A day after a heated exchange with protesters, Former President Bill Clinton is offering a near-apology for his behavior at a campaign event for his wife, Hillary Clinton.
Bill Clinton told supporters in Erie, Pennsylvania on Friday that he likes protests but it “bothers” him when the activists drown him out.
“So I did something yesterday in Philadelphia. I almost wanted to apologize for it, but I want to use it as an example of the danger threatening our country,” he said.
Bill Clinton said Americans need to be able to have conversations, even when they are angry — a standard he failed to meet on Thursday afternoon with the protesters.
“I realized, finally, I was talking past her in the way she was talking past me. We got to stop that in this country. We got to listen to each other,” he said.
The handful of protesters at the Hillary Clinton presidential rally were objecting to welfare reform and gun violence laws passed when he was in office 20 years ago.
They stood in the crowd holding signs reading “Clinton crime bill destroyed our communities” and “Welfare reform increased poverty.”
As first lady, Hillary Clinton used the term “super-predators” to describe young people in gangs in a 1996 speech about the crime bill — one of her husband’s signature policy achievements. Some blacks have found the term offensive and Hillary Clinton has said she regrets using the term.
Bill Clinton has also said he regrets signing the 1994 legislation because it contributed to high incarceration rates of black people for nonviolent crimes, like minor drug offenses.
You can see the confrontation here —
The Associated Press contributed to this article
The results of passage of that bill were 30% reduction of crime and 50% reduction of murder in black neighborhoods. So obviously this bill was racist, right BLM?
Love it when liberals eat their beloved politician who once was touted their Reagan. Now the left is pushing to male Boy Obama their new Reagan clone.
If Trump, Cruz or even Sanders yelled at Black Lives Matters people then CNN, CBS, ABC, MSNBC, etc. would be labeling them as racists, bigots and segregationists. Billy did it, so it’s fine. Actually some of the things Billy said were true.
Bill Clinton spoke the truth about Black lives matter. Hillary should be in jail I can’t believe she can run for Presudent. I want Trump he is the only one to straighten this country out. I don’t think we need political parties in the US it’s just another way for all these crooks to cheat.
You so got that right! And people should see how hard not only is our media but our own government left and right are trying to stop that man. That right there should show everyone how corrupt our government is.
He needs to regret signing the bill for NAFTA. That is when all of our jobs started leaving this country. In North Carolina we had the number one best cotton mills that made our blue jeans material. There where a lot of Black and white people who had worked there most of there lifes. Everyone who worked there most of there life’s had money died up for stocks and bonds. And that was money that they where hopeing on liveing on when they retired. And because of Bill Clinton signing that bill NAFTA and promising us that it would not hurt our jobs! In witch was a right out lie! It it costs all of them people to lose all that money that they were going to live on and they depended on to live on the rest of their lives. So I just don’t understand why most of our black people put their trust into him and now Hillary Clinton. And for the sake of me why our young people are falling for this country to become a socialist country. If this happens then what our vice president said will come true we will all be put in Chains. Why can’t everyone see why this country is going down because I can tell you why but most of you will make fun of me and call me a Bible thumper! But 911 was our Lord trying to get our attention because the USA has done exactly what Israel did they turned their backs on God that is exactly what this country has done and if we don’t turn back it’s just going to get worse!!!!! Make fun of me all you like but it is so true. I pray that I reached one person because it is better than not reaching anyone! God bless you all and I pray that our Heveanley Father reaches a lot of you. Thank you for letting me speak with I feel and know to be true. ….and to the people who have nothing better to do with there life to make fun of my spelling I’ll let you know I’m used to it. But I’m 56 years old and I know I suck at spelling. But I have also seen this country going to crap! I’m not a Democrat or Republican but I am voting for Donald Trump I’d like to see Donald Trump and dr. Ben Carson as our next president and vice president . Ted Cruz will not get my vote ! I don’t trust him or our government! it has been corrupted. I do believe that there is some people who work for our government that are true at heart but know if they where to open there mouth that they will be blackballed and want be able to ever get another JOB. Good day and God bless! In Jesus Christ Holy name Amen !!!
You are correct: NAFTA created our long term unemployment problem.
Finally Bill tells it like it is. Then apologizes for stating the facts. Hillary must have jumped his ass. No doubt.
Truthfully I don’t dislike Bill Clinton as much as I should. During his time jobs and money were good. So I have lots of good memories of his time as President. And in this story Mr. Clinton is 100% correct.
Damage to America has been increased by all the past Presidents of the US. They are all greedy and could care less about the welfare of American citizens. Our ancestors and retirees have made this country successful. I wouldn’t give the Clinton’s or Obama air in a jug. The only reason Mr. Clinton would apologize for what he said is he knows that it might jeopardize Hillary’s chances to be President. We need true leadership and someone that cares about our country. I truly have to say that our veterans and retired should be reconciled and taken care of better than they are.
Does this W.C.Fields (sorry W.C.) lookalike really think anybody cares what he says? Come on man, go home and stay home!
I’ve hated that creep since he was our President, but then I saw the video of him and the protesters and for the very first time ever i felt a glimmer of hope that democrats might actually be growing some balls. But no… I was wrong. They shriveled and dried up and he ran away crying, just like all those who came before him and all who will come after. What a wiener.
I always felt Bill Clinton was a good president. I did vote for Hillary in 2008 but not 2012. This year I will vote republican cause I feel Trump would do good for our country. Is he perfect??? No, but none of us are. Nor are any of the candidates that are running. I like how Trump tells it like it is. Now you have Democratics/Republicans always fighting against each other. I think we just may need a non politician in office.
With reservations, I’ll also vote for Mr. Trump. I do agree with many of Mr. Cruz’ conservative social ideas. But reality forces me to hope Trump keeps his word on the important issues/promises. We just need Mr. Trump to focus.