When it comes to the 2016 presidential race, Hillary Clinton shouldn’t be judged for the actions and indiscretions of her husband while he was president, former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Mass.) said on Meet the Press Sunday.
While conducted the interview with Romney, host David Gregory pointed out that Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has outspokenly condemned Bill Clinton for his relationship with then-White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Paul has also suggested that Democratic candidates who have accepted money from the former President should give it back. Gregory asked Romney if the former Secretary of State should be judged on the record of her husband.
“I don’t think Bill Clinton is as relevant as Hillary Clinton, if Hillary Clinton decides to run for president,” Romney answered. “And in her case, I think people will look at her record as Secretary of State.”
Romney told Gregory that people will look at relationship between the United States and other nations during Clinton’s tenure as Secretary, judging whether or not U.S. interests were elevated or not. The former GOP presidential nominee didn’t specifically mention the attack in Benghazi, but it will likely be the biggest point of contention when it comes to Clinton’s record.
Romney didn’t, however, dismiss the national humiliation caused by Clinton during his presidency. While Romney acknowledged the period of economic prosperity during the Clinton administration, he also pointed out that Bill “embarrassed the nation.”
“He breached his responsibility, I think, as an adult and as a leader in his relationship,” Romney said.
As unfortunate as that incident was to the Clinton family and the rest of the country, Romney said he doesn’t feel like the former First Lady is the one who needs to answer for it, disagreeing with Paul’s attacks.
The former Governor also reiterated his promise to stay out of the 2016 presidential race, which would be his third time running for the Oval Office.
“Is there something, Governor, that might make you change your mind?” Gregory asked. “Reagan, after all, he ran three times, didn’t he?”
“You know, I’m not Ronald Reagan,” Romney joked. “I think that’s been pointed out to me before. I’m not running for President.”
