Ageism and sexism, yes -- but a lack of transparency, too

When Hillary Clinton began mapping out her presidential campaign, she knew that clearing the hurdle to become the first woman commander in chief would be paramount. What she didn’t know or fully understand 18 months ago was how her age would work against her in subtle and cruel ways, and how ageism and sexism can combine in a double whammy undermining her candidacy.

Unfounded rumors spread by Donald Trump and his allies about Clinton’s allegedly poor health and lack of stamina found their mark Sunday in a video gone viral that shows Clinton stumbling as aides help her into a waiting car. Her doctor’s statement released several hours later revealed Clinton had been diagnosed the previous Friday with pneumonia, a common and treatable condition, but which takes longer to recover from if you’re over 65; Clinton is 68, soon to be 69.

CNN covered Clinton’s near collapse all afternoon, bringing in Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the network’s chief medical correspondent, to recall Clinton’s 2012 concussion and her history of blood clots. NPR’s Cokie Roberts said on Monday’s “Morning Edition” that Democrats were discussing “sotto voce” how to replace Clinton as their candidate should that become necessary. Joe Biden is their top choice, she said, and he’s five years older than Clinton with a history of brain aneurysms.