Where some saw weakness a lot of people found strength
via Flickr user (cc) U.S. Department of State
On Sunday morning, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton had to leave a 9/11 memorial event because of complications stemming from a recent bout with pneumonia. Footage of Clinton leaving the event showed her stumbling while being helped into a car by security guards. This footage started a media firestorm after Clinton’s illness appeared to confirm Donald Trump’s recent assertions that she was hiding something about her health.
Immediately, many on the right clamored to say that Clinton’s diagnosis should disqualify her from the race. But pundits aren’t doctors or else they’d know pneumonia is a common health issue that affects up to ten million Americans each year and is easily cured with antibiotics. Plus, isn’t Clinton’s decision to continue campaigning while ill a sign of strength in the face of adversity?
According to New York Times Editor Jill Abramson, much of this criticism stems from sexist stereotypes. “I have to say Martha I think there’s an element of sexism in how this is being over covered at this point,” she told the BBC’s Martha Kearney today. “I think the idea of a woman as weak is a sexist stereotype. And I think the incident where she needs assistance to get into the van and there’s a video of that that’s been endlessly replayed, I think that feeds that stereotype.”
Here are ten people on Twitter who correctly diagnosed the Clinton health controversy:
Hillary Clinton could be coughing up blood while emailing state secrets at Starbuck's & still wouldn't ask troops to commit war crimes.— John Fugelsang (@John Fugelsang) 1473704066
This is the first time Republicans have cared about a woman's health.— Chase Mitchell (@Chase Mitchell) 1473625933
At the very least, I'm far less concerned about Hillary Clinton's physical ailments than I am about Donald Trump's mental ones.— maura quint (@maura quint) 1473632789
Even with pneumonia, @HIllaryClinton showed up to pay her respects to the victims of 9/11.— Charles Johnson (@Charles Johnson) 1473630016
They owe #HillaryClinton a deep,deep apology. @mitchellreports @MSNBC https://t.co/qHSs0RTb0s #StrongerTogether https://t.co/xwe72Jc95d— @WeTheFree (@@WeTheFree) 1473699623
Ace:"If #HillaryClinton is really using her last months/ dying breaths to save US from fascism she should get her face on Rushmore"@MarkAgee— Bonnie Greer (@Bonnie Greer) 1473669820
If you're celebrating Hillary Clinton's health problems, because you think it will help Trump win, that makes you a bad person.— Andy Marquis (@Andy Marquis) 1473710535