Clinton aide: Trump peddling ‘deranged conspiracy theories’ over health
Hillary Clinton’s campaign slammed Donald Trump on Tuesday night after the GOP presidential nominee questioned Clinton’s “mental and physical stamina.”
“While it is dismaying to see the Republican nominee for president push deranged conspiracy theories in a foreign policy speech, it’s no longer surprising,” Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri said in a statement.
{mosads}Palmieri said Trump was “simply parroting lies.”
Trump incorporated an attack on the Democratic nominee’s health on Monday during his foreign policy speech, while discussing terrorism.
The Republican nominee alleged that Clinton “lacks the mental and physical stamina to take on” the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and other adversaries.
Trump alluded to a lack of vigor last week, too, mocking Clinton’s “short” speeches.
“They’re like 10 minutes and let’s get out of here, go back home and go to sleep,” Trump said.
Clinton suffered a concussion in 2012 while serving as secretary of State, though her personal physician, Dr. Lisa Bardack, released a statement last year saying Clinton is “in excellent physical condition and fit to serve as president of the United States.”
Doubts about Clinton’s health have long swirled online and have seen a renewed focus in conservative media, with the Drudge Report recently featuring a months-old photo of Clinton being helped up a flight of stairs.
The issue has also been raised in broadcast media by Fox News host and Trump supporter Sean Hannity, prompting CNN host Brian Stelter this week to call out the Fox personality for spreading “conspiracy theories” about Clinton’s health.
Clinton allies point to her marathon visit to Capitol Hill last year, when she testified before the Benghazi committee for 11 hours, as a testament to her endurance.
Clinton’s campaign used its statement on Tuesday to also attempt to pressure the businessman to release his tax returns.
Clinton has released a “detailed medical record” and personal tax returns since 1977, while Trump hasn’t provided “the most basic financial information,” Clinton’s campaign said.
“It’s time for him to stop using shameful distractions to hide his own record,” Palmieri said.
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