Clinton offers ‘near-apology’ for clash with Philly protesters

Former President Bill Clinton, in a campaign stop in Erie, Pennsylvania on Friday, offered something of an apology for his dispute with Black Lives Matter protesters in Philadelphia who disrupted his speech during a campaign stop.

Clinton traded verbal shots with Black Lives Matter activists on Thursday while pushing his wife’s presidential bid. They reportedly heckled Clinton for the 1994 crime bill he signed into law that put in place tougher punishments for criminals involved in drug-and-gang-related crimes.

He offered a “near-apology,” according to the Associated Press, saying it bothers him when activists drown out his speeches.

“So I did something yesterday in Philadelphia. I almost wanted to apologize for it, but I want to use it as an example of the danger threatening our country,” said Clinton, who wished he and protestors hadn’t “talk past” each other.

“We got to listen to each other,” Clinton said.