Hillary’s serious illness changes everything in 2016 presidential race

Posted on Thursday, January 03, 2013 at 06:19 AM

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Hillary Clinton (AP)

Though she has been released from hospital after treatment for her blood clot Hillary Clinton’s political future has changed dramatically.

At 65 she has been struck with an illness that doctors agree is a serious one and that could have caused a major stroke.

A blood clot in an area close to the brain is not good news for anyone, but especially someone who is the winter favorite for the 2016 nomination.

If this were a horse race I’d say Hillary Clinton is far more likely to scratch than to line up in the Democratic demolition derby in 2015 or so for the 2016 nomination.

She will be close to 70 then, but unlike the woman with the robust health record and seemingly tireless political persona, she is now a weakened candidate with a major health question looming over her.

Another illness of this kind between now and then will certainly rule her out and it seems certain that her opponents and the media will ensure that her health is an issue.

But for Hillary herself the illness will surely make her stand back and think.

There are few things more sobering than a glimpse of your mortality and she has certainly seen that.

Will she have the stamina and commitment to come to the races in four years time full of the same energy she expended in 2008?

That hardly seems likely. It will be her decision I know but the events of the past week will certainly shade how she decides.

Me? I’m betting it is a thumbs down, a feeling that she has done more than enough in a spectacular political life and it is time to leave the field to the next generation.

And that will set off the political scramble of a lifetime among Democrat wannabees if and when it happens. See more: Irish in US Politics

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pilib04 | Jan 03, 2013, 01:55 PM EST

Patrick Roberts the IC house reactionary just had to take his aim at Hillary.

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Nicomax | Jan 03, 2013, 01:02 PM EST

Well maybe we can recycle Richard, 'Darth Vader' Cheney to run in 2016, against the equally medically impaired Hillary Clinton. And based on some comments here, the old fellow would be championed as just what we need "to get our country back".

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FastEddy | Jan 03, 2013, 12:30 PM EST

LOL ... The Hildabeast is now contained. Hope she recovers enough to turn in her resignation.

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Searlit | Jan 03, 2013, 11:40 AM EST

You know, I don't see people making up stuff when a Republican politician's illness is reported on. I wish Hillary Clinton the best! She is the best female politician ever! I hope she takes care of herself now that she'll have the time to get healthier and comes back and gives them what for!

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jamieLM | Jan 03, 2013, 10:23 AM EST

I've heard Mrs. Clinton say more than once that she wants to do other things and that she's not interested in running for the Presidency. Guess what. It's very possible for her to do other interesting and meaningful projects and to relax and enjoy her life. I have no doubt that there will be plenty of other Dems who will be more than eager to run for the Dem. nomination. All this drama over Mrs. Clinton's possible candidacy - can she or will she? - is pure speculation and a waste of time. If she changes her mind and decides to run, she'll let us know.

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PhlutiePhan | Jan 03, 2013, 10:23 AM EST

It all depends on what the meaning of "is" is. The story released on Hillary and her medical condition is probably not true. This was a cover story designed for media consumption. There are plenty of realistic rumors on the truth ranging from cancer to a plane crash on a secret mission to Iran. All the conjecture is based on what the "slique" media Goebbellian machine allows the "hoi poloi" to digest.

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feeneycj | Jan 03, 2013, 10:00 AM EST

spectacular career? no just overrated in the media as usual. The Benghazi "sloppiness" was certainly not spectacular. Ask New Yorkers what she did for them as senator, they can't really say. I give her credit for sticking with Bill during his unbridled adultery with Gennifer Flowers, Monica Lewinsky and many others. She and Obama are icons for those with the sneering attacks on responsible others, yet, they themselves have no solution for our spending crisis.

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Joe Kelsall | Jan 03, 2013, 09:41 AM EST

Serious illness? Why is everything overdramatised in the USA? It sound as though she had a Transient Ischemic Attack; ie a 'mini stroke' as a result of a head knock. The crisis is over, having been treated with a thrombolytic drug.She is now back to normal. End of story.

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