Why did the journalists cover up Roosevelt disease?

Journalists initially downplayed or covered up Franklin D. Roosevelt's polio condition to maintain a positive public image of the president and to prevent any perception of weakness that could undermine his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II. The media believed that emphasizing his disability might detract from his political effectiveness and the confidence of the American people. Additionally, there was a prevailing societal stigma around disabilities at the time, which further motivated the decision to keep his condition largely private.