Hillary wants Hamilton on $10, Jackson off $20

Hillary Clinton wants Alexander Hamilton to keep his position on the $10 bill and Andrew Jackson to lose his spot on the $20 to a woman to be named later.

“Keep him where he is,” Clinton, referring to Hamilton, told the New York Daily News editorial board Saturday.

According to the paper, Clinton said she’s discussed the matter with Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew.

It’s no surprise that Clinton would join opponents of ousting Hamilton. With the popularity of the musical “Hamilton,” the first Treasury secretary and famous federalist has gone from an often-overlooked to one of the trendiest Founding Fathers. Jackson, a hero of the War of 1812 famous for his support for expanding the franchise, is unfashionable today due to his brutal treatment of Native Americans and ownership of slaves.

Clinton told the Daily News she’s been into Hamilton since well before the musical arrived on Broadway. She noted that she read the biography on which Hamilton was loosely based.

Clinton lauded Hamilton’s background as an immigrant who became a top aide to George Washington as cause for leaving him on currency.

Last year, Lew said he plans to redesign the $10 bill to feature a woman, at least on some bills. That annoucement proved controverial especially in New York, Hamilton’s adopted home, and Clinton’s, where she is currently campaigning ahead of the state’s April 19 primary.

“Hamilton” star and writer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is a backer of leaving Hamilton on money, said Lew told him during a short meeting last month that “you’re going to be very happy,” with the department’s plans.

It appears that Clinton was not asked at the interview what woman she hopes to will replace Jackson on the $20.

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