The Clinton campaign struggled over data showing the public favors strengthening laws against bribery, noting that Hillary Clinton’s political record would make it difficult for her to champion the issue.
In an email to Clinton insider Neera Tanden, long-time Clinton loyalist and current campaign foreign policy adviser Jake Sullivan discussed a memo on government reform and public corruption and whether to implement the recommendations into the campaign.
“Strengthen bribery laws to ensure that politicians don’t change legislation for political donations,” read one recommendation in the memo.
Sullivan flagged it “a favorite of mine” but added, “as you know, but REALLY dicey territory for HRC, right?”
“She may be so tainted she’s really vulnerable,” replied Tanden, but noted that Clinton could try to cite her experience as a reason why things had to change.
“People are up for radical solutions, my gut is to push here,” she advised.
Sullivan questioned a second recommendation that would strictly limit the amount of money that lobbyists and their clients could contribute to a campaign, calling it “challenging.”
“Who counts as ‘clients?’” he asked. “Would we limit the funds given by people working for companies that lobby more than those who don’t? Not sure how that would work.”