Clinton’s gamble on Muslims

Hillary Clinton is doubling down on slamming Republicans on their anti-Muslim rhetoric at campaign events in both Iowa and New Hampshire, The Hill reported on Sunday.

Clinton’s rhetoric in recent days has become more and more pointed, with the Democratic frontrunner claiming Republicans are “foolish” and “shortsighted” in their approach.

“You know one of the reasons I've reacted so negatively to what I hear coming from the other side is not only what they are saying about Muslims is wrong and shameful, it's dangerous,” she said at a campaign stop in Iowa this week. “Basically, they're saying, ‘We don't want your help stopping these terrorists, we want to treat you like you don't belong here.’”

Former President Bill Clinton is also raising the issue as he hits the stump, citing examples of hard-working Muslims who make the nation better to highlight calls for a more inclusive nation.

Clinton campaign aides believe hitting Republicans for their rhetoric will resonate with Democratic voters and a general election audience.

They say that Clinton intends to argue in the general that the GOP’s stance is making the country less safe and hurting key US relationships in the war on terror.

At the same time, Clinton’s campaign believes it sends the message that the Democratic party welcomes all people.

Clinton is seeking to put together the coalition of voters that helped President Barack Obama win both of his presidential elections. The calls for inclusivity, her campaign believes, will help it with minority and young voters.

Trump, who has a major lead in the latest Republican primary polls, has made no apologies for his position and has promised that he’ll keep speaking out about it, signaling his belief that the calls are resonating with voters.

Clinton predicted Trump’s rhetoric would be used in terrorist videos, and last week a video released by the group Al-Shabaab featured Trump’s call for a temporary stop on Muslims entering the United States.

But national security has become a more important issue to voters in the wake of the Paris and San Bernardino terror attacks, and it’s possible Trump’s approach could benefit him in the general election.

Source: MENA