CLINTON CONFIRMATION: So What About The Clinton Foundation Memorandum Of Understanding?

Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), the Senate’s best moralizing whoremonger, brings out the charts to discuss his “serious concerns” on the Clinton Foundation. There’s no disclosure of contributors, he says, “and that’s a big ommission.” So would Clinton support that?

“It’s not unique for spouses of government officials to work,” she replies. “The Office of Government Ethics, and the career ethics officials at the State Department have looked at the rules and concluded there is no inherent conflict of interest with my husband’s work.” But they went further, “outlin[ing] the voluntary steps … to address potential concerns that might come up down the road.”

Vitter repeats the question — “yes or no: would you support expanding that disclosure” to cover contributors to the Clinton Global Initiative? Clinton defends the memorandum, “they have looked very broadly at all the questions you’re raising … and I will be happy to provide additional materials and answers to you.” Welcome to the next GOP line of attack on the Clintons.

Now Vitter wants to know about “old contributors.” She replies: “All contributors will be disclosed.” That’s pretty flat. “I’m very happy to hear that,” Vitter replies, “that’s not in the [memorandum of understanding].” Clinton, with great poise, “I believe … all of these answers are in the record. There is no intention to amend the MOU.” The Clinton Global Initiative, she says “is a pass-thru,” with the donors made public, “it’s unlike the foundation. We will definitely clarify that.”

Vitter: “I don’t want to beat a dead horse.” Sure he doesn’t.