A long-time Hillary Clinton supporter told Clinton on Monday she was "disheartened" by her comment labeling Republicans her enemies.
"For the first time in all the times I’ve listened to you, when you said the Republicans are your enemy, it was disheartening," a woman told Clinton at an event in New Hampshire.
The voter said she felt the U.S. is "as divided as it has been since the Civil War," and asked Clinton if she would be willing to work with those she considers her enemies if elected president.
"I’m not asking you to retract it, what I’m asking you: When you’re our president, will you please extend the olive branch because we’re all Americans," the voter said.
"Yeah, I agree with that," Clinton said.
Clinton has at times touted her bipartisan credentials on the campaign trail, noting instances when she worked with Republicans in the Senate. Other times, her message has been less conciliatory as she has sought to curry favor with the liberal wing of her party.
During the first Democratic debate in October, Clinton listed Republicans alongside the NRA, health insurance and drug companies, and "the Iranians" as enemies she was most proud of having made in her political career.
Clinton's comment drew criticism from all corners—including a scolding from Vice President Joe Biden. Clinton allies have characterized her comment as a joke, not something the candidate actually believes.
Transcript below:
NEW HAMPSHIRE VOTER: This is more homegrown here. A couple statements. First off, I’ve been with you since the cookie incident. I campaigned for you, and then it was a bitter pill but I went with Obama after you didn’t get it. As a student of history, I feel like this country is as divided as it has been since the Civil War. My question for you is, for the first time in all the times I’ve listened to you, when you said the Republicans are your enemy, it was disheartening. I’m not asking you to retract it, what I’m asking you: When you’re our president, will you please extend the olive branch because we’re all Americans.
HILLARY CLINTON: Yeah, I agree with that.