Clinton’s Handling of Health Issue Criticized

Hillary Clinton speaking at Families USA.
Hillary Clinton speaking at Families USA.

The truth about Hillary Clinton’s health was finally disclosed; Clinton’s sudden exit from the 9/11 memorial service was pneumonia, and not that she was ‘overheated,’ which was the first explanation her campaign made public.

It turns out Clinton was diagnosed with pneumonia on Friday, and had already begun a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. Her doctor had examined her as a “follow-up evaluation of her prolonged cough.”

Clinton and her campaign are being criticized for not admitting the truth immediately, and instead, for some unknown reason, trying to cover up the simple explanation with the implausible reason for her apparent collapse as being “overheated.” It took until 5:15 pm to find out the real cause.

Clinton’s doctor, Lisa Bardack said that Clinton had indeed become “overheated and dehydrated” on Sunday morning, but didn’t mention what appeared to be Clinton’s fainting spell.

“I have just examined her and she is now re-hydrated and recovering nicely,” Bardack said.

Clinton cancelled her trip to California where she was supposed to raise money in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Her planned trip to Las Vegas on Wednesday is still on schedule.

Reactions to the episode include the national correspondent for the New York Times, Jonathan Martin’s tweet:

“Hillary camp now reveals that her doctor diagnosed her pneumonia on Friday & put her on antibiotics. Only disclosed after this am’s episode.”

“I don’t understand why Clinton aides weren’t telling reporters at 10:30am: ‘pneumonia,’” wrote Brian Stelter, CNN media reporter.

NBC “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd said, “Of course they should have disclosed this. This isn’t a cold.”

Gail Nussbaum

Gail Nussbaum has been involved in politics and diplomacy for over 15 years. Her interest in foreign relations, economics and budget policy has led her to her position as fiscal policy writer at Left Justified. Gail can be contacted at gailnussbaum(at)leftjustified.com.

View all posts by Gail Nussbaum →