Tuesday night CNN’s Democratic presidential debate, host Anderson Cooper went at Hillary Clinton for her recent move to the far left on many issues asking, “Will you say anything to get elected?
Cooper said, “Some Democrats believe you changed your positions based on political expediency . You’re against same-sex marriage now you are for it. You defended President Obama’s immigration policy now you say they are too harsh. You supported his trade deal dozens of times you even called it the gold standard, suddenly last week you’re against it. Will you say anything to get elected?
Clinton answered, “I have been consistent over the course of my entire life. I have always fought for the same values and principles. But like most human beings, including those of us who run for office, I do absorb new information, I do look at what’s happening in the world. you know. Take the trade deal. I did say when I was secretary of state three years ago, that I hoped it would be the gold standard. It was just finally negotiated last week. In looking at it, it didn’t meet my standards. My standards for more new good jobs for Americans, for raising wages for Americans and I want to make sure that I can look into the eyes of any middle class american and say this will help raise your wages and I concluded I could not.”
Copper replied and said, “Secretary Clinton, with all due respect, the question is about political expediency. In July, in New Hampshire, you told the crowd you take a back seat to no one when it comes to progressive values. Last month in Ohio you say you plead guilty to being kind of moderate and center. Do you change your political identity based on who you’re talking to?”
Clinton countered, “No, I think like most people that I know, I have a range of views. But they are rooted in my values and my experience. And I don’t take a back seat to anyone when it comes to progressive experience and progressive commitment. When I left law school, my first job was with the Children’s Defense Fund. For all the years since, I have been focused on how we’re going to unstack the deck and make it possible for more people to have the experience I had. To be able to come from a grandfather as a factory person and a small business person and asking the people of America to elect me president.”
Cooper asked, “Are you a progressive or a moderate?”
Clinton said, “I’m a progressive. But I like to get things done. And I know how to find common ground and I know how to stand my ground.”
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