Reid mum on Clinton endorsement

by Jordain Carney - 07/14/15 4:19 PM ET

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) praised Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, but remained tightlipped about endorsing his former Senate colleague.

“I’ve chosen not to endorse her right now,” he told reporters. “Everyone knows what a fan I am of her and her husband, and I’m sure at the right time I’ll make the right decision.”

{mosads}It’s the second time in as many days Reid has sidestepped endorsing Clinton. Speaking to a Nevada radio station Monday, he said that while he’s a fan of Clinton, “right now I’ve not endorsed anyone.”

Reid’s remarks Tuesday come after Clinton met with Senate Democrats during their weekly policy lunch to discuss a range of issues, including the administration’s final deal on Iran’s nuclear program.

“Secretary Clinton was of course articulate,” he said, describing Tuesday’s meetings. “There was several rounds of standing applause.”

Asked whether he would endorse Clinton, Reid said that “I think my endorsement doesn’t mean a lot right now, hopefully it will mean a little bit more later.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, was also in Tuesday’s lunch, and Reid said he has also invited the Vermont senator to speak before the Democratic caucus.

Tags Harry Reid Hillary Clinton