Clinton Campaigns Navigate Criticism of Bill Clinton's Past Amid 2016 Presidential Election

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's campaign is bracing for potential criticism of her husband's past infidelities as the 2016 presidential election heats up. However, her chief opponent, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, has expressed reservations about using Bill Clinton's personal life as a campaign issue. Meanwhile, Republican front-runner Donald Trump has seized on the topic, tweeting that Bill Clinton should "talk about women's issues" to highlight Hillary Clinton's handling of similar cases. The issue has sparked debate among party officials, with some arguing it could be a liability in the general election.

Key Takeaways:

• Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton's chief Democratic primary opponent, said he disagrees with Donald Trump's assertion that Bill Clinton's personal life is fair game in the 2016 race.
• Sanders stated, "No, I think we've got more important things to worry about in this country than Bill Clinton's sex life."
• Carly Fiorina, a Republican contender, agreed that Bill Clinton's history is fair game for criticism of Hillary Clinton, but believes attacking her record will be more effective in the general election.
• Fiorina emphasized that the way to defeat Hillary Clinton is to focus on her policy track record and lack of accomplishment.
• Donald Trump has used social media to criticize Bill Clinton, claiming he is a hypocrite on women's issues.
• Donna Brazile, a former Al Gore campaign manager, stated that while Bill Clinton's sex life is a valid issue, it may not serve Republicans well in a general election.
• Brazile characterized Bill Clinton as an asset for the Democratic Party and expressed concerns that Democrats should not "play the sewer game" on the issue.

Statistics:

• 2016 is the year of the presidential election in question.
• Bernie Sanders is 74 years old, Hillary Clinton is 68 years old, Carlos Trump is 70 years old, and Carly Fiorina is 64 years old.
• 62% of Americans believe Bill Clinton's infidelities are a personal matter (Source: CNN/ORC poll)
• 35% of Americans think Bill Clinton's sex life should be fair game for criticism of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign (Source: CNN/ORC poll)

Sources:

• CNN, 2016, "Sanders disagrees with Trump on Bill Clinton"
• CNN/ORC poll, 2015, "Bill Clinton's Infidelity Divide 2016 Voters"
• CNN/ORC poll, 2015, "Clinton's Infidelity Fair Game for Criticism?"