Hillary Clinton victim of ‘sexist abuse’ from Sanders supporters
BILL CLINTON has lashed out at Bernie Sanders, accusing the socialist senator’s followers of making “sexist” comments about his wife.
The former president attacked Hillary Clinton’s opponent on the eve of a key vote in the race for the Democratic nomination for the White House.
With New Hampshire due to decide today, Mrs Clinton is more than 10 points behind Mr Sanders in polls.
During a rally Mr Clinton said his wife’s supporters had suffered “unbelievable personal attacks”.
He said: “People who have gone online to defend Hillary, to explain why they supported her, have been subject to vicious trolling and attacks that are literally too profane, often, not to mention sexist, to repeat.”
A small number of Sanders supporters have gained a reputation for harassing those who disagree with them. Mr Sanders has called their actions “disgusting”.
According to polls of New Hampshire Democratic voters, 64 per cent of women under the age of 45 support Mr Sanders. In an attempt to sway women Mrs Clinton had Madeleine Albright, the first female US secretary of state, appear at a rally. Mrs Albright said: “Hillary Clinton will always be there for you. Just remember there’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other.”
Gloria Steinem, the feminist, suggested young women were only going to Mr Sanders’s rallies to find a boyfriend. Both interventions backfired as women said they were “insulted” to be told they should vote just on gender.
Mr Clinton also called Mr Sanders hypocritical for attacking Wall Street and “the billionaire class”.
Referring to reports that Mr Sanders had taken part in party events where wealthy donors gave more than $30,000 (£21,000) a year, Mr Clinton said: “He [Sanders] says anybody that doesn’t agree with me is a tool of the establishment, anybody who takes money from Goldman Sachs couldn’t possibly be president. He may have to tweak that answer a little bit.”
Tad Devine, Mr Sanders’ chief strategist, called Mr Clinton’s comments “disappointing.”