RNC head: Clinton’s server ‘a disaster’ for Dems

by Mark Hensch - 08/23/15 7:00 AM ET

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus on Sunday said scrutiny over Hillary Clinton’s email habits is upending the 2016 Democratic presidential primary.

“If you look at what’s happening on the other side of the aisle, it’s a disaster what’s happening with Hillary Clinton right now,” he told host John Catsimatidis on “The Cats Roundtable” on New York’s AM 970.

“Did she commit a crime? Is she going to be indicted?” Priebus asked. “That’s what the conversation is on the other side of the aisle right now.”

{mosads}Clinton is currently struggling with voters concerned by her use of a private email server during her tenure as secretary of State.

Priebus on Sunday said her eroding support is forcing Democrats into a much more competitive primary next year than they originally anticipated.

“The Democrats were hoping for a coronation for Hillary Clinton,” he said.

“Her troubles are now so bad that even a socialist who isn’t even a registered Democrat is beating Hillary in New Hampshire,” Priebus said, referencing Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) as his surging campaign closes the gap with Clinton’s.

“The only reason that Joe Biden is now a topic is because Hillary is doing so poorly,” he added of rumors that the vice president is also considering a 2016 run.

Priebus argued the crowded GOP presidential field next election cycle is inspiring new levels of enthusiasm for his party.

“I like the fact that everyone’s talking about the Republican primary,” he said. “I’d much rather be where we’re at with some excitement and interest and intrigue rather than a free-for-all on the other side of the aisle.”

“You have a Republican national party that is breaking into the cultural barrier in this country,” he added. “I think we’ve been doing well. It’s definitely been an interesting summer.”

Priebus’s remarks come as New York business mogul Donald Trump dominates the race for the GOP’s presidential nomination across multiple national polls.

He praised Trump on Saturday for finding a public persona that resonates with voters and sticking with it.

“To his credit, he’s done a good job of getting his message out,” Priebus said. “He’s having a lot of success.”

“He’s always been good to our party,” the RNC chairman added. “We’re built to support whoever is the nominee, no matter which of the 17 candidates is the nominee.”

Clinton announced last week that she was turning over her personal email server and its backup thumb drive to Justice Department investigators. Critics argue her use of the server while at State may have jeopardized sensitive intelligence or prevents accountability of her record there.

Multiple polls nationwide show Americans are skeptical of Clinton’s honesty and transparency.

Tags Donald Trump Hillary Clinton Reince Priebus