DENVER — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) briefly played the role of attack dog on Barack Obama’s behalf Tuesday, taking a mild shot at Republican candidate John McCain.
Speaking to a gathering of EMILY’s List supporters, Clinton echoed previous statements of admiration for McCain’s service, but then said he doesn’t support fundamental women’s issues.
“John McCain is my friend and my colleague; I admire his dedicated service to this country,” Clinton said. “But he still doesn’t believe people deserve equal pay for equal work, that women deserve the right to choose. He will turn the clock back when what we need from a president is looking to the future.”
Much of Clinton’s rhetoric about the general election has been focused on supporting Obama rather than going after McCain, with whom she has good relations.
Tuesday’s speech was to be a brief preview of what Clinton would say hours later when she takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention.
Clinton was one of three potent Democratic women set to speak at the EMILY’s List gala, joining House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama. EMILY’s List supports Democratic women running for office and endorsed Clinton in the Democratic presidential nominating process.
Clinton also had kind words for Michelle Obama, congratulating her on a successful speech Monday night at the convention.
“Wasn’t Michelle Obama terrific last night?” Clinton said. “I know a little about the way the White House works, and you know if the president is not exactly on our side, call the first lady, Michelle Obama.”
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