Article courtesy of The Washington Post, written by James Hohmann.
Bill Clinton spent 13 minutes yesterday forcefully responding to Black Lives Matter activists who were heckling him. Speaking in an overwhelmingly African American neighborhood of Philadelphia, the city that will host this summer’s Democratic National Convention, the former president offered a spirited defense of his record on civil rights, his signature crime bill and his wife.
One of the protesters held a sign that declared, "Black youth are not super predators.” That’s a reference to when Hillary Clinton spoke in 1996 of “the kinds of kids that are called ‘super-predators’” and said “we have to bring them to heel.”
Clinton pointed to the signs. “This is what’s the matter,” he said. “I don't know how you would characterize the gang leaders who got 13-year-olds hopped up on crack and sent them out onto the street to murder other African American children. Maybe you thought they were good citizens. She didn't! … You are defending the people who kill the lives you say matter! Tell the truth! You are defending the people who caused young people to go out and take guns.”
The 69-year-old went on an extended riff about why he and his wife are the ones who have really fought to make black lives matter:
Featured Image: Former President Bill Clinton addresses the audience at Freedom Temple Ministry while campaigning for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, February 25, 2016 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The South Carolina Democratic Primary will be held Saturday, February 27. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)