The national press secretary for Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is walking back her comment about former New York City Mayor Mike Blomberg suffering heart attacks in the past.
Briahna Joy Gray had appeared in CNN’s “New Day” show on Wednesday. Her comment about Bloomberg came as she called questions about Sanders’ health and requests for additional records a “smear” campaign.
"What you're seeing right now is really reminiscent of some of the kind of smear, kind of skepticism campaigns that have been run against a lot of different candidates in the past,” she said. “Questioning where they're from, aspects of their lineage, et cetera, et cetera.
"It's really telling given that none of the same concern is being demonstrated for Michael Bloomberg, who is the same age as Bernie Sanders, who has suffered heart attacks in the past."
CNN noted Bloomberg underwent a coronary stent placement in 2000 for a blocked artery. And Kevin Sheekey, Bloomberg’s campaign manager, said Gray’s reference to Bloomberg having had heart attacks is “an absolute lie.”
Gray, writing on Twitter, admitted she was wrong.
“I misspoke when I said Bloomberg had a heart attack,” she said. “Rather, he underwent the same stent procedure as Bernie. Bernie released 3 detailed medical reports in December — just like the other candidates.”
Sanders has said he will not be releasing his full medical records, reversing a promise he made after suffering a heat attack this past October.
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
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