Rove v. Clinton: The poll numbers are in

Two-thirds of people disapproved of Karl Rove raising questions about Hillary Clinton’s age and health in the context of the 2016 presidential election. 

According to a Washington Post/ABC News poll released Wednesday, 66 percent disapproved of Rove’s comments, in which he suggested Clinton could have brain damage from a fall two years ago.

{mosads}Another 26 percent of people said they approved of the Republican strategist bringing up the issue. 

Rove was criticized by Republicans and Democrats after saying, “Thirty days in the hospital? And when she reappears, she’s wearing glasses that are only for people who have traumatic brain injury? We need to know what’s up with that.”

Clinton, 66, was hospitalized in late December 2012 after doctors found a blood clot between her skull and brain. Doctors said it was the result of a concussion she suffered earlier in the month when she fainted due to a stomach virus. 

Rove defended himself after his comments, saying he never actually said Clinton had brain damage. He said Clinton’s health would be an issue in 2016 if she runs for president.

Large majorities of Democrats and independents disapproved of his comments about Clinton’s health. Forty-six percent of Republicans disapproved of Rove’s comments, while 45 percent approved. 

Among Democrats, 84 percent disapproved, while 11 percent approved. Among independents, 64 percent disapproved, while 27 percent approved. 

Conservative Republicans are the only demographic in which a majority, 52 percent, expressed support for the Clinton health question. 

The poll also found 55 percent would support a Clinton candidacy in 2016. Another 63 percent had a favorable view of former President Bill Clinton.

The poll surveyed 1,017 people from May 21-25 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent.