When asked by reporters in New Hampshire about allegations in an upcoming book that she granted political favors in return for donations to Clinton Foundation while at the State Department, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton dismissed the issue as a “distraction.”
Clinton’s remarks came during a brief Q & A session with reporters after a small business roundtable in Keene, New Hampshire. CBS News’ Alex Romano tweeted out the exchange, while also noting that Clinton set aside less than two minutes to answer questions from the press. (VIDEO: MSNBC Host: ‘Everybody In The Media’ Being ‘Used’ By Hillary)
"Those issues are distractions on what the campaign should be about" –Hillary Clinton on emails and Foundation donations.
— Alex Romano (@alexromano) April 20, 2015
Hillary Clinton's gaggle with the press lasted one minute and 41 seconds.
— Alex Romano (@alexromano) April 20, 2015
Other initial reports differ on the exact wording, but all agree that Clinton was asked about the Clinton Foundation donor scandal, and said the allegations were a “distraction.”
.@HillaryClinton responds to book on @ClintonFdn money, says campaigning invites "distractions and attacks, and I'm ready for that."
— Ruby Cramer (@rubycramer) April 20, 2015
"We will be subjected to all kinds distraction and attacks," Hillary on Clinton foundation pay to play claims. Asked twice no direct answer.
— Josh Rogers (@joshrogersNHPR) April 20, 2015
MORE: Clinton on foreign donations: “We will be subjected to all kinds of distractions and attacks and I’m ready for that" – @CeciliaVegaABC
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) April 20, 2015
Also in NH: HRC calls allegations of Clinton Foundation donations, questions about e-mails "distractions."
— DJ Judd (@juddzeez) April 20, 2015
Earlier in the day, the White House also refused to categorically deny the allegations when pressed by ABC’s Jon Karl, with White House press secretary Josh Earnest calling the claims “spurious.”