Hillary Clinton avoided wouldn’t say Tuesday if she definitely plans to hold more press conferences.
The moment occurred as she spoke in a phone interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, who noted that it has been several months since the Democratic front-runner last hosted a media briefing.
“Is that something you’re going to remedy soon?” Tapper asked.
“Oh, I’m sure we will. Look, I was shocked myself that I’ve done nearly 300 interviews just in 2016,” she said. “But I believe that we do and we should answer questions. Of course I’m going to, in many, many different kinds of settings.”
Though Clinton has participated in hundreds of interviews this year, they have been mostly tightly orchestrated affairs. The sort off-the-cuff cross examinations for which media briefings are best known have been a rarity on the Clinton campaign trail.
In fact, her last press conference was on Dec. 4, 2015.
Tapper also addressed GOP nominee Donald Trump’s abrasive style with the media, including when the billionaire said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon that an ABC News reporter was a “sleaze.”
“Historically speaking, throughout your decades in public life, you and your husband have had occasionally contentious relationships with journalists,” the CNN anchor said, pivoting to Clinton’s own relationship with media.
Tapper then asked Clinton for her thoughts on Trump’s Tuesday afternoon media briefing.
“I had my team check. I have done nearly 300 interviews just in 2016. And I believe that it’s important to continue to, you know, speak to the press as I’m doing right now and to understand that his attacking everybody, fellow Republicans, Democrats, I mean, the press, you just name it, he attacks everybody, is a recipe for gridlock in Washington,” Clinton laughed.
Earlier, as Trump spoke to reporters Tuesday about his donations to veterans groups, Clinton’s campaign spokesman criticized the Republican candidate for his style and demeanor.
“EVERYONE STOP,” Jesse Ferguson tweeted. “Close your eyes for a moment. Think about the press conference you just watched. Now try to imagine him as President. Thanks.”
A few members of media were quick to note that Trump at least holds press briefings.
