Trump ad uses Clinton's coughing to question her commander-in-chief fitness

Donald Trump’s campaign released a new television ad Tuesday attacking Hillary Clinton’s health, casting her as a weak candidate who lacks the strength and stamina to be commander in chief.

The 30-second spot, titled “Dangerous,” begins with a shot of the White House under a gloomy sky and video of the U.S. military and its adversaries as the narrator intones, “Our next president faces daunting challenges in a dangerous world.”


The ad highlights growing concern with Iran, North Korea and the Islamic State, in addition to “chaos” in Libya and North Africa.

“Hillary Clinton failed every single time as secretary of state,” the narrator says over video of Clinton coughing into a balled fist, a shot that portrays her perceived weakness.

“Now she wants to be president. Hillary Clinton doesn’t have the fortitude, strength or stamina to lead in our world,” he continues, as an image is shown of Clinton being helped up steps, as well as a clip of her near swoon on Sept. 11 of this year, when she had to be helped into a van by her aides.

“She failed as secretary of state,” the narrator concludes. “Don’t let her fail us again.”

In a statement released by Trump’s campaign, retired Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Bert Mizusawa said, “There is no reality in which Hillary Clinton is fit to serve as Commander-in-Chief.”

“Even the casual observer can see her lack of stamina has such a great effect on her already poor decision-making ability, that should she become President, the world would become an even more dangerous place,” he added.

Trump, however, complimented Clinton's toughness during Sunday night's debate. “She’s a fighter. I disagree with much of what she’s fighting for,” he said. “I do disagree with her judgment in many cases. But she does fight hard, and she doesn’t quit, and she doesn’t give up.”