Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell argued Thursday that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton needs to “smile more” in Monday’s first presidential debate, echoing recent comments from Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus.
“I actually agree with Reince Priebus — smile more,” Rendell said on MSNBC, referring to advice that the Republican National Committee chairman has also offered. “If Trump says something stupid, I would just have a big smile on my face and then zing him. Zing him with a big smile on your face.”
Priebus made the initial comment while critiquing Clinton’s performance in the commander in chief forum in early September, which was roundly derided by Democrats.
“@HillaryClinton was angry + defensive the entire time — no smile and uncomfortable — upset that she was caught wrongly sending our secrets,” Priebus tweeted about the forum, which was hosted by NBC’s Matt Lauer.
Clinton shot back soon after by saying her demeanor showed what taking the presidency “seriously” looks like.
Rendell, a longtime and top surrogate for Clinton, predicted that Trump will not be able to be “gentlemanly” during the course of the debate. He also argued that Clinton needs to show that she can be presidential and commander in chief.
“I think when people watch a presidential debate, they sort of close their eyes and say ‘can that person be president?’ They’re not saying ‘can that person be authentic.’ They’re not even saying ‘can that person be likeable.’ Is that person presidential caliber. I think she can demonstrate that. I think she can also be funny, and I hope she will be,” he said.
