Fox News’s Jonah Goldberg had strong words about Hillary Clinton’s "old friend" Sidney Blumenthal on Tuesday, calling him a "malevolent, lugubrious political mercenary who would be more appropriately placed as an adviser to a Medici prince in the 14th century" than as a political consultant today.
Blumenthal became the subject of controversy when a New York Times report discovered that he sent then-Secretary of State Clinton "unreliable" memos on the Libyan civil war. The memos were produced by associates of Blumenthal who had a financial interest in the region.
The Times reported that Blumenthal was barred by the Obama administration from a job at the State Department, but landed a job at the Clinton Foundation where he continued to exert influence over decision-making at the State Department. He also received money from Clinton-allied groups Media Matters for America and American Bridge.
"There is a reason why the Obama administration refused to let Clinton hire this guy," Goldberg said. "He's a very sketchy guy."
Blumenthal worked previously in the Clinton White House, where Goldberg says he earned a reputation as a "hatchet man."
"He said Monica Lewinsky was a stalker who attacked Bill Clinton," Goldberg said. "He peddled rumors around town about Clinton's enemies. He's known for that kind of thing."
Hillary Clinton has defended her friendship with Blumenthal, saying that she would "keep talking to my old friends, whoever they are" if elected president.
She said her correspondence with old friends like Blumenthal was a way to get outside of her "bubble" as a public figure. Clinton has been making contact with everyday Americans to combat criticism that she is insular and remote.