After Brexit, Clinton aims to allay American fears
INDIANAPOLIS In her first public comments on Britain's vote to leave the European Union, Hillary Clinton reaffirmed the "common interests and values" of the United States and the United Kingdom and reiterated that her first priority is protecting American pocketbooks.
And, without naming him, Clinton charged that Donald Trump, her likely opponent in the general election, puts his own interests ahead of those of the voters.
"We need leaders," she said, speaking to the U.S. Conference of Mayors gathered in Indianapolis for their annual meeting, "who understand how to work with other leaders to manage risks, who understand that bombastic comments in turbulent times can actually cause more turbulence, and who put the interest of the American people ahead of their personal business interests."
Clinton expressed confidence that the United States would "bounce back" in the aftermath of the vote, and that American alliances -- a "cornerstone of American foreign policy" -- would remain strong.
"No one should be confused about America's commitment to Europe," she said, "not an autocrat in the Kremlin, not a presidential candidate on a Scottish golf course."
Trump just returned from a trip to Scotland, where he commemorated the reopening of one of his golf resorts, Trump Turnberry. He praised the vote and, on Saturday night, he wrote on Twitter that Clinton "called 'Brexit' 100% wrong" and, shortly after Clinton closed her remarks in Indianapolis, he wrote that Clinton "has no sense of markets and such bad judgment."
Clinton assured the nation's mayors that she has "seen" and "heard" the frustration of American voters and vowed to work with them -- including the Republicans in the room -- to help restore economic opportunity across the country.
"People across America know that they don't want empty promises," she said. "They want solutions, and that is what working with you, I hope to offer to them."