.

Comment by Peets Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:35 am
I don’t have a particular issue with Sen. Kirk but failing to respond to this issue is a real red flag for me. Under the circumstances I don’t think the question is out of line.

Comment by Stones Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:38 am
Next up, Tronc calmly explains why Kirk should be DQed for being a bro with no ho.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:42 am
Pardon, Anon 11:20 was me.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:43 am
I was sad to see Rick Pearson’s name on this article. He is one of the few remaining at the Trib who I had thought were still reporting in a professional manner and would be able to keep opinion journalism and straight reporting separate in his mind and in his work. Guess not.

Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 11:57 am
Illinois can’t handle two functioning US senators at one time.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 12:13 pm
pathetic and sad story. The Senator must be doing an okay job if this is the worst they can come up with.

Comment by anon Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 12:14 pm
Perhaps this is just the Trib trying to justify endorsing a Democrat. It seems odd that no other news organization sees this as a significant issue.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 1:49 pm
After all that the reporters meandered to a conclusion that Kirk was still capable of doing his job but at a slower pace.

Makes the Tribune endorsement look even more petty and personal than ever.

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 1:52 pm
“It’s not like Kirk’s been babbling hysterically about wishing for a hurricane to hit the city, delivering a Noah-like retribution and reset. What’s the tronc diagnosis on the mental health and capacity of someone who would put that in writing?”

ZING! Wordslinger for the win.

Comment by WTF Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 2:10 pm
Mark Kirk meet Charles Percy .

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 10:49 pm