Introduction

The era of 21st-century modern media paints a striking contrast to the challenges faced by Presidents Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, and William McKinley. These presidential figures suffered tragic fates at the hands of assassins but, if given the benefits of contemporary medical practices and media control, their journeys might have taken a very different turn. This essay delves into the medical and political parallels that could have potentially saved their lives and discusses how modern media might have influenced the narrative of their deaths.

Medical Advancements and Potential Survival

Let's consider the medical advancements that could have saved Garfield and McKinley's lives. If the doctors had applied aseptic techniques developed by Joseph Lister, or if nurses had been more thorough in using hand hygiene, Garfield's infections could have been prevented. The use of advanced medical devices, such as metal detectors, could have located the bullet inside McKinley, potentially preventing the development of dangerous gangrene. However, Lincoln's case is more complex, as head injuries remain highly challenging to treat, even today.

Lincoln: A Tragic Case

Abraham Lincoln's story is one of immense tragedy. The wound to his head was fatal, as close-range bullets to the brain are difficult to manage. Despite modern medicine, Lincoln probably would not have survived. Yet, even if he had, his condition would likely have worsened, leaving him a permanent vegetative state, thus unsuitable for the presidency.

Garfield: A Horrific Death

James A. Garfield's story is a heartbreaking tale of preventable medical failure. He did not die from the bullet; he died from the infections caused by unsanitary medical care. The 80-day ordeal of probing wounds and administering unsterile treatments led to severe sepsis. This could have been avoided if modern, aseptic techniques had been applied. The book Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard provides a detailed account of Garfield's suffering and the tragedy that followed his four-month-long ordeal.

McKinley: Poor Medical Decision-Making

William McKinley's case is marked by a series of poor medical decisions. The delay in proper surgical intervention and incorrect treatment further compounded his injuries. An unqualified OB-GYN’s botched surgery, and incorrect wound care with the administration of whiskey, ultimately led to his demise. Modern standards in emergency care and infection control could have minimised these missteps.

The Role of Modern Media

Even if the medical advancements were available, the narrative of their deaths might have been significantly altered by the 21st-century media landscape. If Garfield and McKinley were shot today, their Republican affiliations, alongside the dominant Democratic influence in the media, would likely overshadow any political affiliations of the assassins. There would be no mention of anti-gun stances, environmental concerns, or their love for babies, as media narratives are often influenced by political biases.

Impact of Media Influence

The media's influence on public perception and historical narratives is considerable. Today, the story of McKinley and Garfield’s assassinations might be portrayed differently. Any political bias, whether Democrat or Republican, could dictate the narrative. Thus, the public's understanding of these events might be skewed heavily toward the political agenda, rather than the actual facts of the cases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, modern medical advancements could have significantly changed the outcomes for Presidents Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley. Their deaths, which were exacerbated by inadequate medical practices and unsterile environments, could have been avoided. However, the influence of contemporary media could further complicate the narrative, potentially skewing the public's understanding of their lives and deaths.