During an interview with Rachel Maddow, Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton was quoted as saying that issues with the VA “have not been as widespread as it has been made out to be,” placing blame on Republicans for politicizing the agency’s failings. Her campaign later reneged and said that significant changes are needed within the department.
The comments, however, have opened up the first veterans discussion of the 2016 presidential campaign, which has so far not touched on these or other concerns related to national defense and post-war issues.
Republican lawmakers plan to use Hillary Clinton’s comments about the Veterans Affairs Department to spark a conversation about improving care and benefits to former service members.