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U.S. NEWSSaturday 9 April 2016
Clinton, Sanders spar in New York over ‘qualifications’
J. PACE Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton waits for a subway train at the 161St - Yankee where I thought she was
K. RONAYNE Stadium stop in the Bronx borough of New York. lacking.”
Associated Press Earlier Friday, at a Man-
WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (AP) (AP Photo/Richard Drew) hattan town hall meeting
Democratic candidates broadcast on NBC’s “To-
tried to shift attention back a Friday interview with The to Clinton’s own attacks. very clear that we will not day Show,” Sanders said
to Republicans Friday, but Associated Press, he said “They’re going after us very be a doormat, we will not “of course,” Clinton was
their spat over qualifica- he has kept his promise of big time and in a very neg- be attacked without re- qualified to become presi-
tions continued, with Hillary focusing his fire on policy ative way,” Sanders said. sponding. And my point dent. Clinton told report-
Clinton calling a hit from and was simply responding “And I wanted to make was to focus on the issues ers Friday that she hoped
Bernie Sanders a “misrepre- the increasingly combat-
sentation.” ive tone of the Democratic
Speaking to reporters in Wil- primary would not make it
liamsville, New York, Clinton hard to later unify the party
said there was “no basis” around one candidate,
for the remarks and “I don’t noting that she supported
know why he made them President Barack Obama
in the first place.” after losing to him in 2008.
Asked if she thought Sand- “I worked hard to unify the
ers was qualified, Clin- party when I dropped out
ton said: “Yes. As I said, I in 2008 and endorsed then
would take him over Don- Sen. Obama. I think it’s im-
ald Trump or Ted Cruz any portant we unify the party
day.” because the real test will
The conflict between the be in the general election,”
two flared this week ahead Clinton said. “I can’t imag-
of the April 19 New York pri- ine what would happen to
mary. Sanders has backed our country if Donald Trump
away from his suggestion or Ted Cruz were elected.
that Hillary Clinton isn’t So I’m going to work hard
qualified to be president. In to unify the party.”q
AP-GfK Poll: Many dislike Clinton, but more disdain Trump
LISA LERER WASHINGTON (AP) — Fifty- opinion of Democratic But that’s not nearly as bad that’s about the same
EMILY SWANSON five percent of Americans front-runner Hillary Clinton
Associated Press say they have a negative in the latest AP-GfK poll. as how they view the lead- number as those who have
ing candidate for the Re- a “very unfavorable” opin-
publican nomination, Don- ion of Trump.
aldTrump. His unfavorable As the campaign moves
rating stands at an unprec- toward the general elec-
edented 69 percent. tion, Democrats argue,
The negative feelings for the dynamic will shift from
both are a harbinger of a being a referendum on
general election contest Clinton’s character to a
that’s shaping up to be less choice between her and
about voters supporting the a Republican opponent.
candidate of their choice, If that Republican isTrump,
and more about their pick- Democrats see an opportu-
ing the one they dislike the nity to unify their own party
least. behind Clinton and make
“I don’t really feel like either inroads with independents
one is that trustworthy,” and Republicans.
said Devin Sternadre, 26, a Nearly half of all registered
student. “Most of the elec- voters say they would at
tions that have happened least consider voting for
in the past I’ve felt strongly Clinton, far more than say
about a candidate, and I they are open to voting
just don’t this time. for Trump.
“But yeah, if it was held Sixty-three percent say they
today I guess I would vote definitely wouldn’t vote
Clinton,” he said, with a for Trump in a general elec-
deep sigh. “I just wish there tion.
were more choices.” Even in more historically
Democratic strategists conservative Southern
say Trump’s deep unpopu- states, where Trump swept
larity has alleviated some the Republican primaries,
of their concern over views voters are somewhat more
of Clinton. While 55 per- likely to say they would at
cent of Americans have a least consider Clinton. Half
“somewhat” or “very” un- say they are open to her
favorable impression of the candidacy, and 39 per-
former secretary of state, cent to his.q
