Clinton cheered at first press conference of 2016

Printed from: https://newbostonpost.com/2016/08/06/clinton-draws-applause-at-her-first-press-conference-in-2016/

WASHINGTON — Hillary Clinton at long last fielded questions from the press on Friday — her first time thus far in 2016 — but some of the questions weren’t exactly what you’d expect to hear from a gaggle of reporters hungry to vet a presidential candidate.

Q: Kevin Merida. I’m editor-in-chief of The Undefeated at ESPN. What is the most meaningful conversation you’ve had with an African-American friend?

Q: My question is, you’ve accused Donald Trump of using racist and sexist language. What does it say about the electorate that so many Americans are supporting him?

Clinton’s pseudo press conference occurred at the start of a joint weekend conference between the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

“Throughout her campaign, Hillary Clinton has placed an emphasis on inclusion and has shown support for communities of color,” NAHJ President Mekahlo Medina said in a prepared statement. “Her decision to support this event further shows her commitment to diversity, and we welcome her just as we’ve welcomed President George W. Bush and Mexican President Vicente Fox to previous conventions.”

There was at least one intrepid journalist at the event who asked Clinton about the taboo subject of trustworthiness in a presidential candidate, however:

When she wasn’t fielding hard-hitting questions like being asked about her relationship with black friends and how “racist and sexist” her opponent is, Clinton made announcements about technological improvements to her campaign and enjoyed cheers from the journalists in attendance.

Later, Clinton was the beneficiary of lofty headlines touting the “historic” nature of Friday’s appearance, although not for the reasons some may think, such as the historic length of time spent between fielding questions from the press:

Not all who traveled to Friday’s convention were able to witness history, however. According to a report posted to the NABJ website, scores of journalists were turned away from the Clinton event due to an apparent registration mix-up.