Podesta Pens Op-Ed about the FBI

The chairman of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, John Podesta, published an op-ed in The Washington Post criticizing the FBI for its handling of Clinton’s email investigation and the hacking of his emails as well as the emails of the Democratic National Committee. Read Podesta’s full op-ed below:

Something is deeply broken at the FBI
By: John Podesta
December 15, 2016

The more we learn about the Russian plot to sabotage Hillary Clinton’s campaign and elect Donald Trump, and the failure of the FBI to adequately respond, the more shocking it gets. The former acting director of the CIA has called the Russian cyberattack “the political equivalent of 9/11.” Just as after the real 9/11, we need a robust, independent investigation into what went wrong inside the government and how to better protect our country in the future.

As the former chair of the Clinton campaign and a direct target of Russian hacking, I understand just how serious this is. So I was surprised to read in the New York Times that when the FBI discovered the Russian attack in September 2015, it failed to send even a single agent to warn senior Democratic National Committee officials. Instead, messages were left with the DNC IT “help desk.” As a former head of the FBI cyber division told the Times, this is a baffling decision: “We are not talking about an office that is in the middle of the woods of Montana.”

What takes this from baffling to downright infuriating is that at nearly the exact same time that no one at the FBI could be bothered to drive 10 minutes to raise the alarm at DNC headquarters, two agents accompanied by attorneys from the Justice Department were in Denver visiting a tech firm that had helped maintain Clinton’s email server.

This trip was part of what FBI Director James B. Comey described as a “painstaking” investigation of Clinton’s emails, “requiring thousands of hours of effort” from dozens of agents who conducted at least 80 interviews and reviewed thousands of pages of documents. Of course, as Comey himself concluded, in the end, there was no case; it was not even a close call.

Comparing the FBI’s massive response to the overblown email scandal with the seemingly lackadaisical response to the very real Russian plot to subvert a national election shows that something is deeply broken at the FBI.

Comey justified his handling of the email case by citing “intense public interest.” He felt so strongly that he broke long-established precedent and disregarded strong guidance from the Justice Department with his infamous letter just 11 days before the election. Yet he refused to join the rest of the intelligence community in a statement about the Russian cyberattack because he reportedly didn’t want to appear “political.” And both before and after the election, the FBI has refused to say whether it is investigating Trump’s ties to Russia.

There are now reports that Vladimir Putin personally directed the covert campaign to elect Trump. So are teams of FBI agents busy looking into the reported meeting in Moscow this summer between Carter Page, a Trump foreign policy adviser, and the Putin aide in charge of Russian intelligence on the U.S. election? What about evidence that Roger Stone was in contact with WikiLeaks and knew in advance that my hacked emails were about to be leaked? Are thousands of FBI person-hours being devoted to uncovering Trump’s tangled web of debts and business deals with foreign entities in Russia and elsewhere?

Meanwhile, House Republicans who had an insatiable appetite for investigating Clinton have been resistant to probing deeply into Russia’s efforts to swing the election to Trump. The media, by gleefully publishing the gossipy fruits of Russian hacks, became what the Times itself calls “a de facto instrument of Russian intelligence.”

But the FBI’s role is particularly troubling because of its power and responsibility — and because this is part of a trend. The Justice Department’s Inspector General issued a damning report this summer about the FBI’s failure to prioritize cyberthreats more broadly.

The election is over and the damage is done, but the threat from Russia and other potential aggressors remains urgent and demands a serious and sustained response.

First, the Obama administration should quickly declassify as much as possible concerning what is known about the Russian hack, as requested by seven Democratic members of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Second, the administration should brief members of the electoral college on the extent and manner of Russia’s interference in our election before they vote on Dec. 19, as requested by a bipartisan group of electors.

Third, Congress should authorize a far-reaching, bipartisan independent investigation modeled on the 9/11 Commission. The public deserves to know exactly what happened, why and what can be done to prevent future attacks. Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) have introduced legislation to authorize such an investigation.

Finally, Congress should more vigorously exercise its oversight to determine why the FBI responded overzealously in the Clinton case and insufficiently in the Russian case. The FBI should also clarify whether there is an ongoing investigation into Trump, his associates and their ties to Russia. If ever there were a case of “intense public interest,” this is it. What’s broken in the FBI must be fixed and quickly.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

News Source: The Washington Post

Hillary Clinton Calls for Unity in Concession Speech

Hillary Clinton delivered her concession speech this morning in New York City. In the speech, Clinton thanked Tim Kaine and Anne Holton, her family, and the Obamas for all their support on the campaign trail. She also thanked her staff, campaign volunteers, and everyone who has supported the campaign by voting or donating. Clinton asked that everyone not be discouraged by the results saying that she hopes Donald Trump will be “a successful president for all Americans.” She urged everyone to keep fighting for what they believe in saying, “This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it. It is, it is worth it. And so we need — we need you to keep up these fights now and for the rest of your lives. And to all the women, and especially the young women, who put their faith in this campaign and in me: I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion.” A video and transcript of Clinton’s speech is below.

TRANSCRIPT:

Thank you. Thank you all very much. Thank you so much. A very rowdy group. Thank you, my friends. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you so very much for being here. I love you all, too. Last night I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country.

I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans. This is not the outcome we wanted or we worked so hard for, and I’m sorry we did not win this election for the values we share and the vision we hold for our country.

But I feel pride and gratitude for this wonderful campaign that we built together. This vast, diverse, creative, unruly, energized campaign. You represent the best of America, and being your candidate has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

I know how disappointed you feel, because I feel it too. And so do tens of millions of Americans who invested their hopes and dreams in this effort. This is painful, and it will be for a long time. But I want you to remember this.

Our campaign was never about one person, or even one election. It was about the country we love and building an America that is hopeful, inclusive, and big-hearted. We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought. But I still believe in America, and I always will. And if you do, then we must accept this result and then look to the future. Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead. Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power.

We don’t just respect that. We cherish it. It also enshrines the rule of law; the principle we are all equal in rights and dignity; freedom of worship and expression. We respect and cherish these values, too, and we must defend them.

Let me add: Our constitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years, but all the time. So let’s do all we can to keep advancing the causes and values we all hold dear. Making our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top, protecting our country and protecting our planet.

And breaking down all the barriers that hold any American back from achieving their dreams. We spent a year and a half bringing together millions of people from every corner of our country to say with one voice that we believe that the American dream is big enough for everyone.

For people of all races, and religions, for men and women, for immigrants, for LGBT people, and people with disabilities. For everyone.

I am so grateful to stand with all of you. I want to thank Tim Kaine and Anne Holton for being our partners on this journey.

It has been a joy get to go know them better and gives me great hope and comfort to know that Tim will remain on the front lines of our democracy representing Virginia in the Senate.

To Barack and Michelle Obama, our country owes you an enormous debt of gratitude.

We thank you for your graceful, determined leadership that has meant so much to so many Americans and people across the world. And to Bill and Chelsea, Mark, Charlotte, Aidan, our brothers and our entire family, my love for you means more than I can ever express.

You crisscrossed this country, even 4-month-old Aidan, who traveled with his mom. I will always be grateful to the talented, dedicated men and women at our headquarters in Brooklyn and across our country.

You poured your hearts into this campaign. To some of you who are veterans, it was a campaign after you had done other campaigns. Some of you, it was your first campaign. I want each of you to know that you were the best campaign anybody could have ever expected or wanted.

And to the millions of volunteers, community leaders, activists and union organizers who knocked on doors, talked to their neighbors, posted on Facebook — even in secret private Facebook sites.

I want everybody coming out from behind that and make sure your voices are heard going forward.

To anyone that sent contributions, even as small as $5, that kept us going, thank you. To all of us, and to the young people in particular, I hope you will hear this — I have, as Tim said, I have spent my entire life fighting for what I believe in.

I’ve had successes and setbacks and sometimes painful ones. Many of you are at the beginning of your professional, public, and political careers — you will have successes and setbacks too.

This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.

It is, it is worth it.

And so we need — we need you to keep up these fights now and for the rest of your lives. And to all the women, and especially the young women, who put their faith in this campaign and in me: I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion.

Now, I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday someone will — and hopefully sooner than we might think right now.

And to all of the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.

Finally, finally, I am so grateful for our country and for all it has given to me.

I count my blessings every single day that I am an American, and I still believe, as deeply as I ever have, that if we stand together and work together with respect for our differences, strengthen our convictions, and love for this nation, our best days are still ahead of us.

Because, you know, I believe we are stronger together and we will go forward together. And you should never, ever regret fighting for that. You know, scripture tells us, let us not grow weary of doing good, for in good season we shall reap. My friends, let us have faith in each other, let us not grow weary and lose heart, for there are more seasons to come and there is more work to do.

I am incredibly honored and grateful to have had this chance to represent all of you in this consequential election. May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America.

President Barack Obama also held a press conference today in which he congratulated Trump on his victory and committed to a smooth transition of power. Obama said that he will meet with Trump at the White House on Thursday. He said that he is dedicated to ensuring a successful transition of power because that is how American democracy works. Obama added, “We are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country.” A video of his speech is below.

News Source: The New York Times, Vox, NPR, The Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN

Hillary Clinton Wraps Up Campaign with Events in Three States

Hillary Clinton spent the final day of the campaign speaking at events in three states. She began at an event in Oakland, Pennsylvania where she outlined her vision of America and said that she wants “to be the president for all Americans, not just some.” She never mentioned Donald Trump by name, but she urged everyone to “rise above all of this hate-filled rhetoric.” She concluded her speech by asking everyone to get out and vote tomorrow adding, “I’m here to ask you to vote for yourselves, vote for your families, vote for your futures. … Because they are on the ballot.” A video from the event is below.

Clinton then traveled to Allendale, Michigan for a get out the vote rally on the campus of Grand Valley State University. Clinton focused more on her platform and the future of the country than she did her opponent. She spoke about her plans to create jobs, improve health care, make college more affordable, raise the minimum wage, and ensure equal pay for women. She said that if elected president, she will work for everyone and looks forward to working with Senators Debbie Stabenow and Bernie Sanders to pass a platform aimed at helping all Americans. Clinton concluded her speech by asking everyone to vote tomorrow. Watch a video of her speech below.

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a rally was held in front of a crowd of several thousand. The event began with musical performances by Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. Bill and Chelsea Clinton then took the stage and briefly spoke about the importance of the election. Next, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama each spoke about Clinton’s platform and how she is the only candidate to carry on the legacy of the Obama administration. When Clinton took the stage, she urged everyone to consider the future of the country saying that she is optimistic. She concluded by asking everyone to get out and vote tomorrow. A video from the event is below.

Hillary, Bill, and Chelsea wrapped up the campaign at a midnight rally in Raleigh, North Carolina. The event opened with performances by Jon Bon Jovi and Lady Gaga, then Chelsea and Bill spoke. They spoke about the campaign and the importance of voting tomorrow. When Hillary took the stage, shorty before 1 am, she spoke about her optimistic vision of the future and urged everyone to vote for the future they envision for our country. “I believe it’s the most important election of our lifetime. It’s not just my name or Donald Trump’s name on the ballot, it’s the kind of country you want,” she said. A video from the event is below.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Michigan Live, WOODTV, Philadelphia Inquirer, ABC 11

President Obama Campaigns in Michigan, New Hampshire

President Barack Obama campaigned for Hillary Clinton and down ballot Democrats in two states on the eve of the election. After being introduced by Chelsea Clinton in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Obama stressed the importance of electing Hillary Clinton because her vision for America will continue the progress made over the last eight years. He said, “I feel I’ve earned some credibility here. Plants that were closing when I took office are working double shift now. … When I tell you Donald Trump is not the guy who is going to work for you, you need to listen. … Don’t be bamboozled.” He went after Trump and called him “uniquely unqualified” to president. Obama concluded his speech by asking everyone to consider the future and vote tomorrow. Watch a video from the event tomorrow.

Obama then traveled to Durham, New Hampshire where he spoke with supporters about Clinton’s vision for the future and criticized Trump’s divisive rhetoric. Speaking to a packed crowd on the campus of University of New Hampshire, Obama urged everyone to get out and vote, and, more importantly, to consider the future of the country as they are submitting their ballot. Clinton’s motto “Stronger Together” is a vision for the future that ensures everyone has an opportunity and not just a privileged few. The event in Durham was Obama’s final solo event of the campaign. Watch a video of his speech below.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: Detroit Free Press, WMUR, The Boston Globe

President Obama Campaigns for Hillary in Kissimmee

President Barack Obama returned to Florida on Sunday where he campaigned for Hillary Clinton in Kissimmee. At a rally held in Osceola County Stadium, Obama spoke about the importance of the election and ensuring that Clinton is elected president on Tuesday. He spoke about Clinton’s optimistic platform including her plans to create jobs, make college more affordable, and build an economy that works for everyone. Obama said that Clinton is the only candidate that will ensure the progress the country has made will continue, and he criticized Donald Trump’s dangerous rhetoric. He concluded the event by urging everyone to vote. Stevie Wonder also performed at the event. Watch a video of Obama’s speech below.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: WESH

President Obama Makes Case for Clinton in Florida

President Barack Obama campaigned on behalf of Hillary Clinton and local Democrats in Florida on Thursday. His first event was in Miami where he spoke to a crowd on the campus of Florida International University. While he spoke about the importance of the election and why Clinton is the right person for the job, Obama also touched on the state of politics and urged everyone to not get discouraged. “I know a lot of you are cynical about politics. There’s a lot about this election that gives you reason to be. But I’m here to tell you, right now, you have a chance to move history in a better direction. You have a chance to reject divisive politics and mean-spirited politics. If we win Florida, we will win this election.” He urged everyone to take advantage of early voting or get out and vote on Tuesday. A video of the president’s speech is below.

Obama then traveled to Jacksonville where he spoke about the importance of electing local Democrats to the Senate and House in addition to Clinton as president. Obama spoke about he dangers of electing Donald Trump president saying, “This is someone who would do damage to our democracy.” He said that Clinton has devoted her life to helping families and children and her plans will build on the progress the country has made during his administration. He praised Clinton’s experience and leadership saying, “She will be smart and steady. What’s at stake in this election is the character of the nation.” He concluded the event by encouraging everyone to have a voice in this election and vote. A video from the event is below.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: Sun Sentinel, The Florida Times-Union

President Obama Campaigns for Hillary in Ohio

President Barack Obama returned to Ohio Tuesday for a campaign event in Columbus. During the event, Obama spoke about what is at stake in this election saying that “this week will decide the future of this country we love.” Obama spoke about a number of Hillary Clinton’s platform points and how they will be beneficial to Ohioans and Americans across the country. He contrasted Clinton’s plans to those proposed by Donald Trump and attacked him for his divisive comments and his statements about women saying, “If you disrespected women before you were elected, you will disrespect women once you’re president.” Obama went on to say that Clinton is the best person for the job. “Hillary Clinton is consistently treated differently than just about any other candidate I’m seeing out there. Has she made mistakes? Of course. So have I. But she is a fundamentally good and decent person who knows what she’s doing and would be an outstanding president,” he said. He urged everyone to get out and vote on November 8th for Hillary Clinton and Democrats down the ballot. Watch a video of the rally below.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: The Columbus Dispatch, The Washington Post

The Choice is Clear: Trump is Unfit to be President and Commander-In-Chief

Americans deserve a president who’s ready on Day One to keep us safe. As a former Secretary of State and senator, Hillary Clinton brings vast experience to the Oval Office, having dealt with the key issues facing Americans around the world for decades. Traveling nearly a million miles as America’s top diplomat, Hillary has handled issues ranging from nuclear proliferation to military readiness, from women’s rights  to climate change, and is ready to lead from day one.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, has proven himself again and again to be temperamentally unfit and totally unqualified to be President and Commander-in-Chief.

Beyond his lack of understanding of foreign policy and unwillingness to learn, Donald Trump is a loose cannon with dangerous views on major global issues. Trump would encourage the spread of nuclear weapons around the world, has insulted our allies and praised several authoritarian dictators.  He even encouraged a foreign government to hack Americans, and since then has refused to acknowledge the U.S. Intelligence community’s conclusion that the Russian government has done just that.

Americans deserve a president who understands the challenging world in which we live, not one who is too erratic and uninformed to have control of nuclear weapons.

Throughout his career, and throughout this campaign, on subject after subject, Trump has proven he is unfit to be commander-in-chief. As we begin the final week of the presidential campaign, here is a look back at Trump’s dangerous record on matters of defense and foreign policy:

NUCLEAR WEAPONS

On nuclear weapons, Donald Trump has displayed a reckless disregard for fact and fails to understand the dangers of nuclear proliferation. Simply put, he doesn’t have the temperament to be trusted with the nuclear codes.

• Trump has said he “loves war.”
• Trump has embraced a reckless “shoot first” foreign policy.
• Trump reportedly wondered why we can’t use nuclear weapons, if we have them.
• Trump said he wanted to be “unpredictable” with nuclear weapons.
• Trump exhibited ignorance on whether he would adopt a “no first use” doctrine.
• Trump would allow countries like Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia to acquire nuclear weapons.
• Trump appeared to have no idea what the nuclear triad
• On the prospect of nuclear war in Asia, Trump said, “good luck, enjoy yourself folks.”
• Trump’s rhetoric pushed dozens former nuclear launch officers to sign a letter saying Trump “should not have his finger on the button.”

U.S. MILITARY AND VETERANS

Trump has repeatedly insulted our military, our veterans and their families. He has been disrespecting our veterans for decades, continually proving he’s unqualified and temperamentally unfit to be commander-in-chief.

• Trump calls our military “a disaster.”
• Trump said “our military can’t beat ISIS.”
• Trump says he watches “the shows” for military advice.
• Trump has said he would consult himself on foreign policy because he has “a very good brain.”
• Trump said, “I know more about ISIS than the generals do. Believe me.”
• Trump said the generals have been “reduced to rubble.”
• Trump said John McCain was “not a war hero” because he was captured.
• Trump suggested veterans experiencing PTSD aren’t “strong.”
• Trump repeatedly criticized a Gold Star family.
• Trump’s businesses have been accused of firing employees for their military service.
• Trump lied over and over again about donating to veterans charities.
• Trump scammed veterans through his sham Trump University.
• Trump attempted to kick disabled veterans off of Fifth Avenue over two decades, calling the situation “deplorable.”

U.S. INTELLIGENCE

Trump has disparaged the U.S. intelligence community – not only rejecting their conclusions, but questioning their motives.

• When asked whether he trusts intelligence, Trump said “not so much.”
• Trump invited a foreign government to commit cyber espionage in the U.S.
• Trump maintains that we don’t know if Russia is behind recent hacks, despite being personally briefed by Republican Representative Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
• Trump called the U.S. intelligence community’s conclusion that Russia was behind that hack was “public relations, frankly” and repeatedly denied their conclusion.
• Trump has been accused by a former acting CIA director of being “an unwitting agent of Putin.”

AMERICA’S ALLIES

For decades, America has held strong alliances across the world – including those with NATO countries. NATO has stood with the United States, for example, invoking Article 5 after 9/11 and collaborating to fight the war on terror today. But on the campaign trail, Donald Trump has outlined plans to cut off America’s allies.

• Trump said he would be fine if NATO broke up.
• Trump accused NATO countries of ripping off the United States, saying “either they have to pay up… or they have to get out. And if it breaks up NATO, it breaks up NATO.”
• Trump said NATO “may be obsolete” and “doesn’t really help us.”
• Trump said he might not defend NATO allies against Russian aggression.
• Trump has extended his threats past NATO to countries like Japan and South Korea.

FOREIGN DICTATORS

Donald Trump seems to have an admiration for dictators from across the world. From Vladimir Putin to Saddam Hussein and beyond, Trump has repeatedly complimented foreign leaders known for their records of oppression and abuse..

• Trump said North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un deserves “credit” for taking out his rivals and has “got to be pretty smart.”
• Trump gave Saddam Hussein unduecredit, saying “he did one thing well, he killed terrorists.”
• Trump believes that, during the Tiananmen Square massacre, the Chinese government showed “strength.”
• Trump thinks Vladimir Putin is a better leader than President Obama, “saying in terms of leadership, he’s getting an A and our president is not doing so well.” (But of course, his praise for Putin doesn’t stop there.)

FOREIGN BUSINESS ENTANGLEMENTS

Trump’s extensive foreign dealings would present significant conflicts of interest and endanger our national security. Trump refuses to disclose the full extent of his foreign business entanglements – but without knowing the details of them, how will Americans know whose interests Trump is putting first? What we do know is concerning.

• Trump has extensive global financial dealings.
• Trump admitted that if his business interests were threatened by another country’s government, he would retaliate with the power of the US government.
• Trump has a record of business dealings with foreign governments – including Iran and China that we don’t know the extent of.
• Trump has also had numerous foreign business partners we don’t know much about – including one that is allegedly linked to an international money laundering network.
• Trump is in debt to foreign institutions for hundreds of millions of dollars.
• Trump’s foreign entanglements would pose unprecedented challenges for U.S. foreign policy and national security.

ISIS

Despite Trump’s claims that he has a “secret” plan to defeat ISIS, he has no real plan at all. And his rhetoric is dangerously playing into terrorists’ hands.

• Trump would “ask [his] generals” – the very same generals he believes he knows more than – for a plan to defeat ISIS, since he doesn’t currently have any plan at all.
• Trump would continue to promote Russia’s brutal bombing campaign in Syria that is targeting civilians instead of ISIS.
• Trump has suggested he would allow Syria to become a “free zone for ISIS.”
• Trump would ban Muslims from entering the U.S., a policy that feeds radical jihadist propaganda.
• Trump would engage in torture in the fight against ISIS and kill the families of terrorists.

IRAN

Donald Trump’s approach to Iran is devoid of any substance. He has prefered to denigrate American leaders and spew lies when it comes to Iran — though he was willing to deal with Iran when it made him money.

• Trump has repeatedly lied about the Iran deal.
• Trump has also repeatedly lied about Iran’s release of Americans.
• Trump has peddled falsehoods about Iran’s ability to pursue a nuclear weapon.
• Trump has been exposed as a lessor to Iranian bank linked to terrorism.

NORTH KOREA

Trump doesn’t understand the threat North Korea poses. On the campaign trail, Trump has taken positions that would endanger the security of the  United States and our allies and embolden North Korea.

• Trump would meet with Kim Jong-Un, despite his continued violations of  international obligations to abandon his nuclear and missile programs.
• Trump would consider cutting off defense support to Japan and South Korea.
• Trump would open to door to nuclear proliferation in the region. When asked whether it’s “fine” for Japan and South Korea to get nuclear weapons, Trump said, “Can I be honest with you? It’s going to happen anyway.”
• Trump joked about the prospect of nuclear war between Japan and North Korea, saying “good luck, enjoy yourself folks.”

RUSSIA

While Clinton has stood up to Russia, Trump panders to Putin. He has voiced support for policies and positions that align exactly with the Kremlin’s interests.

• Trump backed Brexit and celebrated the result of the vote.
• Trump casually predicts the dissolution of the EU.
• Trump calls NATO obsolete, says he wouldn’t mind leaving it and threatens to shirk our responsibility to defend our NATO allies unless they pay up.
• Trump criticized the U.S. for resisting Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
• Ahead of the GOP convention, Trump’s campaign bucked fellow Republicans by maneuvering to ensure the party platform no longer calls for arming the Ukrainians, and then lied about it.
• Trump has floated permanently ceding Crimea to Russia as well as lifting sanctions, after he seemingly had no idea Russia invaded Crimea two years ago.
• Trump has even encouraged Russian espionage to interfere in our election on his behalf, and denied the Kremlin’s evident involvement in hacks on U.S. political entities, a strategy Putin has deployed across Europe to try to install candidates reminiscent of Trump.
• Trump announced he would meet with Putin prior to the start of his administration, if elected president.

SYRIA

To date, Donald Trump has not laid out any real plans with respect to Syria or offered any indication that he takes the conflict and humanitarian disaster seriously.

• Trump suggested Syria should be a “free zone for ISIS.”
• Trump raised the possibility of sending 20,000 – 30,000 U.S. ground troops to Syria and Iraq.
• Trump praised and encouraged Russia’s brutal bombing campaign in Syria, despite the climbing total civilian casualties and attacks on U.S.-backed forces.

Trump peddled lies about Syrian refugees.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

Hillary Clinton Campaigns in Ohio

Hillary Clinton returned to Ohio on Monday where she began the day at an event on the campus of Kent State University. During her speech, Clinton briefly addressed the FBI’s investigation into her email, and she urged the bureau to release the findings to the American voters. She said that she is confident that nothing will be found. Clinton then spoke about a number of her platform points including her plans to create jobs, build an economy that works for everyone, and make college more affordable. Clinton also attacked Donald Trump for his temperament and divisive rhetoric saying, “Imagine him in the Oval Office facing a real crisis. Imagine him plunging us into a war because someone got under his very thin skin.” She then asked everyone to get out and vote on November 8th or to take advantage of early voting. A video of Clinton’s speech is below.

Clinton then spoke at a rally in Cincinnati where she was introduced by Mark Kelly and former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Clinton, again, opened her speech by addressing the FBI’s investigation into her emails saying, “Go ahead: Look at them.” She then spoke about the importance of the election and far reaching effects the next four years will have on this country. She presented her plans to continue the economic growth started by the administration of President Barack Obama and said that she wanted to make even more progress. She also attacked Trump for his relationship with Russia and his famously short temper. Clinton concluded by asking voters to support her because she wants to win Ohio. Watch a video from the event below.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: Cleveland.com, WKBN, Cincinnati.com, Fox 19

Kaine Campaigns in North Carolina, Holton in Nebraska

On Monday, Tim Kaine campaigned in North Carolina where he began the day at an event in Jacksonville. During his speech, Kaine outlined a number of Hillary Clinton’s key platform points including her plans to create jobs and continue the economic growth started by the administration of President Barack Obama. He said that the goal is to build an economy that works for everyone, and not just those at the top. Kaine also spoke about Donald Trump and attacked Trump for his disrespect for the military. As the father of a Marine, Kaine said, “We need someone who has known about (the military) in the past and know what we look for in the future, even know what the military stands for other than fighting.” Kaine wrapped up the event by asking everyone to vote and to take advantage of the state’s early voting adding, “You are not the kind of people to stand by. We’re going to go out on November 8 and make history and do something that’s never been done.” A video from the event is below.

In Sanford, Kaine continued to focus on the economy and Clinton’s plans to create jobs by investing in infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, education and training, and helping small businesses. Kaine urged everyone to not become complacent by current polls indicating that the gap that favored Clinton in the polls is closing, something he said they knew would happen. “I’m the underdog until they call me the winner,” he said asking everyone to vote on November 8th or to take advantage of early voting. A video from the Sanford event is below.

Meanwhile, Kaine’s wife, Anne Holton, was in Omaha, Nebraska where she held two events in appreciation of campaign volunteers. Full coverage from Holton’s events will be posted when/if available.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: WNCT, Charlotte News & Observer