Clinton cheered at first press conference of 2016
By Evan Lips | August 6, 2016, 10:51 EDT
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?
.@HillaryClinton says has a “crew”!of great African-American friends, has a lifetime of great friendships #NABJNAHJ16
— Cherri Gregg (@cherrigregg) August 5, 2016
.@HillaryClinton on her African American friends: “They tried to expand my musical tastes.” #NABJNAHJ16 pic.twitter.com/F5sfVE2x7u
— Colin NOT Collins (@ColinUdoh) August 6, 2016
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:
#HillaryClinton acknowledges trust issues during #NABJNAHJ16 address https://t.co/ZW23qyBYC7 @AP
— Anita Bennett (@tvanita) August 6, 2016
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.
Why is there applause for Hillary Clinton at #NABJNAHJ16? Journalists should not be applauding a presidential candidate publicly. SMH.
— Nicole Fuller (@nicolefuller) August 5, 2016
Clinton at #NABJNAHJ16 says she's launched a Spanish language twitter account.
— NPR Politics (@nprpolitics) August 5, 2016
#NABJNAHJ16 @HillaryClinton @DetroitNABJ @NABJ @NABJCC @nabjwisc pic.twitter.com/KVAlXZqq8n
— Vickie Thomas (@VickiethomasWWJ) August 6, 2016
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:
Clinton Makes History Again At NABJ/NAHJ Event https://t.co/qnfaPI20jR #philly
— Philly Luna C (@PhillyLunaC) August 5, 2016
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.
I don’t recall the logistics for the Clinton/Obama events at @NABJ 2007 being this disorganized and ridiculous. #NABJNAHJ16
— Michelle D.A. (@michelleDetc) August 5, 2016
Got the second-best view of Democratic presidential nominee Secretary @HillaryClinton speaking at #NABJNAHJ16 pic.twitter.com/XpEvWmTjGQ
— Elizabeth Gurdus (@elizabethgurdus) August 5, 2016