Desperation: Clinton surrogate to demand Sanders release medical records

[ram2008]

I'm not sure this is the path that Hillary wants to take to the nomination. Seems like dirty, low ball politics to me. I guess if you can't win on the issues, you have to resort to desperate attacks like these.

A top surrogate for Hillary Clinton is prepping a new attack in an intensifying and increasingly personal war against rival Bernie Sanders -- calling on the 74-year-old to release his medical records before the Iowa caucuses on Feb. 1.

Clinton defender David Brock -- founder of the Correct the Record PAC, which coordinates directly with Clinton’s campaign -- is expected to hit the airwaves this weekend from Charleston, the scene of the third Democratic debate on Sunday night, and challenge Sanders to cough up a clean bill of health and doctor’s note in the next 16 days, according to a Democrat familiar with his thinking who was not authorized to preview any strategy.

Clinton released her medical records, showing she is “fit to serve as President,” last July. A spokeswoman for the Clinton campaign declined to comment on the strategy.

The demand, sources said, reflects growing frustration within the Clinton campaign about a perceived lack of media vetting and public scrutiny of Sanders, just as polls in Iowa show a neck-and-neck race that has taken many in the Clinton campaign by surprise.

http://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/clinton-surrogate-to-demand-sanders-release-medical-records-217880

I think she's starting to feel the heat.

[Wilms]

1. .

[TDale313]

2. Wow. They're getting desperate, no doubt.

We've absolutely reached the "Then they fight you" stage.

[Metric System]

3. He should release them. All candidates should.

[ViseGrip]

54. Hillary is clawing like a girl in a catfight. This is stupid.

[Rose Siding]

81. I'm only surprised he didn't offer them already.

I thought they all did.

[Loudestlib]

102. I'm only surprised Hillary hasn't released hers.

All she's released is some doctor's note.

[Rose Siding]

108. What do you think medical reports should entail?

Not everyone can read a blood panel or an xray or a ct scan. A medical professional's report could be dismissively called "a note" I guess, but why?

The report said Clinton, who is 67, has fully recovered from a concussion she sustained in December 2012 after fainting, an episode that Bardack attributed to a stomach virus and dehydration.

During the course of her concussion treatment, Clinton was also found to have a blood clot and was given medication to dissolve it. She remains on the medicine as a precaution, Bardack wrote.

The blood clot, which was in a vein in the space between the brain and the skull behind the right ear, led Clinton to spend a few days in New York-Presbyterian Hospital and take a month-long absence from the State Department for treatment.
...
Bardack said testing the following year showed “complete resolution” of the concussion’s effects, including double vision, which Clinton wore glasses with special lenses to address.

According to her doctor’s assessment, Clinton’s cholesterol and blood pressure are in normal, healthy ranges, and she has had the major cancer screenings and exams recommended for someone her age. She has a very common thyroid condition and seasonal allergies, and takes a blood thinner – Coumadin – as a precaution since her fall and the blood clot.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/clintons-tax-medical-records-released/

[Loudestlib]

110. Really?

You're telling me that you don't understand the difference between a report on a single event and a record?

[Rose Siding]

113. It would be obtuse to suggest

that a report on a "single event" would include all of this:

According to her doctor’s assessment, Clinton’s cholesterol and blood pressure are in normal, healthy ranges, and she has had the major cancer screenings and exams recommended for someone her age. She has a very common thyroid condition and seasonal allergies, and takes a blood thinner – Coumadin – as a precaution since her fall and the blood clot.

[KittyWampus]

4. They all should release their records. Also, I think both Clinton AND Sanders are too old

I should post photos of Obama before/after.

And he's an athlete.

I can hear the whining about "ageism" already...

[DisgustipatedinCA]

19. Intellectually dishonest reply. Rejected.

[KittyWampus]

61. what is intellectually dishonest about saying ALL candidates should release medical records?

What a bizarre comment.

Take a look at Obama, that's also true.

Clinton and Sanders are both old for the pressures of eight years in office, also true.

[Zen Democrat]

90. I'd vote for Jimmy Carter at 90! And by the way, Trump will turn 70 in June.

Bernie has local, state and federal experience over decades.

[PADemD]

97. Youth is no guarantee of good health.

I read the local obituaries every day, and the ages range from newborn to 100+.

[cali]

5. Oh boy. She seems determined to damage her own campaign

She doesn't need to do this. Everyone knows Bernie is 74.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

6. All candidates, Democrat and Republican, should release their medical records.

Is this a debatable proposition?

[ram2008]

14. Should a democratic candidate give the greenlight for an attack ad on this?

n/t

[DemocratSinceBirth]

23. Shouldn't be part of any attack.

The presidency is a physically and emotionally demanding job. Voters have the right to know if any candidate is fit to serve. Most serious candidates release their medical records on their own. I know the major contenders from both parties have already done so.

[ram2008]

32. And Clinton took this and decided to ATTACK sanders over it

And it will be on the airwaves.

How is this even remotely defensible? Scummy politics. I'll be glad when she loses now.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

37. We have a right to know if any candidate is physically and emotionally fit to serve.

So far, Trump, Bush, and Clinton have released their medical records.

I remember when we learned of Bob Dole's health right down to knowing he took two tablespoons of Metamucil a day for regularity.

[ram2008]

41. Again ignoring the topic at hand, this is grade A desperation

Clinton is using this and turning it into an ATTACK AD because of her poll numbers are tanking. Desperate, indefensible scummy politics. Keep spinning.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

46. I don't see any desperation

Releasing one's medical records for highest office keeps within long established tradition.

Well, every major presidential candidate of our generation has released their medical records.

It's a public service.

[ram2008]

57. It's an attack ad from a SUPERPAC based on focus group polling

As her poll numbers are falling and the country has been denouncing these types of politics. If you can't see the desperation and the dirty politics being played by Hillary by making an attack AD based on this then I don't know what to tell you. It's not surprise people overwhelming disagree with your opinion, you clearly shill for Hillary no matter what comes out of her mouth or her campaign.

I'd say the mental health of a President is more important than the physical health (veep can always take control if there's incapacitate), and since Hillary seems to be unhinged it seems she's unfit to be President based on these attacks.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

58. The presidency is a demanding job. Don't you want to know if they are emotionally and physically

The presidency is a demanding job. Don't you want to know if they are emotionally and physically fit to serve?

[ram2008]

60. Why aren't you addressing the topic at hand? She made an ATTACK AD about that

Do you think this is a valid thing to make an attack ad about? And do you agree that this is good politics? I'll wait for your answer.

I don't think Hillary is emotionally ready, Cold, manipulative, liar, can't keep herself under control when failing. Unhinged.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

65. It seems we are in accord.

Where are Hillary's mental health records? What about the clot?

I'd like to see more than a letter from her doctor, she should release all the records, I'm worried there might have been more.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=1015534

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=1015534

It seems we are in accord. We have a right to know if the candidate for the highest office in the land is medically fit to serve.

[ram2008]

67. Did I say we should release an attack ad on it?

Nope I don't think so. That would be scummy, Clinton politics.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

70. You asked for Clinton's medical records.

I join you in that request. It should be universal.

[ram2008]

71. Do you believe there should be Attack ads based on it?

I'll wait.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

73. I believe we have a right to the know the health of any candidate for presidency.

The instrument that brings upon their release should be of no moment.

Heck, we knew Bob Dole took Metamucil to keep him regular.

[ram2008]

74. So, you agree that its ok for Hillary's campaign to make an attack ad on the health of a candidate

Interesting, well, no doubt you're a Clinton supporter and have Clinton values.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

76. I agree we have a right to know if a candidate is medically fit to serve

I agree we have a right to know if a candidate is medically fit to serve and I couldn't care less the instrument used to bring about its discovery.

[ram2008]

79. Which is exactly what I said, you endorse the attack ads

"Couldn't care less about the instrument used" Again, clearly a Clinton supporter, not caring about the dirty politics of an action.

You know based on their campaign strategy you'd think there must be someone in the Clinton inner circle deliberately trying to sabotage her campaign. No one can be this tone deaf as to create a political attack ad on someones health, this attack will bring in another 2-3 million in fundraising for the Sanders campaign.

[pangaia]

62. That may be, but she is using the issue as a politically.

[Mike__M]

59. What Republicans do?

"the major contenders from both parties have already done so"

Since the Republicans and Clinton did it, it must be the right thing to do?

Personally, I think the voters have the right to decide for themselves whether the withholding or release of medical records will influence their decision.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

69. Every nominee, regardless of party, has released their medical records since 1980.

If a candidate hides his or her medical records and gets sick or dies in office I am affected, whether I voted for him or her or not.

[cali]

17. That's not the point.

[awoke_in_2003]

86. "Is this a debatable proposition?"

It shouldn't be

[morningfog]

111. Has Hillary? Or has she released only the summary letter?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

112. A summary would be a good starting point for all the major candidates. Do you disagree?

Always respectfully,
DSB

[morningfog]

114. Of Hillary is going to go this route, she needs to match it.

A current summary for his. Her full records for his. Or she should back off.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

115. I agree...Secretary Clinton should provide as much medical information about herself as...

I agree...Secretary Clinton should provide as much medical information about herself as Senator Sanders.






Always respectfully,

DSB

[morningfog]

116. No disagreement there.

I don't think the health of the candidate is out of bounds. I think the contrary, in fact. But, when one candidate has had some recent concerning health issues, using the candidate's health record as a basis for an attack is not a very smart move. This is the problem I always see with Hillary the campaigner. She causes problems for herself that weren't there before, she invites it.

Setting that to the side, I am for seeing it all, with a caveat. At this stage, I think our Democratic candidates should agree to a current summary. I say that because I don't expect the repub counterparts to mutually engage. Why should we give them more than they are willing to give. Let's satiate the Dem voters, to the extent they need it. We can pick the battle anew with whomever the repubs offer as the sacrificial lamb, with some of our bargaining cards still in hand.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

117. To be fair Bush and Trump have released medical summaries./nt

[morningfog]

118. Good to know.

[hrmjustin]

7. It is a reasonable request.

[ram2008]

15. Is it reasonable to demand via airwaves and attack ads?

Hm? And wasn't Clinton the one whining about negative ads?

[hrmjustin]

20. It may nit have been done in a polite way but if is a reasonable request.

[TDale313]

68. A lot of what the Clinton Campaign is doing right now

Is not being done in a polite or intellectually honest way. Frankly, I think she's still the frontrunner, but it comes across as desperate and I think it's likely to backfire.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

16. Intellectually dishonest reply. Rejected.

[cali]

21. It's stupid. And it makes her look pretty and small

It's her way of saying he's too old.

[hrmjustin]

30. Whether it is bad or good he should release his medical records.

[Karma13612]

42. Yea, but it shouldn't be at the request of his opponent

who is using pretty nasty, dirty underhanded tactics.

I know, politics is dirty.

I agree he should release them.

But now it is going to be an act of defense instead of a voluntary disclosure.

[hrmjustin]

49. Well it is his own fault for not releasing them earlier.

[Karma13612]

56. I do hear what you are saying. peace. eom

[Marty McGraw]

101. I think even more so

in this day and age, it is only smart to hold personal information to one's self only until the point it becomes necessary in releasing it and is no business for the opposition (in this case a primary contender) to be the one asking for it. Kinda reeks up on the line of Repugnants asking for Obama's birth certificate. Or does she think we're too dumb to draw any conclusions to that... my bad

[cali]

52. Sure and I actually don't mind Hillary tripping herself up and spurring fundraising

for him

[hrmjustin]

53. Too bad he won't raise monry for the party like Hillary did.

[draa]

75. Too bad the party doesn't help him like they do Hillary.

Can't have it both ways. They've done everything possible to make sure Clinton is elected. Not just against Sanders but against O'Malley as well. They've offered nothing but the name Democrat and the voter rolls of our party. There's been ZERO support beyond that. None.

Anyway, why would he raise money for people who don't like him and are actively trying to defeat him? That's just damn stupid and would be like rasing money for Republicans. smh

[hrmjustin]

77. That argument is hogwash!

The party is more than the DNC and that money is needed for gotv in races for the house and senate and he did not raise a dime for that.

If he wins he can replace dnc personal.

[draa]

87. Tough.

Get better candidates and you won't need so much money. And if they can't do it themselves then they deserve to lose. Their ideas are all more of the same and that's not what Sanders will support.

Show him that people that will have his back and he'd likely support some. The Status Quo though, the ones you seem to want him to support, they can go stuff it I'm sure.

[hrmjustin]

88. This line of thinking is why we are in the minority in both house.

[draa]

93. Nope.

Bought and paid for Democrats are why we're in the minority.

And it has nothing to with not supporting candidates. It's about not supporting shitty candidates.

When Obama was elected he came in with a super-majority because people thought he'd change how things were being done. That was his slogan in fact. Then, he decided to ignore the crooks that stole $22T from hard working people. He decided to drone strike. He decided to support crap like the TPP. He decided to shelter those same crooks who stole our lives while problems like 21% childhood poverty are ignored. It's higher now than it was when he took office. All the while Wall Street recently hit record highs. That's disgusting. And shit like that is why we don't have a majority anymore.

[hrmjustin]

94. They why isn't Sanders raising money and recruiting candidates for the party?

[draa]

96. Once again, nope.

As long as the Democratic leadership remains in the hands of neoliberals and third way people there's probably not much chance of that.

Tell me, if you were trying to get rid of bees(neoliberals) would you put sugar water(cash) out for them.

This entire conversation is pointless. If it happens it will. If it doesn't I'm sure you'll get over it. eom

[56miSSie]

106. This:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/1/2/1465551/-Why-didn-t-Bernie-Sanders-raise-any-money-for-the-DNC

[jkbRN]

8. This is seriously getting insanely pathetic--

what on earth is the HRC camp doing to themselves?

Brock is an absolutely disgusting person, and the HRC camp is gonna take huge heat for this type of rhetoric.

As a nurse, I do not think candidates should be forced to reveal their health conditions to the public--there should be an internal process to where all candidates have to provide documentation detailing that they are healthy enough to take the job. But illnesses, medication, pt hx, should be kept PRIVATE.

[The Wielding Truth]

35. This sounds the most reasonable.

[WillyT]

9. K & R !!!

[FlatBaroque]

10. This guy David Brock sounds like a real creep

I wonder what his background is....

[DisgustipatedinCA]

18. Centrist. Sanders-attacking liar.

David Brock is one of those inside-the-beltway guys far more impressed with himself than anyone else is.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

22. Joe Klein wrote Primary Colors, not David Brock.

But I agree with the rest of what you said.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

26. Whoops...I feel dumb. Thank you. I will edit. nt

[cali]

27. Former repuke who wrote a nasty book about Anita Hill

And crap about Bill's sex scandals.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Brock

[KittyWampus]

63. Except then he changed and shifted to the Left. Weird how you'd just ignore that fact.

[senz]

64. Nah, David Brock was a rightwing Clinton hater

who had a change of heart and became a centrist Dem Clinton supporter.

He used to write hit pieces for the Right; he wrote one on Clinton (a book, iirc) and I think he was the guy who trashed Anita Hill.

All of this is from memory and there are probably errors in it.

[Peregrine Took]

11. Why now when she is behind in the polls?

She could have done so a month ago - when she wasn't so worried, that is.

[TDale313]

38. I think we all know why

Clearly they're getting nervous.

[in_cog_ni_to]

12. Oh my. She's stepping in it again. If Bernie knew he wasn't healthy, he wouldn't be running. n/t

[restorefreedom]

24. yes he would run anyway because all he cares about is

money and powe....ooops, my bad.

wrong candidate

[The Wielding Truth]

40. Hahaha. Refreshing. Isn't it? Bernie is who he is and that's a man of good character.

[restorefreedom]

48. yup. thats why the screaming desperation and poo flinging.

when they got nuthin else...

its almost sad.

[Marty McGraw]

104. perhaps (David Brock)

is aware of something Bernie isn't? I'm now worried about where Bernie dines & drinks. Don't Get stuck by any Umbrella Tips!

- I hope

[Truprogressive85]

13. Another million $$ worth of donations are coming in to the Sanders campaign

Thanks David Brock !!



Sen. Sanders will release his record when the time comes

in the mean time we now have health-truthers

[restorefreedom]

25. inr? more money for bernie who hoooooo!,! nt

[TIME TO PANIC]

31. Happens every time.

[silenttigersong]

28. Maybe she's hoping for VP

and wants to make an informed decision based upon his health .Joke Alert

[truedelphi]

29. All I want to know if Sanders PAP smear test turned out okay...

My dad would report to me faithfully each year (and with a twinkle in his eyes) that his results were always good results.

And he lived to be Ninety!

[Marty McGraw]

105. a most

delightful pappy!

[nxylas]

33. If he does, will they demand his long-form medical records?

All the while producing a string of Photoshopped Kenyan medical records, each of which is definitely the real one this time?

[Marty McGraw]

107. No doubt, huh...

something repugnant about this stink, eh...

[tazkcmo]

34. They should trade them, tit for tat.

After all, it's the esteemed Secretary that reportedly needs naps.

[draa]

80. +1

Bernie on the other hand seems to have more energy than my 6yo grandchild. Very impressive.

[antigop]

36. What's Bernie's BMI? What's HRC's? nt

[TIME TO PANIC]

39. Is the Clinton campaign entering self destruct mode?

[Ino]

43. He should... fainting, concussion, blood clots near brain, exhaustion...

Oh wait... that wasn't Sanders.

[bkkyosemite]

44. Bernie go ahead but wait

until after NH and IA..........just saying....

[stillwaiting]

45. Just hideous Hillary. Please tell him to "Cut it Out". kthx. nt

[leftofcool]

47. All candidates should release their medical records period!

Bernie does not get a pass on this.

[cherokeeprogressive]

50. Hey Hillary... how'z about taking a MRI for us? Concussions in senior citizens increase the risk of

dementia.

Not that I'd vote for you even if it were clear, but I think it's a fair request.

[senz]

51. Makes ya wonder ...

[aspirant]

55. Right after Billy Clinton releases his medical files

We can't have a First Man die in the White house, very tragic

If he is medically unfit we need a detailed contract with the people saying that he will play absolutely no role in any way in the Hills administration.

[thereismore]

66. Careful what you wish for Hillary,

you are no spring chicken.

[aspirant]

72. Is there a reason

why we elect a 2 person team to the Presidency?

Will the VP be ready to take over in case of an emergency? LBJ stepped in when a young, healthy, fit JFK was killed.

[senz]

78. Maybe she's considering a run as Bernie's VP?

[TheBlackAdder]

82. As a neutral poli-sci guy, not taking sides, this really casts a bad optic on her campaign.

.


Everyone knows that surrogates are just extensions of a campaign.

They would not drop something like this unless it was cleared by the campaign's upper levels.


===


Their campaign seems disconnected with the voters, trapped in a myopic alternate reality.

It's a shame, she was really shown to be the strongest candidate going into election season.

Most of the errors in the campaign are her own camp's doing. She did great at the Benghazi hearings, and now this?


.

[AzDar]

83. Ick.

Doesn't seem desperate at all...

[jalan48]

84. Didn't Hilary fall on her head? I'm not she wants to go there with Bernie.

[Ferd Berfel]

85. SHe Is going to make it Impossible for me to support her in any way.

DOn't count on this bullshit that the republican are SO AWFUL that you just HAVE to vote for Hillary.
I'm getting to the FUCK IT point.

BTW - When is Hillary going to release her Psychological records?

[azmom]

89. Fuckers. I'm going to go broke

If they keep this up.

[baran]

91. That was my first thought too!!!

Oh well, guess I'm good for another $20. Bernie doesn't need to do any fund raisers -- Hillary's doing it for him.

[azmom]

92. Yep. Can't let go this unanswered. Another $25

From me.

[Marty McGraw]

109. I'm starting to hold

out for some down ballot needs as income permits. They're gonna need our help too.

[Treant]

95. Bosh.

Undefined source, supposed to be coming. If it happens at all, I'll react to it then.

That having been said, I do think any Presidential candidate does owe the public some level of access to their records and this doesn't look great for Sanders. Smoke, fire, and all that.

[anigbrowl]

98. Releasing medical records is a normal thing for candidates to do in every election cycle

This has been the case for a long time now, I am surprised to discover Sanders has not done so already.

[ram2008]

99. Is it normal for a candidate from the same party to release a SUPERPAC attack ad on it?

I wonder.

[anigbrowl]

103. Doesn't bother me none

Fitness to serve is an entirely reasonable thing to challenge another candidate about.

[deutsey]

100. Stay classy, Hillary