ANALYSIS: Illness and the press / PM's 'prostate speech' - Haaretz

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Tue., October 30, 2007 Cheshvan 18, 5768

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Last update - 11:26 30/10/2007

ANALYSIS: Illness and the press / PM's 'prostate speech'

By Aluf Benn, Haaretz Correspondent

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his aides did a good job Monday orchestrating the media event around the discovery of his prostate tumor.

Olmert faced the cameras, reported his condition to the public, and let his doctors answer questions.

Professor Kobi Ramon and Dr. Shlomo Segev described a microscopic tumor, which was not endangering Olmert's life or impairing his performance, and which could be removed in a simple routine operation.

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One could take a cynical view of Olmert's 'prostate speech' and say the prime minister and his aides exaggerated by calling a dramatic news conference instead of issuing a laconic statement. No doubt, Olmert will gain public sympathy for his ailment. Ilana Dayan already announced she would put off the 'Fact' broadcast about the investigations against Olmert, scheduled for Thursday. Olmert's popularity is also expected to rise in the polls.

But these are negligible comments. Olmert has shown a new openness that breaks with the tradition of his predecessors hiding their ailments (like Levy Eshkol, Golda Meir and Menachem Begin), or responding with dismissive joking to questions about their health (Ariel Sharon).

Contempt for the public interest reached its peak in the 18 days separating Sharon's two strokes, when his aides feigned him functioning as normal. Even his doctors said in interviews that he was a healthy man one of whom, Dr. Segev, is now Olmert's physician.

Olmert is setting a good example for Israelis in the way he looks after his health. He keeps fit and has periodical medical examinations. This is how his prostate tumor was discovered. After consulting with doctors and family, Olmert advised President Shimon Peres, acting premier Tzipi Livni (who is visiting China), Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik and a few others.

One may only hope that Monday's news conference will set a new norm for state leaders' conduct. The new procedure in the Prime Minister's Office, specifying who will take care of the prime minister and obliging him to brief the public about his medical condition, is the right way to go. It is only regrettable that it was introduced as a belated lesson from the failures of Sharon's treatment.

Related articles:

Olmert's cancer / A double-edged sword

Prime ministerial illnesses, from Eshkol to Olmert

PM to undergo cancer operation following Annapolis conference

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1.	SICK OLMERT BETTER THAN REPLACEMENT PM:ANAPOLS MAY FALL INSTANTLY	06:22	\|	VOICE of MOSHIACH)))	30/10/07

2.	THINGS CHANGE INSTANTLY: AFTER ALUF BEN`S BRAVADO,PROSTATE CANCER	06:59	\|	VOICE))))))))	30/10/07

3.	IS THERE A CANCER HOSPITAL FOR OLMERT IN ANAPOLIS? JUST IN CASE))	07:07	\|	VOICE of MOSHIACH)))	30/10/07

4.	All well to Olmert, for his sake and ours.	08:01	\|	Esther	30/10/07

5.	PROVIDENCE KEPT PERES FROM BECOMING PM, GOING TO ANAPOLIS))))	08:06	\|	VOICE of MOSHIACH)))	30/10/07

6.	Knesset Members did a rollicking good job.....	08:18	\|	Dagma	30/10/07

7.	Olmert`s cancer	10:06	\|	David	30/10/07

8.	Tp Esther # 4 - Arrogant Olmert......	11:13	\|	Dagma	30/10/07

9.	VOICE OF MOSHIACH))) No need for a Cancer Hospital	12:02	\|	Dolly	30/10/07

10.	ANALYSIS: Illness and the press / PM`s `prostate speech`	12:55	\|	Jerry Blaz	30/10/07

11.	Doesn`t harm Olmert`s standing	14:07	\|	Chris Linthwaite	30/10/07

12.	A Fallen Prime Minister rises again....	14:19	\|	Dagma	30/10/07

13.	How Sad ! resorting to personal setback to win the polls	14:52	\|	Gabriel	30/10/07

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