Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said she was not "thinking a lot" when she first got to the State Department in 2009 and elected to use a private email server, citing the business of her tenure from the beginning and the "many problems around the world" she had on her plate.
Clinton appeared on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports Friday for a rare televised interview as revelations about her use of a private server and mishandling of classified information have sent her approval ratings and trustworthiness levels into a downward spiral.
"Did anyone in your inner circle say, 'This isn't such a good idea. Let's not do this?'" Mitchell asked.
"You know, I was not thinking a lot when I got in," Clinton said. "There was so much work to be done. We had so many problems around the world. I didn't really stop and think what kind of email system will there be."
Earlier in the interview, Clinton received two separate opportunities to apologize for her use of a private server in the first place, but she dodged doing so both times, simply saying that she wished she had made different choices.
Clinton did say that she was "sorry this has been confusing to people." Last month, Clinton said that no one in her time on the campaign trail brought up the email scandal to her except for the press, but she acknowledged Friday that she understood why the American people were interested in learning more about her email decisions.
Clinton has seen her lead in the polls over challenger Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) gradually dwindle during the young campaign season. Vice President Joe Biden could still potentially enter the fray and shake up the race even further, saying he would "not hesitate" if his family was up for the challenge.