Serious Questions Surround Clinton’s Health

At minimum, the American people should know – to the best it can be established – if an individual seeking the presidency is actually healthy enough to handle the demands of the job. President Obama may irritate voters with his incessant golfing and his extravagant vacations, but the fact is that we’re talking about one of the most stressful, difficult jobs in the world. It’s not a job you can do if your health is failing.

Enter Hillary Clinton. Her health has been the subject of scrutiny since she fainted in her home in 2012, leading to a concussion. A few months later, Clinton testified for the first time in front of the Benghazi Committee wearing special “prism” glasses that stemmed from the concussion. And last year, after her marathon testimony (again, regarding Benghazi), reports surfaced that she was weak and faint and needed to be helped into her car.

While the potential ramifications of Clinton’s head trauma are serious, this isn’t the only health issue the former First Lady is dealing with. Matt Drudge this week insisted that the media was engaging in a “cover-up” as it pertained to Clinton’s thyroid problems. “WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER?” he asked. “No probe into Hillary’s flaring hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s is top media coverup of ’16. There is a goiter forming!”

Drudge’s comments followed an incident where Clinton, 68, succumbed to a long coughing fit while delivering a speech in New York City last Tuesday. Clinton has been dealing with hypothyroidism for an indefinite period of time, and her doctors have confirmed that she’s taking both a thyroid hormone replacement medication as well as blood thinners to address clots she’s dealt with since 1998.

Last July, Clinton’s physician released a statement proclaiming her in fine health. “She is in excellent physical condition,” said Dr. Lisa Bardack, “and fit to serve as President of the United States.”

But as the coughing fits emerge and the prism glasses go back on, many are beginning to wonder if Clinton has the stamina to even get through the campaign, much less take on the pressures of the Oval Office. The fact that she seems to be less healthy than her 74-year-old rival Bernie Sanders is certain to cause consternation among Democratic voters who are now on the fence. Even if you agree with Clinton across the board when it comes to policy, it’s illogical and dangerous to elect someone too ill for the position.