Clinton's 9/11 Appearance Has Everyone Arguing

Within minutes after it happened, video of Hillary Clinton leaving a September 11th ceremony early had divided the internet. On one side stood those convinced Clinton had a secret illness that made her unfit for the presidency. On the other were those claiming the incident was being sensationalized with Clinton once again being held to a sexist double standard. Update: On Sunday afternoon, Clinton's doctor released a statement announcing that she had diagnosed Clinton with pneumonia and that the overheating spell was due to dehydration.

A spokesperson for Clinton's campaign told The Washington Post the Democratic nominee had left the 9/11 memorial service earlier than planned after becoming "overheated." "Secretary Clinton attended the September 11th Commemoration Ceremony for just an hour and thirty minutes this morning to pay her respects and greet some of the families of the fallen," spokesman Nick Merrill said. "During the ceremony, she felt overheated, so [she] departed to go to her daughter's apartment and is feeling much better."

However, video showing Clinton struggling to get into a van — and unconfirmed reports she lost her shoe in the process — had more than a few folks convinced the former secretary of State was hiding more serious health concerns. Some went so far as to claim the video was proof Clinton had fainted or collapsed. Caricatures of a ghastly-looking Clinton either needing help to stand or lying in a hospital bed were quickly circulated on the internet within hours.

What Some From Team "Too Sick To Be POTUS" Said

But was the response a bit overdramatic? Some certainly felt so given the fact the Democratic nominee was seen walking easily out of her daughter's New York apartment and waving to the press a few hours after leaving the 9/11 memorial. They argued that attacking Clinton for experiencing a commonplace medical issue familiar to us all was sexist and ageist, citing previous presidents who have fainted while on the job (President George W. Bush and his father President George H.W. Bush) without being declared unfit to govern.

How Team "This Is A Non-Issue" Responded

Sunday certainly wasn't the first time Clinton's opponents have claimed the Democratic nominee's health would, in some way, hinder her from being the president America needs. The theory that Clinton is somehow hiding a serious health issue from the public has popped up a few times, generally among the more conspiracy-loving crowd and often spurred on by innocuous evidence such as a cough, the use of glasses, or whenever Clinton rests on something. Given how contentious this election year has been, it's also not likely that this will be the last time Clinton's health is called into question, warranted or not.