WH: New Clinton email probe won’t alter Obama campaign plans

by Jordan Fabian - 10/28/16 3:53 PM ET

The White House on Friday stressed that a new probe into Hillary Clinton’s private email server won’t affect President Obama’s support for the Democratic presidential nominee in the final days of the campaign.

Obama spokesman Eric Schultz indicated Obama will not shift his campaign schedule as a result of the reports, which rocked the 2016 campaign just 11 days out from Election Day.

{mosads}“I don’t think anything has surfaced to change the president’s opinions and views of Secretary Clinton,” Schultz told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Orlando, Fla., where Obama will headline a rally for Clinton’s campaign.

Schultz said he “would not expect” Obama to address the email inquiry at the event. Instead, he’ll say why he believes Clinton is “uniquely qualified” to serve as president.

“He’s going to be proud to support her between now and Election Day,” he added.

Obama ignored shouted questions about the email investigation earlier Friday on the South Lawn as he was boarding Marine One to travel to the Clinton rally.

The White House also sought to reassure the public it’s not asserting its influence over the probe.

Schultz said the White House first learned of FBI Director James Comey’s letter to Congress through news reports.

“We did not have advance warning,” the spokesman said.

“The president’s expectation is all FBI efforts follow the facts wherever they lead,” he added. “The president believes that decisions made by independent prosecutors must be made irrespective of politics.”

The timing is awkward for Clinton, but also for Obama, who is scheduled to spend almost every day on the road stumping for the nominee in the final week of the campaign.

Obama has worked hard to ensure Clinton succeeds him in the White House, but the renewed focus on Clinton’s email server could pose difficult questions as he tries to convince the public she should be the next president.

Tags Hillary Clinton