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20 May, 2014
Americans will be electing a new president in two years. Many people expect former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to seek the presidential nomination of the Democratic Party. Last week, a leading adviser to the Republican Party angered Ms. Clinton's supporters when he raised questions about her health. Some political observers say the incident might demonstrate what is to come in the 2016 presidential campaign.
Last week, the New York Post published a story based on the comments of Republican Party adviser Karl Rove. He formerly served as a political adviser to George W. Bush during his presidency.
During a recent speech, Mr. Rove raised questions about the health of Hillary Clinton. The newspaper used the words "brain damage" at the top of its report. Ms. Clinton was treated for a blood clot in 2012 after suffering a concussion -- a minor brain injury -- in a fall at her home.
Hillary Clinton has not publicly commented about what Mr. Rove said in the speech last Friday.
Former President Bill Clinton laughingly dismissed Karl Rove's comments. He said his wife is in good health.
"Now they say she's really got brain damage. If she does, then I must be in really tough shape because she is still quicker than I am."
Karl Rove sought to clarify his comments in an appearance on Fox News television.
"I didn't say she had brain damage. She had a serious health episode. This will be an issue in the 2016 race, whether she likes it or not."
Ms. Clinton says she will decide on the possibility of a presidential election campaign by the end of this year.
Celinda Lake works for the Democratic Party. She studies the likes and dislikes of voters. She says Ms. Clinton can expect more political attacks if she decides to seek the nomination.
"Just as people were unbounded in their commentary about Obama, they will be unbounded in their commentary on her, and she's tough economy, she can take it. She's taken it for years."
A special congressional committee is expected to raise questions about Hillary Clinton's record as secretary of state. Republican members set up the committee to investigate the attack two years ago on the American diplomatic offices in Benghazi, Libya. The attack resulted in the deaths of four Americans.
The former secretary of state defended her actions and decisions during a Senate hearing in 2013.
"Was it because of a protest or was it because guys were out for a walk one night and they decided to kill some Americans? What different at this point does it make?"
Karlyn Bowman is an expert on public opinion. She says Republicans often attacked Hillary Clinton during the eight years her husband served as president.
"There is a base of opposition to Hillary Clinton. It is part of the Republican conservative base, and that's not inconsequential, but I think she looks like a pretty strong candidate at this point.
Ms. Clinton has written a book about her years as secretary of state. That book, called Hard Choices, will be released next month. I'm Caty Weaver.
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