In a speech today about the Iran deal at the Brookings Institution, Hillary Clinton mentioned Russia and Vladimir Putin. She defended her Russia Reset, and then said something strange:
“I don’t admire very much about Mr. Putin, but the idea you can stand up and say ‘I will be your next president,” that does have a certain attraction to it.”
This is particularly awkward for several reasons. First, her Russia Reset is regarded by many as a failure (though she steadfastly defends it), so joking about Vladimir Putin might not have been the best idea. Furthermore, earlier this week it was reported Clinton was planning to be more spontaneous and authentic. Noting she admires the autocratic leader makes her come off as more power-hungry than authentic.
