Former Hewlett-Packard CEO and 2016 GOP presidential candidate Carly Fiorina says that while Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton’s record is fair game, she’s not going to be making personal comments about the former secretary of state.
“I feel empathy with every woman who is working really hard and giving it all they’ve got — and Hillary is,” Ms. Fiorina told People Magazine in an interview published online Wednesday. “She’s smart, she’s hardworking, she’s giving it all she’s got.”
Ms. Fiorina, the only major female Republican presidential candidate in the race, has been a leading critic of Mrs. Clinton and her record — but says the attacks aren’t going to devolve into anything personal.
“We as women, especially in presidential politics, need to play by the same rules as the men. If we want to play this game as equals, we need to play by the same rules, and that means our track record is relevant,” Ms. Fiorina said. “And so I never make a personal comment about Hillary Clinton — my criticism of her is fact-based, based on her actions and track record. And that is fair game.”
Ms. Fiorina said Democrats don’t always play fair.
“I think there are many, many Democrats who find it impossible to admire a woman that they politically disagree with,” she said. “So when you have Democrats saying my candidacy is offensive to women, that’s about politics. That’s not about an admiration of a fellow woman. That’s not about kinship. And I think that’s too bad.”
“I don’t have to agree with someone politically to admire them,” she said. “I have empathy for any woman who gives it her all and works hard.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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