New Clinton Endorsements Prompt Questions About Where She Stands

Throughout her campaign, Hillary Clinton has taken flak from all points on the political spectrum. House Speaker Paul Ryan once remarked that any Republican would be a better choice for president, and she’s been the subject of Republican National Committee hate ads.

But liberals—and not just those feeling the Bern—also have called her out for her conservative policies, going as far as labeling her “2016’s real conservative.”

Those watching this election season unfold must wonder, “So, what is she—a conservative or a liberal?” But the answer doesn’t seem to be getting any clearer, as declarations of support continue to emerge from opposing ideological sides.

Earlier this week, amid rumors that Clinton was considering Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren as a vice presidential pick, Wall Street donors made their interests clear. “These donors despise Warren’s attacks on the financial industry,” writes Politico. “[T]hey warned that if Clinton surprises them and taps Warren, big donations from the industry could vanish.”

Considering that Warren is praised by liberals for her position on big banks and Wall Street, this comes as no surprise. But on Tuesday, Jon Corzine, a “former New Jersey governor and past Goldman Sachs co-CEO,” declared his support for Warren. Yahoo Finance reports:

Corzine, a Hillary Clinton friend and supporter, disagreed during a conversation with Yahoo Finance on Tuesday evening on a New York City sidewalk. He said that he really liked Warren as a choice and thought that it would be a great ticket. Records show that he’s contributed a total of $50,000 to a Clinton-affiliated super PAC last year. …

Corzine spent 24 years at Goldman Sachs, becoming the youngest person to ever be named senior partner. He later served as the co-CEO of the bank from 1994 until 1999 when he abruptly stepped aside following a power struggle, leaving Hank Paulson as the bank’s sole CEO.

All this stemmed from no more than a rumor of who is on Clinton’s short list for vice president. And on Wednesday, a direct endorsement of the Clinton campaign created major waves: Brent Scowcroft, a former national security adviser for Republican presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush, gave Clinton his support:

“Secretary Clinton shares my belief that America must remain the world’s indispensable leader,” Scowcroft said in a statement, touting her experience as secretary of state. She understands that our leadership and engagement beyond our borders makes the world, and therefore the United States, more secure and prosperous. She appreciates that it is essential to maintain our strong military advantage, but that force must only be used as a last resort.” …

Clinton, Scowcroft stated, “brings deep expertise in international affairs, and a sophisticated understanding of the world,” qualities he described as “essential for the Commander-in-Chief.”

“Her longstanding relationships with a wide array of world leaders, and their sense of her as a strong and reliable counterpart, make her uniquely prepared for the highest office in the land,” he added.

These sentiments of support and opposition only add to the confusion about the interests a Clinton presidency would serve. Perhaps this Republican and big bank support is a reflection of Donald Trump’s continuing downward spiral, but these recent endorsements certainly don’t help alleviate the fears of progressives, who worry that Clinton is too conservative.

Additionally, many liberals who are ardent supporters of Warren worry that she would “sell out” by becoming Clinton’s VP, although others think putting Warren on the ticket would increase the likelihood that Clinton will enact more progressive policies.

Either way, we’re still months from the general election, and as more endorsements emerge, it may become even harder to tell where Clinton stands.

—Posted by Emma Niles