Obama brushes off clamor over Clinton’s ‘broke’ comments
(CNN) - President Obama defended Hillary Clinton in the face of criticism recently that she is out of touch with average Americans, based on her comments about the Clintons’ financial security.
"She is in public service because she cares about the same folks that I talked to here today," Obama said from Minneapolis, where he held a town hall meeting. The interview, taped Thursday during the president’s trip, aired on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday morning.
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As Clinton has traveled the country to promote her memoir, “Hard Choices,” she has discussed life post-White House and said her family was “dead broke” after her husband left the Oval Office in 2001.
Poll: Majority think Hillary Clinton can relate to average Americans
Conservative groups, which see Clinton as one of the biggest potential threats in the 2016 presidential race, have highlighted her comments as evidence that she is out of touch with the daily concerns of Americans.
Although the Clintons did leave the White House in debt due to enormous legal fees, they also walked away with a sizable government pension and the promise of massive book advances and speaking gigs worth millions.
Obama said all the hubbub is to be expected.
“As soon as you jump back into the spotlight - in a more explicitly political way - you’re going to be flyspecked like this,” the President said. “She's accustomed to it. Over time I don't think it's going to make a big difference."
With the presidential election still a couple of years away, Obama brushed off concerns that Clinton’s stumble could hurt her chances.
“I think that Hillary has been to this rodeo a bunch of times.”
Apparently it's okay to become rich as long as you are a liberal and do it in such a way that really does not create jobs, just makes the individual insanely wealthy.
How is this even a story? It looks like faux finish by the media to cover over the lousy way Democratic canidates are vetted for office. The press has waved their red cape and let the bull pass without a scratch. Everyone yell Olé and let's move on, before someone starts asking questions about policy and character that make a difference. What does in matter now Secretary Clinton?
paul
"I agree they both have the same goal. Live off the taxpayer."
Like the oil companies.
I don't want a president I can have a beer with. I want a president who will create robust markets for local breweries, allowing them to expand and hire more workers at family-supporting wages.
Hillary Clinton's comments is just another opportunity to bash, critique & spew negativity! Kinda what they've been doing to the president for 5 years! We all comprehend what she was saying, but twisting & spinning is a favorite GOTP hobby! No solution, no compromise, no discussion! Just bash & disagree! It's the cornerstone of the GOTP platform!!
Ha Ha. To the dolt who made the comment about the first non-white President not having experience. Please name one first term white President who had experience as President. Name any female President (past or present). lol. non-white. lol.
Of course Obama would brush it off – he is a member of the New World Order too. They all consider us useless eaters and want to dispose of us someday.
LOVE IT! Any criticism of Hillary is labeled as "Trying to GET her...", all the while, the Democrats in New Jersey are VALIANTLY trying to maintain the uproar over Christie (the only right wing candidate that polls well against her), with ABSOLUTELY no evidence that he did ANYTHING wrong.
You can tell a tree by it.s fruits.....
Oh that helps. Nothing like a criminal liar from a facade President saying Clinton's comments mean nothing. Priceless.
Gee a democrat supporting another democrat. How very surprising.
I keep hoping that America's appetite for the mundane will wane considering we have serious issues before us. Everything is relative and Mrs. Clinton's comment, if seen within the realm of her socio-economic status, is her truth.
If journalism ever returns to the media, Americans… our country, will benefit because our elected officials will begin to work for their pay (our tax dollars) and end the side-shows. Can we please give equal time, at minimal, to real problems; i.e., the creation of laws (Congress) to create more jobs… and not just entry-level positions?
If you're a woman and your husband has not one but many affairs, and then lies to a federal grand jury about it and you defend and protect him, that is as weak as defending a physical abuser, because it is emotional abuse. I'm an Independent who has volunteered and worked for democrats the last 5 years. She will not get my vote. She's a weak little woman with no character. You LEAVE that man that does something like that to you.
Have you ever heard the saying, " It's the journey, not the final destination, that matters"?
Hillary wasn't born rich like Romney and we know Bubba was raised on public assistance. I dare the GOP to challenge the "I feel your pain " credibility of the Clintons at their own peril.
Unless of course the GOP nominee comes out to end corporate welfare for BIG OIL and supports a progressive tax structure with a 40% marginal top rate and the elimination of the CAPITAL GAINS preferences, which we all know IS NOT going to happen.
This little wealth dust up should only allow the Elizabeth Warren wing of the Democratic Party to pull Hillary LEFTWARD toward MORE POPULOUS POLICIES before she gains their full support.
Really can't wait to see Thad Cochran,Kevin McCarthy,Thom Tillis,Sheldon Adelson,Rupert Mourdoch,Karl Rove,Lindsey Graham,John McCain,Susan Collins,Hayley Barbour,Grover Norquist and the GOP stuff Jeb Bush down the tea party's throats EXACTLY like they stuffed Romney down. Straight no chaser. Hillary and Barack will drink to that!