Health questions have long been considered a legitimate concern in American politics, asked by pundits, voters, and even the politicians themselves. The idea is that if we’re electing a politician, we should be sure they are healthy. When Ronald Reagan ran for President, there were concerns over his age because of the possibility he may not even finish his term. Former Texas Congressman Ron Paul faced questions about his age as well when he ran for President. Because of his intense military service, Senator John McCain even faced questions over psychological health.
Unless you’re talking about Hillary Clinton, then all questions are off limits.
Democrats have reacted poorly to questions regarding Clinton’s health, with Salon even illustrating the hypocrisy perfectly. Many liberals have in the past criticized the previously named politicians, but they all have one thing in common: they’re Republicans. When it comes to criticizing the Democratic Party, things apparently change.
Recently a prominent certified doctor even had his HLN television program canceled by CNN after he raised questions about Hillary Clinton’s health on a radio program. A Huffington Post contributor was also fired and his work purged from the website after raising concerns. Despite claims that there isn’t any bias, the media bosses are clearly painting a different picture.
So are health questions no longer legitimate to ask in American elections? It depends on who you are and who you’re questioning.
Senator Tim Kaine is running for Vice President of the United States alongside Hillary Clinton on the Democratic ticket. After the media has booted all who dare to question Clinton’s health, Senator Kaine did just that regarding his opponent.
At a rally in Pennsylvania, Senator Kaine implied that Trump had something to hide. What originally started with the typical left-wing obsession over Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump’s tax returns then shifted to include health records. Specifically, Senator Kaine stated it was urgent to know what kind of president he would be.
While asking questions about the Clinton Foundation and alleged foreign bias while Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State is apparently taboo, Senator Kaine seemingly has no hesitation in stating that Trump’s financial records are important to show any foreign connections that could lead to bias while in office. The hypocrisy here is clear, just like with the health issue.
In his radio interview, Dr. Pinsky didn’t claim that Clinton was unfit for office, but rather he discussed her health and expressed concerns about her physical well-being, in addition to what he deemed to be a lack of proper healthcare. It was a detailed, well-reasoned discussion regarding health, as is to be expected of any good doctor. This is contrary to Senator Kaine merely throwing out baseless claims at Trump’s health.
In terms of Hillary’s health, numerous questions have been raised and – as much as pundits and the media attempt to portray this as a right wing conspiracy – individuals like Dr. Drew Pinsky validate the necessity of the concern. Dr. Pinsky has the medical credentials to inquire as to one’s health; Senator Tim Kaine does not. If Senator Tim Kaine can criticize a Republican candidate like Democrats always have in the past, why can’t questions be asked of Hillary Clinton?
As it was said in the George Orwell novel Animal Farm: “all animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
