'Healthy' Campaigning

In politics, CBS News Correspondent Lee Cowan reports, a healthy campaign means a healthy candidate -- or at least the appearance of one.

Democratic presidential candidate Bill Bradley's brief hospitalization for an irregular heartbeat Friday may be as significant politically as it is medically.

George Bush found that out after his hospitalization for an abnormal heart rhythm. His case was minor, but it was enough to raise questions about his stamina as he prepared to enter the 1992 presidential campaign.

"Next to opening up their tax returns, the next thing candidates open are their medical records," explains political analyst Bob Beckel. "That's demanded of candidates for president in this day and age, and if you really are sick, you might as well not run."

In the past, many physical ailments were hidden. For nearly 12 years Franklin D. Roosevelt's crippled legs were kept from public view, and John F. Kennedy successfully hid a severe and chronic condition known as Addison's Disease, during his campaign for President in 1960.

But in the glare of the modern media spotlight, hiding an illness is no longer possible. Just last week, Senator John McCain, R-Az., released his medical records to dispel rumors that he suffered from mental problems. He acted to avoid the fate of 1972 Vice Presidential nominee Thomas Eagleton, who was abruptly kicked off the Democratic ticket after it was revealed he had undergone electro-shock therapy for depression years before.

Paul Tsongas was dogged by questions about his treatments for cancer during his bid for the White House. Although he went out of his way to convince voters he was healthy, he died from the disease five years later.

Senator Robert Dole's highly publicized fall off a campaign podium strengthened some fears that he was too frail to hold the most powerful office in the world.

Political analyst Marshall Wittman thinks "what's important is that a candidate be crystal clear about their ability to serve in the oval office, because the stresses in that office are unlike that anywhere else in the country, or any other job."

Though sitting presidents have lived through heart attacks, surgeries and even assassination attempts while still conducting the country's business, these days starting off with a clean bill of health is just as important as keeping it.