Putin knew Hillary Clinton had physical, ‘psycho-emotional’ problems — but kept it quiet during 2016 campaign: Gabbard
The READOUT:
Putin Knew About Hillary Clinton’s Alleged Health Issues but Kept Quiet During 2016 Campaign: Tulsi Gabbard
Former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard recently made headlines with a bold claim: Russian President Vladimir Putin was aware of Hillary Clinton’s alleged physical and “psycho-emotional” problems during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign but chose not to exploit this information. Gabbard’s remarks have reignited discussions about foreign interference in American elections, the role of disinformation, and the dynamics between global leaders.
This article explores Gabbard’s statement, the context behind it, and the broader implications for U.S.-Russia relations, election integrity, and political transparency.
Gabbard’s Claim: What Did She Say?
During a recent interview, Tulsi Gabbard suggested that Putin had compromising information about Hillary Clinton’s health but refrained from using it to influence the 2016 election. According to Gabbard, Putin possessed intelligence indicating that Clinton had both physical and psychological health concerns but decided against weaponizing this knowledge.
Gabbard, a former congresswoman and 2020 presidential candidate, has often positioned herself as a critic of establishment politics and U.S. foreign policy. Her comments align with her broader skepticism of mainstream narratives surrounding Russian interference in U.S. elections.
Key Points from Gabbard’s Statement:
1. Putin Had Damaging Information on Clinton – Gabbard claimed that Russian intelligence knew about Clinton’s alleged health issues.
2. Russia Chose Not to Exploit It – Unlike the hacking and release of Democratic emails via WikiLeaks, Putin allegedly withheld this particular information.
3. Implications for Election Interference – Gabbard’s remarks suggest that Russia could have done more to meddle in the 2016 election but showed restraint in certain areas.
Historical Context: Clinton’s Health in the 2016 Election
Hillary Clinton’s health became a contentious issue during the 2016 campaign after she suffered a public medical episode. In September 2016, Clinton was seen stumbling and needing assistance while leaving a 9/11 memorial event in New York. Her campaign later disclosed that she had been diagnosed with pneumonia.
This incident fueled speculation about her fitness for office, with Donald Trump and his allies frequently questioning her stamina and health. Conspiracy theories, amplified by right-wing media, suggested that Clinton was hiding a more serious condition.
Did Russia Have Evidence of Clinton’s Health Issues?
While Gabbard’s claim is provocative, there is no publicly verified evidence that Russian intelligence had definitive proof of Clinton’s health problems. However, given Russia’s sophisticated cyber-espionage capabilities, it is plausible that they collected intelligence on key U.S. political figures.
The bigger question is: Why would Putin withhold damaging information?
- Strategic Calculation – Releasing unverified health rumors could backfire, making Russia’s interference too blatant.
- Leverage for Future Use – Holding onto compromising material allows for potential blackmail or influence later.
- Avoiding Overplay – Putin may have believed that the email leaks were sufficient to damage Clinton without adding health rumors.
Gabbard’s Credibility and Motives
Tulsi Gabbard has been a controversial figure in U.S. politics. Once a rising star in the Democratic Party, she has since moved toward more independent and anti-establishment positions. Her comments on Putin and Clinton raise questions about her sources and intentions.
Possible Reasons for Gabbard’s Remarks:
1. Critique of U.S. Media and Intelligence – Gabbard has often accused American intelligence agencies and media of exaggerating Russia’s role in U.S. politics.
2. Defending Putin’s Restraint – Her statement could be seen as downplaying Russian interference by suggesting Putin showed discretion.
3. Political Positioning – As someone who has met with Putin and criticized U.S. foreign policy, Gabbard may be shaping a narrative that aligns with her views on diplomacy.
Reactions to Gabbard’s Claims
Responses to Gabbard’s assertion have been mixed:
- Critics argue that she is parroting Russian propaganda or attempting to rewrite the history of 2016 election interference.
- Supporters see her as a truth-teller challenging the mainstream narrative on Russia and U.S. politics.
Broader Implications: Election Meddling and Intelligence Warfare
Gabbard’s statement touches on larger issues of how foreign powers gather and use intelligence to influence U.S. elections.
1. The Role of Kompromat (Compromising Material)
Russia has a history of collecting kompromat—damaging information on political figures—to exploit later. If Putin had evidence of Clinton’s health issues, his decision not to use it could indicate a preference for subtler influence tactics.
2. The Ethics of Political Health Disclosures
Should a candidate’s health be fair game in political campaigns? While transparency is important, spreading unverified medical rumors can undermine democratic discourse.
3. U.S. Vulnerability to Foreign Influence
Gabbard’s claim highlights how foreign adversaries may possess sensitive information on U.S. leaders, raising concerns about national security and election integrity.
Conclusion: A Provocative Claim with Unclear Evidence
Tulsi Gabbard’s assertion that Putin knew about Hillary Clinton’s health problems but chose not to exploit them adds another layer to the complex narrative of the 2016 election. While intriguing, her claim lacks concrete evidence and may be part of a broader effort to reframe discussions on Russian interference.
Regardless of its veracity, the statement underscores the shadowy world of intelligence, disinformation, and geopolitical strategy that continues to shape modern elections. As the U.S. moves toward future elections, understanding these dynamics will be crucial in safeguarding democracy from foreign manipulation.
Final Thoughts
- Did Putin really have compromising info on Clinton? Unconfirmed, but plausible.
- Why wouldn’t he use it? Possibly to avoid excessive backlash or save it for future leverage.
- What does this say about election interference? Even restraint can be a calculated move in psychological and information warfare.
Gabbard’s remarks serve as a reminder that in the age of cyber-espionage and hybrid warfare, the lines between diplomacy, intelligence, and political strategy are increasingly blurred.