The Goldwater Rule or Why Psychiatrists Shouldn’t Comment on the Psychological State of Political Figures

Back in 1964, when Barry Goldwater was running for office, a psychological poll was taken to determine if Goldwater was fit to run for office. The poll indicated he was not and he subsequently lost the election. This brought into question whether or not a poll like this was ethical, hence the Goldwater Rule.

Live Mentally Healthy,
Dr. Jennie Byrne