Donald Trump calls Hillary Clinton 'desperate' as news of Iran deal breaks

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/14/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-iran-presidency

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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump hit back at Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, describing her as “desperate” and “sad” after she had criticised his comments on Mexican immigrants.

As Clinton appeared on television to discuss the historic deal, which will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, Trump’s campaign released a statement reiterating his controversial stance on Mexico and claiming Clinton was “obviously very nervous” about his ailing bid for the presidency.

The declaration was emailed to reporters as news broke of the Iran deal. Clinton served as secretary of state from 2009-13 and was part of the lengthy negotiations that have ended a 12-year impasse over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Clinton had condemned Trump’s assertion that Mexico was dispatching “drug dealers” and “rapists” to the US in a speech to Latino organisation the National Council of La Raza.

“It was appalling to hear Donald Trump describe immigrants as drug dealers, racists and criminals,” Clinton said on Monday.

“He’s talking about people you and I know. He’s talking about people who love this country, work hard and want nothing more than a chance to build a better life for themselves and this country.”

Trump shot back on Tuesday, defending his claims. The controversy has seen NBC ditch Trump as the host of the Apprentice while his brand of Trump clothing has been removed from Macy’s stores.

“I said ‘Mexico is sending’ – I’m not knocking immigration or immigrants, but rather am very critical of the country of Mexico for sending us people that they don’t want,” Trump said.

“[Clinton] is desperate, she is sad, and she is obviously very nervous when she has to revert to issues that have already been settled given the absolute accuracy of my statement.”

Trump added that he was “honoured” Clinton was attacking him instead of Jeb Bush.

“Obviously she knows that JEB is no longer her real competition. The last person she wants to face is Donald Trump.”

A CNN/Opinion Research poll conducted on July 1 had Trump trailing Clinton by 24 points in a general election vote.