Sue Gordon, a figure renowned for her extensive experience in the intelligence community, candidly shares her struggles with sleep during a recent Zoom conversation. Like many, the constant barrage of news updates fills her with concern. Gordon, who served as the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence under Donald Trump, resigned in 2019 and has since faced formidable health challenges, including a diagnosis of stage four inflammatory breast cancer.
At 67, her battle with this aggressive form of cancer is her second major health crisis. Interestingly, the day she was nominated for her position, she learned about her uterine cancer diagnosis, attending her first post-surgery radiation session just hours before her Senate confirmation. This timeline illustrates the resilience she has shown throughout her life and career.
Health challenges and resilience
Gordon’s recent diagnosis of stage four cancer came as a profound shock, especially considering its rapid progression and the fact that it had spread to her lymph nodes. She humorously notes that her daughter often remarks on her “good genes and bad luck,” reflecting the unexpected twists of fate that have accompanied her health journey. Given that her cancer is classified as triple negative, which means there are no known mutations to target, immediate chemotherapy became her only option.
Since then, she has undergone 16 weeks of chemotherapy, faced severe health complications including meningitis, and recently underwent a double mastectomy. Despite the grim circumstances, Gordon’s spirit remains unbroken. Post-surgery, she proudly exclaimed, “Look, I can move my arm!” Acknowledging that many her age do not survive such operations, she expresses gratitude toward her healthcare providers, whom she describes as “MacGyver-ish” for their resourcefulness in keeping her alive.
Transforming challenge into action
Now, while recovering in her Texas home close to family and medical care, Gordon feels an intense urge to remain active and engaged. She humorously mentions that she would have attended a recent rally had it not coincided with her surgery. Instead, she has reconfigured her living space into a makeshift command center, leveraging her extensive intelligence background to stay informed and involved.
From her home, she participates in various board meetings and engages with the public through interviews and discussions, including with notable figures like Nicolle Wallace and Miles Taylor. Additionally, she launched a podcast titled Understandable Insights: Information to Intelligence with Sue Gordon, which she co-hosts with her son-in-law, Eric Koepp. This platform allows her to dissect current events and shed light on complex issues.
Advocacy and insights on governance
Throughout her career, Gordon has been known for her strong commitment to bipartisanship. However, her current health struggles have emboldened her to voice her concerns more openly. Addressing the current political climate, she expresses discontent with the administration, stating, “It’s all tied to vice and graft.” According to her, the president’s narcissistic tendencies prioritize personal gain over the nation’s well-being.
Gordon places considerable blame on Congress, insisting that its members have the power to change the course of current governance but have chosen inaction. “They could end this tomorrow, and they know better,” she asserts, highlighting a significant erosion of checks and balances that hinders effective governance.
The role of the media and technology
She also critiques the media landscape, noting that the current environment allows for misinformation to proliferate unchecked. “With the explosion of who can be publishers, there’s almost no way to control it,” she laments. Furthermore, the rise of artificial intelligence poses additional concerns. Gordon draws parallels between AI and atomic energy, emphasizing the need for responsible governance and oversight that is currently lacking.
Despite these challenges, Gordon remains hopeful about the potential for community mobilization. “We are fundamentally revolutionary people,” she declares, referencing grassroots movements and local leaders who are standing up for change. Her determination to inspire others is evident as she invites people to engage and act in the face of adversity.
In summary, Sue Gordon’s journey is a testament to resilience and advocacy. Despite facing significant health challenges, she continues to use her experiences to encourage civic engagement and emphasize the importance of informed participation in democracy. Tune in to her podcast to join the conversation and explore the pressing issues that shape our world today.