A reporter suggested Monday during a press conference with Hillary Clinton that the Russians may have coordinated a series of attacks this weekend in New Jersey, New York and Minnesota in an effort to help Donald Trump win the White House.
Bloomberg News’ Jennifer Epstein addressed the Democratic nominee Monday morning, saying, “Are you concerned that this weekend’s attacks or potential incidents in the coming weeks might be an attempt by [the Islamic State] or [Islamic State] sympathizers or really any other group, maybe Russians, to influence the presidential race in some way and presumably try to drive votes to Donald Trump who is, as you’ve said before, widely seen as perhaps being somebody who they would be more willing to – or see as an easier person to be against?”
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Clinton responded by arguing Trump’s rhetoric has given aid and comfort to terrorist groups, especially ISIS.
“[T]he kinds of rhetoric and language that Mr. Trump has used is giving aid and comfort to our adversaries,” the Democratic nominee said, citing similar remarks by the former head of the National Counterterrorism Center, Matt Olsen.
“[W]e know that Donald Trump’s comments have been used online for recruitment of terrorists. We’ve heard that from former CIA Director Michael Hayden, who made it a very clear point when he said Donald Trump is being used as a recruiting sergeant for the terrorists,” Clinton said.
Her comments come shortly after a series of attacks this weekend, including several reportedly coordinated bombings in New York and New Jersey. There was also a stabbing attack in Minnesota for which the Islamic State has claimed responsibility.
Clinton also emphasized Monday that she is the only presidential candidate qualified to fight terrorism.
“Here’s what we know, and I think it’s important for voters to hear this and weigh it in making their choice in November: We know that a lot of the rhetoric we’ve heard from Donald Trump has been seized on by terrorists, in particular ISIS,” she said. “They are looking to make this into a war against Islam. Rather than a war against jihadists, violent terrorist, people who number in the maybe tens of thousands, not the tens of millions, they want to use that to recruit more fighters to their cause by turning into a religious conflict.
“That’s why I’ve been very clear we’re going after the bad guys, and we’re going to get them. But we’re not going to go after an entire religion and give ISIS exactly want it’s wanting in order for them to enhance their position,” Clinton said. “I’m the only candidate in this race who has been part of the hard decision to take terrorists off the battlefield.”
