Clinton Says She's "Vetted" and "Tested"
JOHNSTON, IOWA -- During a press conference on Friday, Hillary Clinton tried setting the record straight on recent reports that one of her top campaign co-chairs in New Hampshire said that Barack Obama's prior drug use as a teen would be played up by Republicans if he were to become the Democratic Party's nominee for President.
"As soon as i found out that one of my supporters and co-chairs in New Hampshire made a statement - asked a series of questions - I made it clear it was not authorized, it was in no way condoned," Clinton said.
Clinton held her press conference following her appearance on "Iowa Press," a talk show hosted by Des Moines Register's David Yepsen on Iowa's Public Television.
She announced the endorsement of Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, and during the question and answer period Clinton was asked, in light of Obama's admitted drug use as an adolescent, whether or not she had ever taken or used marijuana or cocaine?
Clinton grew visibly annoyed by the question saying simply, "The answer is no, I have answered that question many, many times."
When pressed to explain how she reacted when offered drugs as a youth, Clinton said, "You know, I've answered the question and I really don't have anything to add," but adding "I refer you to everything I've said about it in the past."
In a way of distancing herself from Obama's past and whether or not he is electable, Clinton said there were "no surprises" in her past. Clinton soon backed away from the statment saying, "You know, I'm only talking about myself. You know I have said for months in this campaign, I am vetted. I am tested."