People: Hillary Clinton says family was ‘dead broke’ after White House
Hillary Rodham Clinton’s family was “dead broke” and saddled with legal bills when she and her husband left the White House, the former first lady said in an interview that aired Monday at the start of a high-profile book tour that could precede a 2016 presidential campaign.
“We came out of the White House not only dead broke, but in debt,” Clinton told ABC News. “We had no money when we got there, and we struggled to, you know, piece together the resources for mortgages, for houses, for Chelsea’s education. You know, it was not easy.”
Republicans immediately seized on the comment, two years after their presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, was dogged by accusations of being out-of-touch because of his wealth. GOP officials pointed out that Hillary Clinton received an $8 million book advance for her 2003 memoir and said the comments reflected her insulation from the daily problems of average Americans.
“I think she’s been out of touch with average people for a long time,” said Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, pointing to Clinton’s estimated $200,000-per-speech speaking fees and million-dollar book advances.
Clinton’s memoir, “Hard Choices,” will be released today, accompanied by interviews with ABC News and other news organizations.
Judge orders treatment for Kasem
A judge ruled Monday that Casey Kasem should be fed, hydrated and medicated while a court-appointed attorney evaluates the health of the ailing radio personality after his daughter moved to implement end-of-life measures.
Kasem, who has dementia, was in critical condition in a Washington state hospital.
His daughter Kerri Kasem, who has been placed in temporary control of his treatment, consulted with doctors and decided in recent days to stop giving her father food, water and medications, attorneys said in court.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Daniel S. Murphy ruled that Casey Kasem should receive the treatments while an attorney appointed by the judge meets with Kasem and his doctors.
Kerri Kasem decided to begin end-of-life measures after doctors determined that feeding and hydrating the celebrity had become increasingly painful, attorney Troy Martin said in court. The judge’s ruling is likely to cause the former “American Top 40” host more pain, he said.
Casey Kasem’s wife of 34 years, Jean Kasem, appeared in court and said she supported Murphy’s ruling and will ask to be restored as her husband’s caretaker.
“Only God knows when to take someone,” she said.
The birthday bunch
Singer Shirley Alston Reeves (The Shirelles) is 73. Actor Andrew Stevens is 59. Actress Gina Gershon is 52. Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn is 51. Actress Kate Flannery (“The Office”) is 50. Model-actress Elizabeth Hurley is 49. Singer Faith Evans is 41.