This weekend, Hillary Clinton left a 9/11 ceremony early. As she waited for the car, she was clearly in distress, and as she entered the vehicle she stumbled off the curb and didn’t so much step as tumble into the vehicle. The video of the moment is certainly disturbing, even if Secretary Clinton reappeared a short time later, smiling and showing no obvious weakness.
That evening, Hillary Clinton’s doctor issued a statement.
Statement from Dr. Lisa R. Bardack, M.D.
"Secretary Clinton has been experiencing a cough related to allergies. On Friday, during follow up evaluation of her prolonged cough, she was diagnosed with pneumonia. She was put on antibiotics, and advised to rest and modify her schedule. While at this morning's event, she became overheated and dehydrated. I have just examined her and she is now re-hydrated and recovering nicely."
That’s what Hillary Clinton’s condition is. A treatable, temporary condition that affects many Americans each year.
What it isn’t is dire, evidence of some deeper issue, and most certainly not disqualifying. It’s unfortunate that the illness feeds into the already prevalent alt-right theory that she’s covering up anything from Parkinson’s to repeat alien abduction. And it’s unfortunate that Donald Trump will now almost certainly use this incident to extend the “stamina” line he was already tossing into each speech to stoke his connections to “healthers” (though Trump also departed the ceremony early). There is no doubt this is going to fuel that particular conspiracy theory, and perhaps convince some who were on the edge that Hillary’s issues are more serious than we’re being told.
So ... there it is. Hillary has allergies. She also has a massive, difficult schedule that would be wearing on anyone. The illness she’s acquired can be effectively treated, and she should be back up to speed in a few days.
But in the middle of the “home stretch” of this contentious campaign where the right has already demonstrated a willingness to sink to any depth, don’t expect the Trump campaign to let this go with a few good wishes.