Ahead of Monday’s debate, Hillary Clinton’s campaign manager warned of a possible “double standard” and said he doesn’t want Donald Trump’s “lies and distortions” to be a distraction, while also calling Mr. Trump an “experienced reality show entertainer.”
“All that we’re asking from Donald Trump is that he stick with the facts, that he give clear plans,” Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook said in an interview that aired Monday on NBC’s “Today” program.
“What we don’t want to have is some sort of double standard where Donald Trump can get the most improved award, but Hillary Clinton is getting judged on the fine points of policy,” Mr. Mook said.
Mr. Mook also said Mrs. Clinton “recognizes she does need to earn the voters’ trust.”
“I think tonight is a great opportunity for her to do that,” he said. “We want this to be about the issues; we want both candidates to explain their plans to the American people.”
“We don’t want Donald Trump’s lies and distortions to be a distraction. We’re hoping that those can get checked so Hillary can focus her time on what she wants” to do, he said.
“Donald Trump is an experienced reality show entertainer, so he may decide that this is a chance to show those chops. That’s his choice,” Mr. Mook said. “But we want Hillary to have as much time as possible to talk about how she’s going to make a difference.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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