FBI reopens Clinton e-mail probe just days before poll
washington — The FBI told US lawmakers on Friday it has reopened its review of White House frontrunner Hillary Clinton’s use of a personal email server when she was secretary of state, after discovering new mails “that appear to be pertinent”.
With just 11 days to go before the November 8 election, FBI director James Comey said his agency would take “appropriate investigative steps” to decide whether a new batch of mails contained classified information “as well as to assess their importance to the investigation”.
Republican Donald Trump jumped on the news, praising the FBI for reviewing its decision to close the inquiry and arguing that the Democrat’s use of a private server while in office should disqualify her from the presidency. — AFP
winston-salem (North Carolina) — As first ladies they could hardly have been more different. But as Democrats looking to fire up female voters, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton were firmly bonded on Thursday.
In their first joint appearance on the campaign trail, Mrs Obama and Clinton talked up their shared respect, common values and singular goal: Defeating Republican Donald Trump. They papered over a somewhat rocky history and their vastly different paths through public life.
With Mrs Obama aiming to secure her husband’s legacy and Clinton needing to propel women to the polls, the two women sought to celebrate their political marriage of mutual interest, and reassure voters it’s real.
“Seriously, is there anyone more inspiring than Michelle Obama?” Clinton asked, as a crowd in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, answered with cheers. Mrs. Obama declared the feeling mutual. She referred to Clinton as “my girl” and offered reassurance that her testimony for Clinton is both personal and political.
Since she’s emerged as Clinton’s headline-grabbing surrogate, people wonder one thing, Mrs Obama noted.
“Yes, Hillary Clinton is my friend,” she answered. It’s a reasonable question. In the East Wing, Clinton dived into policy, undertook a massive project and failed under a harsh spotlight. Mrs Obama largely steered clear and enjoyed quieter, modest success. Both Ivy Leaguetrained lawyers with their own careers, Clinton bridled under the stereotypes associated with the office, while Mrs Obama declared herself “mom-in-chief.” While Clinton held onto her maiden name, her Democratic successor let it be known she preferred the “Mrs” title.
And when her time in the White House was ending, Clinton began plotting her return to Washington. Mrs Obama hasn’t hidden her readiness to leave. The White House has quickly and repeatedly shot down any talk of the first lady continuing in politics. Acknowledging her reluctance in the political spotlight, she said, “I would not be here” if she didn’t believe so strongly Clinton would be a president she would trust.
“I believe with all of my heart that Hillary Clinton will be that president,” she said.
Clinton’s day in North Carolina turned into a college tour, as she tried to push young voters to the polls.
After the rally, Clinton drove to Greensboro, where she greeted students at an early voting site at University of North CarolinaGreensboro. She then dropped in on a homecoming pep rally at the historically black North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University nearby.
The former secretary of state was greeted by a DJ blasting hiphop, a dance troupe, a marching band and deafening cheers at the surprise stop. “The Aggies are in the house!” she cheered back.
“I hope you will all vote in this election because it’s so much about you!” she said.
Mrs Obama’s appearances have become a key part of Clinton’s effort to fire up women — particularly black women, for whom she’s a model and a source of pride. And Democrats have relished Mrs. Obama’s speeches as high points of the campaign cycle. Her passionate response to Trump’s vulgar comments about women brought an emotional resonance that Clinton, who rarely gets personal on the stump, doesn’t often deliver.
Both Clinton and Mrs Obama on Thursday revived a line from the latter’s speech at the Democratic National Convention — “When they go low, we go high” — turning it into a call and response.
The Winston-Salem event drew some 11,000 people, according to the fire marshal, one of largest crowds of Clinton’s campaign. Trump repeatedly boasts that his crowds are generally larger than hers.
The audience roared as the two women walked onstage, turned to each other and embraced, the first lady towering over the shorter candidate.
The new partnership has made for a striking odd couple on substance, too.
As first lady, Mrs Obama has largely dodged controversial issues. She’s stayed focused on her projects involving healthful eating, exercise, support for military families and education for girls — avoiding public opinions on thornier subjects. —