By: Harleen Kaur
The last few weeks of election coverage has seen a much conversation regarding Hillary Clinton’s health. Several weeks ago, there were talks about whether or not she was healthy enough to take over the presidency. Clinton had assured everyone that her health was great, and that she would be a much better president than Trump.
However, during the 9/11 ceremony previously this month Clinton left early due to issues with her health. She then released a statement following that incident announcing that she was diagnosed with pneumonia a couple of days earlier.
Clinton, 68, has been known to have had health issues in recent years including an ear and sinus infection last winter. When she was diagnosed with pneumonia she stated that she thought she could power through and be alright, however, it appears otherwise as she was seen needing two guards to walk up the stairs to her hotel room. Following the incident, she took a much needed break for a couple of days before going back on the campaign trail.
Last Wednesday Clinton put supporters at ease when she released her medical records, which showed that her health has improved and that she can properly serve as the president for four years. She has previously had a concussion and a bone fracture, and arteriosclerosis runs in her family, but overall these problems have all been dealt with and she has recovered. The only other concern would be her risk of blood clots which has been an ongoing problem since her years as first lady, but because she has been able to run a smooth campaign without any other health issues, there are no major concerns.
Many Republicans, and some Democrats, have used Clinton’s health to question her integrity and the ability of the people to trust her. These claims have been going back and forth for a few months now, stating that because she looks so worn out she must be sick. But many of her spokesmen have stated that that is only a result of her hard work and dedication to her campaign, especially since her debate with Trump is coming up.
By hiding her illnesses some have questioned her honesty, as she could have announced her pneumonia early on instead of feeding the rumors. Yet, these types of health issues are common for all people and for a presidential candidate to become sick is not untypical. In reality, it is just a sign that she is no different from the rest of the population.
