Closed doors: Clinton, Trump won't reveal what they say to big donors

One thing that the presidential candidates have in common isn't comforting to voters.

Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have refused to open their private fundraisers for big shot donors to the press, leaving the public to only guess at what they are telling their most powerful supporters.

In Clinton's case, it's an approach that differs from the president she hopes to succeed. President Barack Obama has always allowed reporters to go with him to record his remarks to the rich and powerful.

Clinton's campaign has released some details of her fundraisers, naming the people who attended and how much money they donated. Trump has held his fundraisers completely behind closed doors and refused to reveal any of the details.

In Clinton's case, the habit might be more damaging. There is already an issue with her trustworthiness among voters, and this closed-door policy only increases that worry.

Even some party insiders have admitted as much, saying privately that her desire for secrecy is a liability, given voters broad concerns over her honesty.

Published in Editorials on August 22, 2016 10:19 AM