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Hillary Clinton laughs at Carly Fiorina 'strangle' remark

By Tom LoBianco and Dan Merica, CNN

Updated 0248 GMT (1048 HKT) November 11, 2015

Clinton laughs at Fiorina 'strangle' remark

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  • Hillary Clinton laughed when a former Hewlett-Packard worker joked that he wanted to strangle former HP CEO Carly Fiorina
  • Republicans quickly hit Clinton for laughing at the comment, but the Clinton campaign said the man was obviously joking

Derry, New Hampshire (CNN)Hillary Clinton came under fire Tuesday when she laughed at a former Hewlett-Packard worker's joking desire to "strangle" Carly Fiorina, the company's former CEO.

Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, pictured here on Tuesday, March 3, has become one of the most powerful people in Washington. Here's a look at her life and career through the years.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, pictured here on Tuesday, March 3, has become one of the most powerful people in Washington. Here's a look at her life and career through the years.
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Before she married Bill Clinton, she was Hillary Rodham. Here, Rodham talks about student protests in 1969, which she supported in her commencement speech at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Before she married Bill Clinton, she was Hillary Rodham. Here, Rodham talks about student protests in 1969, which she supported in her commencement speech at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
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Rodham, center, a lawyer for the Rodino Committee, and John Doar, left, chief counsel for the committee, bring impeachment charges against President Richard Nixon in the Judiciary Committee hearing room at the U.S. Capitol in 1974.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Rodham, center, a lawyer for the Rodino Committee, and John Doar, left, chief counsel for the committee, bring impeachment charges against President Richard Nixon in the Judiciary Committee hearing room at the U.S. Capitol in 1974.
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Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton helps first lady Rosalynn Carter on a campaign swing through Arkansas in June 1979. Also seen in the photo is Hillary Clinton, center background.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton helps first lady Rosalynn Carter on a campaign swing through Arkansas in June 1979. Also seen in the photo is Hillary Clinton, center background.
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Bill Clinton embraces his wife shortly after a stage light fell near her on January 26, 1992. They talk to Don Hewitt, producer of the CBS show "60 Minutes."
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Bill Clinton embraces his wife shortly after a stage light fell near her on January 26, 1992. They talk to Don Hewitt, producer of the CBS show "60 Minutes."
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With Hillary, Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton waves to the crowd at his victory party after winning the Illinois primary on March 17, 1992.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
With Hillary, Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton waves to the crowd at his victory party after winning the Illinois primary on March 17, 1992.
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Al Gore, Tipper Gore, Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton wave to supporters at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York, after they gave speeches on family values on August 23, 1992.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Al Gore, Tipper Gore, Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton wave to supporters at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York, after they gave speeches on family values on August 23, 1992.
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Clinton gestures at a campaign rally November 3, 1992, in Denver. After taking office, President Clinton chose his wife to head a special commission on health care reform, the most significant public policy initiative of his first year in office.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton gestures at a campaign rally November 3, 1992, in Denver. After taking office, President Clinton chose his wife to head a special commission on health care reform, the most significant public policy initiative of his first year in office.
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Bill and Hillary Clinton have a laugh together on Capitol Hill in 1993.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Bill and Hillary Clinton have a laugh together on Capitol Hill in 1993.
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Clinton pours herself a cup of tea in 1993 while testifying to the Senate Education and Labor Committee about health care reform.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton pours herself a cup of tea in 1993 while testifying to the Senate Education and Labor Committee about health care reform.
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Clinton speaks at George Washington University on September 10, 1993, in Washington during her husband's first term.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton speaks at George Washington University on September 10, 1993, in Washington during her husband's first term.
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Clinton waves to the media on January 26, 1996, as she arrives at federal court in Washington for an appearance before a grand jury. The first lady was subpoenaed to testify as a witness in the investigation of the Whitewater land deal in Arkansas.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton waves to the media on January 26, 1996, as she arrives at federal court in Washington for an appearance before a grand jury. The first lady was subpoenaed to testify as a witness in the investigation of the Whitewater land deal in Arkansas.
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Hillary Clinton looks on as President Clinton discusses the Monica Lewinsky scandal in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on January 26, 1998.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Hillary Clinton looks on as President Clinton discusses the Monica Lewinsky scandal in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on January 26, 1998.
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Hillary and Bill Clinton arrive at Foundry United Methodist Church on August 16, 1998, in Washington. He became the first sitting president to testify before a grand jury when he testified via satellite about the Lewinsky matter.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Hillary and Bill Clinton arrive at Foundry United Methodist Church on August 16, 1998, in Washington. He became the first sitting president to testify before a grand jury when he testified via satellite about the Lewinsky matter.
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Clinton shakes hands during a St. Patrick's Day parade in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Queens, New York, on March 5, 2000.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton shakes hands during a St. Patrick's Day parade in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Queens, New York, on March 5, 2000.
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Clinton waves to the crowd as she arrives on the stage at the Democratic National Convention on August 14, 2000, in Los Angeles.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton waves to the crowd as she arrives on the stage at the Democratic National Convention on August 14, 2000, in Los Angeles.
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Clinton campaigns for a Senate seat October 25, 2000, at Grand Central Station in New York.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton campaigns for a Senate seat October 25, 2000, at Grand Central Station in New York.
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Hillary Clinton is sworn in as a senator of New York in a re-enactment ceremony with, from left, President Clinton, nephew Tyler, daughter Chelsea, brother Hugh Rodham, mother Dorothy Rodham and Vice President Al Gore on January 3, 2001, in Washington.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Hillary Clinton is sworn in as a senator of New York in a re-enactment ceremony with, from left, President Clinton, nephew Tyler, daughter Chelsea, brother Hugh Rodham, mother Dorothy Rodham and Vice President Al Gore on January 3, 2001, in Washington.
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Andrew Cuomo, Eliot Spitzer and Clinton celebrate with a crowd of Democratic supporters after their wins in various races November 7, 2006, in New York.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Andrew Cuomo, Eliot Spitzer and Clinton celebrate with a crowd of Democratic supporters after their wins in various races November 7, 2006, in New York.
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Clinton speaks during a post-primary rally on January 8, 2007, at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton speaks during a post-primary rally on January 8, 2007, at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire.
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The Clintons pay a visit to the 92nd annual Hopkinton State Fair in Contoocook, New Hampshire, on September 2, 2007.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
The Clintons pay a visit to the 92nd annual Hopkinton State Fair in Contoocook, New Hampshire, on September 2, 2007.
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Clinton speaks at a campaign rally September 2, 2007, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She was running for the Democratic presidential nomination.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton speaks at a campaign rally September 2, 2007, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She was running for the Democratic presidential nomination.
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Clinton addresses a question during a debate with other Democratic presidential candidate at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, on September 26, 2007. Also pictured are U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, left, and former U.S. Sen. Mike Gravel of Alaska.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton addresses a question during a debate with other Democratic presidential candidate at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, on September 26, 2007. Also pictured are U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, left, and former U.S. Sen. Mike Gravel of Alaska.
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Felipe Bravo, left, and Christian Caraballo are covered with Hillary Clinton stickers in downtown Manchester, New Hampshire, on January 8, 2008.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Felipe Bravo, left, and Christian Caraballo are covered with Hillary Clinton stickers in downtown Manchester, New Hampshire, on January 8, 2008.
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Clinton campaigns in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with her daughter, Chelsea, on January 1, 2008, two days ahead of the January 3 state caucus.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton campaigns in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with her daughter, Chelsea, on January 1, 2008, two days ahead of the January 3 state caucus.
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Clinton waves as she speaks to supporters at the National Building Museum on June 7, 2008, in Washington. After pulling out of the presidential race, Clinton thanked her supporters and urged them to back Barack Obama to be the next president of the United States.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton waves as she speaks to supporters at the National Building Museum on June 7, 2008, in Washington. After pulling out of the presidential race, Clinton thanked her supporters and urged them to back Barack Obama to be the next president of the United States.
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Obama and Clinton talk on the plane on their way to a Unity Rally in Unity, New Hampshire, on June 27, 2008.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Obama and Clinton talk on the plane on their way to a Unity Rally in Unity, New Hampshire, on June 27, 2008.
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Obama watches Clinton address the Democratic National Convention on August 26, 2008. The two endured a long, heated contest for the 2008 nomination.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Obama watches Clinton address the Democratic National Convention on August 26, 2008. The two endured a long, heated contest for the 2008 nomination.
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Sen. Charles Schumer, left, looks toward Secretary of State designate Clinton as Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Sen. John Kerry, center, looks on during nomination hearings January 13, 2009, on Capitol Hill.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Sen. Charles Schumer, left, looks toward Secretary of State designate Clinton as Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Sen. John Kerry, center, looks on during nomination hearings January 13, 2009, on Capitol Hill.
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Clinton testifies during her confirmation hearing for secretary of state on January 13, 2009, in Washington.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton testifies during her confirmation hearing for secretary of state on January 13, 2009, in Washington.
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Clinton, as secretary of state, dances with a local choir while visiting the Victoria Mxenge Housing Project in Philippi, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, on August 8, 2009.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton, as secretary of state, dances with a local choir while visiting the Victoria Mxenge Housing Project in Philippi, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, on August 8, 2009.
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Clinton looks through binoculars toward North Korea during a visit to an observation post July 21, 2010, at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton looks through binoculars toward North Korea during a visit to an observation post July 21, 2010, at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas.
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Clinton walks up the steps to her aircraft as she leaves a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on July 23, 2010, in Hanoi, Vietnam.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton walks up the steps to her aircraft as she leaves a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on July 23, 2010, in Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Hillary and Bill Clinton pose on the day of their daughter's wedding to Marc Mezvinsky on July 31, 2010, in Rhinebeck, New York.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Hillary and Bill Clinton pose on the day of their daughter's wedding to Marc Mezvinsky on July 31, 2010, in Rhinebeck, New York.
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U.S. President Barack Obama and Clinton observe a moment of silence before a NATO meeting November 19, 2010, in Lisbon, Portugal.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
U.S. President Barack Obama and Clinton observe a moment of silence before a NATO meeting November 19, 2010, in Lisbon, Portugal.
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Clinton listens as Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu makes a brief statement November 29, 2010, before a bilateral meeting at the State Department in Washington.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton listens as Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu makes a brief statement November 29, 2010, before a bilateral meeting at the State Department in Washington.
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Clinton shakes hands with a child during an unannounced walk through Tahrir Square in Cairo on March 16, 2011.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton shakes hands with a child during an unannounced walk through Tahrir Square in Cairo on March 16, 2011.
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Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Clinton and members of Obama's national security team receive an update on the Osama bin Laden mission May 1, 2011, in the Situation Room of the White House.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Clinton and members of Obama's national security team receive an update on the Osama bin Laden mission May 1, 2011, in the Situation Room of the White House.
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Clinton checks her personal digital assistant prior to departing Malta on October 18, 2011.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton checks her personal digital assistant prior to departing Malta on October 18, 2011.
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Clinton dances while in Cartagena, Colombia, on April 15, 2012.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton dances while in Cartagena, Colombia, on April 15, 2012.
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Clinton enjoys a beer at Cafe Havana in Cartagena, Colombia, on April 15, 2012.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton enjoys a beer at Cafe Havana in Cartagena, Colombia, on April 15, 2012.
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Clinton appears with little makeup during an event in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on May 6, 2012. She tells CNN, "I feel so relieved to be at the stage I'm at in my life right now ... Because you know if I want to wear my glasses, I'm wearing my glasses. If I want to wear my hair back I'm pulling my hair back. You know at some point it's just not something that deserves a lot of time and attention."<br />
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton appears with little makeup during an event in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on May 6, 2012. She tells CNN, "I feel so relieved to be at the stage I'm at in my life right now ... Because you know if I want to wear my glasses, I'm wearing my glasses. If I want to wear my hair back I'm pulling my hair back. You know at some point it's just not something that deserves a lot of time and attention."
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Clinton speaks as Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai listens during a news conference at the presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, on July 7, 2012.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton speaks as Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai listens during a news conference at the presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, on July 7, 2012.
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Clinton arrives at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel on July 15, 2012.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton arrives at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel on July 15, 2012.
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Clinton looks on as Obama makes a statement in response to the attack at the U.S. Consulate in Libya on September 12, 2012.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton looks on as Obama makes a statement in response to the attack at the U.S. Consulate in Libya on September 12, 2012.
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Clinton applauds Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a ceremony where Suu Kyi was presented with the Congressional Gold Medal on September 19, 2012.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton applauds Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a ceremony where Suu Kyi was presented with the Congressional Gold Medal on September 19, 2012.
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Bill Clinton kisses his wife after introducing her at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting on September 24, 2012, in New York City.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Bill Clinton kisses his wife after introducing her at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting on September 24, 2012, in New York City.
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Clinton shakes hands with Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, while attending a reception with Prince William, second from right, in New York in December.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton shakes hands with Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, while attending a reception with Prince William, second from right, in New York in December.
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Clinton speaks to reporters at U.N. headquarters on Tuesday, March 10, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/10/politics/hillary-clinton-email-scandal-press-conference/index.html" target="_blank">addressing her use of private email</a> for official work as secretary of state. She said she used a private domain out of "convenience" but admitted in retrospect "it would have been better" to use multiple emails.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Clinton speaks to reporters at U.N. headquarters on Tuesday, March 10, addressing her use of private email for official work as secretary of state. She said she used a private domain out of "convenience" but admitted in retrospect "it would have been better" to use multiple emails.
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Democratic presidential candidate, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton gestures before speaking to supporters Saturday, June 13 on Roosevelt Island in New York, in a speech promoted as her formal presidential campaign debut.
50 photos: Hillary Clinton's career in the spotlight
Democratic presidential candidate, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton gestures before speaking to supporters Saturday, June 13 on Roosevelt Island in New York, in a speech promoted as her formal presidential campaign debut.
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"She says she's a great CEO. Every time I see her on TV, I want to reach through and strangle her," said the man during a question-and-answer session, eliciting laughter from the crowd. Clinton herself couldn't hold back her laughs.

"I know that doesn't sound very nice," said the man, who added that he was laid off during Fiorina's tenure. Clinton then jumped in and said, "I wouldn't mess with you!"

Behind Carly Fiorina's 30,000 HP layoffs

Conservatives on Twitter quickly blasted Clinton for not condemning the man's remarks against Fiorina, the only other female major party candidate. The Republican National Committee quickly sent out a press release criticizing the Democratic front-runner.

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    Who's running for President?
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Presidential candidates
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
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    Businessman Donald Trump <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/16/politics/donald-trump-2016-announcement-elections/index.html" target="_blank">announced</a> June 16 at his Trump Tower in New York City that he is seeking the Republican presidential nomination. This ends more than two decades of flirting with the idea of running for the White House.<br /><br />"So, ladies and gentlemen, I am officially running for president of the United States, and we are going to make our country great again," Trump told the crowd at his announcement.
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Businessman Donald Trump announced June 16 at his Trump Tower in New York City that he is seeking the Republican presidential nomination. This ends more than two decades of flirting with the idea of running for the White House.

    "So, ladies and gentlemen, I am officially running for president of the United States, and we are going to make our country great again," Trump told the crowd at his announcement.
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    Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has made a name for himself in the Senate, solidifying his brand as a conservative firebrand willing to take on the GOP's establishment. He <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/23/politics/ted-cruz-2016-announcement/" target="_blank">announced</a> he was seeking the Republican presidential nomination in a speech on March 23. <br /><br />"These are all of our stories," Cruz told the audience at Liberty University in Virginia. "These are who we are as Americans. And yet for so many Americans, the promise of America seems more and more distant."
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has made a name for himself in the Senate, solidifying his brand as a conservative firebrand willing to take on the GOP's establishment. He announced he was seeking the Republican presidential nomination in a speech on March 23.

    "These are all of our stories," Cruz told the audience at Liberty University in Virginia. "These are who we are as Americans. And yet for so many Americans, the promise of America seems more and more distant."
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    Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/13/politics/election-2016-marco-rubio-presidential-campaign/" target="_blank">announced</a> his 2016 bid with a rally in Miami on April 13, a day after Clinton announced. He's a Republican rising star who swept into office in 2010 in a wave of tea party fervor.<br /><br />"Grounded by the lessons of our history, but inspired by the promise of our future, I announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America," Rubio told supporters at Miami's Freedom Tower.
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, announced his 2016 bid with a rally in Miami on April 13, a day after Clinton announced. He's a Republican rising star who swept into office in 2010 in a wave of tea party fervor.

    "Grounded by the lessons of our history, but inspired by the promise of our future, I announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America," Rubio told supporters at Miami's Freedom Tower.
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    Carly Fiorina, a former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/04/politics/carly-fiorina-presidential-announcement/" target="_blank">announced</a> her bid for the Republican nomination on May 4. In 2008 she served as an adviser to Mitt Romney's presidential campaign, and in 2010 she unsuccessfully ran for Barbara Boxer's Senate seat in California. <br /><br />"Yes, I am running," Fiorina said on ABC's "Good Morning America." "I think I'm the best person for the job because I understand how the economy actually works. I understand the world; who's in it."
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Carly Fiorina, a former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, announced her bid for the Republican nomination on May 4. In 2008 she served as an adviser to Mitt Romney's presidential campaign, and in 2010 she unsuccessfully ran for Barbara Boxer's Senate seat in California.

    "Yes, I am running," Fiorina said on ABC's "Good Morning America." "I think I'm the best person for the job because I understand how the economy actually works. I understand the world; who's in it."
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    Republican Dr. Ben Carson <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/04/politics/ben-carson-2016-presidential-announcement/" target="_blank">announced</a> he was running for President during a speech May 2 to thousands in Detroit. The retired neurosurgeon and surprise conservative star had been exploring the idea of running for a few months before the announcement.<br /><br />"I'm probably never going to be politically correct, because I'm not a politician," he said in his announcement. "I don't want to be a politician. Because politicians do what is politically expedient -- I want to do what's right."
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Republican Dr. Ben Carson announced he was running for President during a speech May 2 to thousands in Detroit. The retired neurosurgeon and surprise conservative star had been exploring the idea of running for a few months before the announcement.

    "I'm probably never going to be politically correct, because I'm not a politician," he said in his announcement. "I don't want to be a politician. Because politicians do what is politically expedient -- I want to do what's right."
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    Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, officially <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/07/politics/rand-paul-president-2016/" target="_blank">announced</a> his presidential bid April 7 at a rally in Louisville. Paul is the son of former presidential hopeful Ron Paul of Texas. <br /><br />"Today I announce with God's help, with the help of liberty lovers everywhere, that I'm putting myself forward as a candidate for President of the United States of America," Paul said at the rally.
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, officially announced his presidential bid April 7 at a rally in Louisville. Paul is the son of former presidential hopeful Ron Paul of Texas.

    "Today I announce with God's help, with the help of liberty lovers everywhere, that I'm putting myself forward as a candidate for President of the United States of America," Paul said at the rally.
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    Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/15/politics/jeb-bush-2016-presidential-announcement/index.html" target="_blank">kicked off </a>his campaign for the 2016 GOP nomination on June 15 in Miami. If his campaign is victorious, the Bush clan will become the only American family to have elected three of their own to the highest office in the land.<br /><br />"We will get back on the right side of free enterprise and freedom for all Americans," Bush said during his announcement.
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush kicked off his campaign for the 2016 GOP nomination on June 15 in Miami. If his campaign is victorious, the Bush clan will become the only American family to have elected three of their own to the highest office in the land.

    "We will get back on the right side of free enterprise and freedom for all Americans," Bush said during his announcement.
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    8 of 15
    Ohio Gov. John Kasich joined the Republican field July 21 as he formally announced his White House bid.<br /><br />"I am here to ask you for your prayers, for your support ... because I have decided to run for president of the United States," Kasich told his kickoff rally at the Ohio State University.
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Ohio Gov. John Kasich joined the Republican field July 21 as he formally announced his White House bid.

    "I am here to ask you for your prayers, for your support ... because I have decided to run for president of the United States," Kasich told his kickoff rally at the Ohio State University.
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    Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee formally <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/04/politics/mike-huckabee-2016-presidential-announcement/index.html" target="_blank">announced</a> his candidacy at a rally in Hope, Arkansas, on May 5. Huckabee unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination in 2008. This is his second attempt.<br /><br />"I truly am from Hope to higher ground," Huckabee told the crowd during his announcement. "So it seems perfectly fitting that it would be here that I announce that I am a candidate for President of the United States of America."
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee formally announced his candidacy at a rally in Hope, Arkansas, on May 5. Huckabee unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination in 2008. This is his second attempt.

    "I truly am from Hope to higher ground," Huckabee told the crowd during his announcement. "So it seems perfectly fitting that it would be here that I announce that I am a candidate for President of the United States of America."
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    Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/27/politics/rick-santorum-2016-presidential-announcement/" target="_blank">announced</a> his candidacy for the Republican nomination from a factory on the outskirts of Pittsburgh on May 27. Santorum, who ran unsuccessfully in 2012, is widely considered the most socially conservative candidate who will enter the race. <br /><br />"As middle America is hollowing out, we can't sit idly by as big government politicians make it harder for our workers and then turn around and blame them for losing jobs overseas. American families don't need another President tied to big government or big money," he said during his kickoff rally.
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    Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination from a factory on the outskirts of Pittsburgh on May 27. Santorum, who ran unsuccessfully in 2012, is widely considered the most socially conservative candidate who will enter the race.

    "As middle America is hollowing out, we can't sit idly by as big government politicians make it harder for our workers and then turn around and blame them for losing jobs overseas. American families don't need another President tied to big government or big money," he said during his kickoff rally.
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    New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/30/politics/chris-christie-2016-presidential-campaign/index.html" target="_blank">jumped</a> into the race June 30 during a rally at his former high school in Livingston, New Jersey. He is the 14th candidate on the Republican side to join the race. <br /><br />"We need a government in Washington D.C. that remembers you went there to work for us, not the other way around," he said during the rally.
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie jumped into the race June 30 during a rally at his former high school in Livingston, New Jersey. He is the 14th candidate on the Republican side to join the race.

    "We need a government in Washington D.C. that remembers you went there to work for us, not the other way around," he said during the rally.
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    Hillary Clinton <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/12/politics/hillary-clinton-president-2016-election/index.html" target="_blank">launched</a> her presidential bid on April 12 through a video message on social media. The former first lady, senator and secretary of state is considered the front-runner among possible Democratic candidates.<br /><br />"Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion -- so you can do more than just get by -- you can get ahead. And stay ahead," she said in her announcement video. "Because when families are strong, America is strong. So I'm hitting the road to earn your vote, because it's your time. And I hope you'll join me on this journey."
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Hillary Clinton launched her presidential bid on April 12 through a video message on social media. The former first lady, senator and secretary of state is considered the front-runner among possible Democratic candidates.

    "Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion -- so you can do more than just get by -- you can get ahead. And stay ahead," she said in her announcement video. "Because when families are strong, America is strong. So I'm hitting the road to earn your vote, because it's your time. And I hope you'll join me on this journey."
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    <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/28/politics/bernie-sanders-2016-election-announcement/index.html">Sen. Bernie Sanders</a>, an independent from Vermont who caucuses with Democrats, announced his run in an email to supporters on April 30. He has said the United States needs a "political revolution" of working-class Americans to take back control of the government from billionaires. <br /><br />"This great nation and its government belong to all of the people and not to a handful of billionaires, their super PACs and their lobbyists," Sanders said at a rally in Vermont on May 26.
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who caucuses with Democrats, announced his run in an email to supporters on April 30. He has said the United States needs a "political revolution" of working-class Americans to take back control of the government from billionaires.

    "This great nation and its government belong to all of the people and not to a handful of billionaires, their super PACs and their lobbyists," Sanders said at a rally in Vermont on May 26.
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    Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/30/politics/martin-omalley-2016-presidential-announcement/index.html" target="_blank"> launched</a> his presidential campaign May 30 in Baltimore with an appeal to the party's progressive base that he hopes will upend the conventional wisdom that Hillary Clinton is destined to clinch the Democratic nomination.<br /><br />"This is the urgent work calling us forward today: to rebuild the truth of the American Dream for all Americans," O'Malley said at his rally. "And to begin right now."
    15 photos: Who's running for President?
    Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley launched his presidential campaign May 30 in Baltimore with an appeal to the party's progressive base that he hopes will upend the conventional wisdom that Hillary Clinton is destined to clinch the Democratic nomination.

    "This is the urgent work calling us forward today: to rebuild the truth of the American Dream for all Americans," O'Malley said at his rally. "And to begin right now."
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    Presidential candidates donald trump ted cruzmarco rubio smileCarly Fiorina gallery 2ben carson gallery 2Powers rand paul03 jeb bush 0615John Kasich April 18 2015Mike Huckabee gallery 3rick santorum president chris christie presidential announcement01 hillary 0613Bernie Sanders gallery photo 5Martin O'malley 0530

    2016 election candidates

    "By laughing off a male questioner's desire to strangle Carly Fiorina, Hillary Clinton and the Democrats have lost all credibility claiming to be a party that stands up for women," RNC spokeswoman Allison Moore said in a statement. "Jokes about committing acts of violence against women are always in poor taste and should be condemned every time."

    Why Carly Fiorina has quieted her attacks against Hillary Clinton

    After the event, Clinton simply shook her head to indicate "no" when asked if she believed the man literally would try to strangle Fiorina. She did not say, however, whether she should not have laughed at the man's comment.

    Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill later told a CNN reporter, "You were there. What was your take? It was a joke."

    Carly Fiorina's political career
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Former business executive Carly Fiorina speaks to guests gathered at the Point of Grace Church for the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition 2015 Spring Kickoff on April 25, 2015, in Waukee, Iowa.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Former business executive Carly Fiorina speaks to guests gathered at the Point of Grace Church for the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition 2015 Spring Kickoff on April 25, 2015, in Waukee, Iowa.
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    Fiorina prepares to speak to guests gathered at the Point of Grace Church for the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition 2015 Spring Kickoff on April 25, 2015, in Waukee, Iowa.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina prepares to speak to guests gathered at the Point of Grace Church for the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition 2015 Spring Kickoff on April 25, 2015, in Waukee, Iowa.
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    Fiorina speaks to guests gathered at the Point of Grace Church for the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition 2015 Spring Kickoff on April 25, 2015, in Waukee, Iowa.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina speaks to guests gathered at the Point of Grace Church for the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition 2015 Spring Kickoff on April 25, 2015, in Waukee, Iowa.
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    Fiorina greets guests at the Johnson County Republicans Spaghetti Dinner at Clear Creek Amana High School on April 24, 2015, in Tiffin, Iowa.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina greets guests at the Johnson County Republicans Spaghetti Dinner at Clear Creek Amana High School on April 24, 2015, in Tiffin, Iowa.
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    Fiorina, right, poses for a selfie with Joe Koberna at the Johnson County Republicans Spaghetti Dinner at Clear Creek Amana High School on April 24, 2015, in Tiffin, Iowa.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina, right, poses for a selfie with Joe Koberna at the Johnson County Republicans Spaghetti Dinner at Clear Creek Amana High School on April 24, 2015, in Tiffin, Iowa.
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    Fiorina speaks at the First in the Nation Republican Leadership Summit April 18, 2015, in Nashua, New Hampshire.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina speaks at the First in the Nation Republican Leadership Summit April 18, 2015, in Nashua, New Hampshire.
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    Fiorina speaks during a forum on Capitol Hill March 16, 2015, in Washington. Fiorina spoke about what she calls the War on Women in politics.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina speaks during a forum on Capitol Hill March 16, 2015, in Washington. Fiorina spoke about what she calls the War on Women in politics.
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    Fiorina delivers remarks at a discussion called "Welcoming Every Life: Choosing Life after an Unexpected Prenatal Diagnosis, focusing on caring for children with Down Syndrome," organized by the Heritage Foundation and the National Review Institute in Washington on January 20, 2015.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina delivers remarks at a discussion called "Welcoming Every Life: Choosing Life after an Unexpected Prenatal Diagnosis, focusing on caring for children with Down Syndrome," organized by the Heritage Foundation and the National Review Institute in Washington on January 20, 2015.
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    Fiorina concedes defeat to her rival Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, during a news conference at her Irvine campaign headquarters on November 3, 2010, in Irvine, California.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina concedes defeat to her rival Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, during a news conference at her Irvine campaign headquarters on November 3, 2010, in Irvine, California.
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    Fiorina, left, watches election results with granddaughter Kara Tribby, 7, in her hotel room at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, November 2, 2010, in Irvine, California.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina, left, watches election results with granddaughter Kara Tribby, 7, in her hotel room at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, November 2, 2010, in Irvine, California.
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    Fiorina, left, puts on headphones before participating in a radio debate with incumbent U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, in Washington, as co-moderator Gabriel Lerner, metro editor of La Opinion, does the same at local public-radio affiliate KPCC studios September 29, 2010, in Pasadena, California.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina, left, puts on headphones before participating in a radio debate with incumbent U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, in Washington, as co-moderator Gabriel Lerner, metro editor of La Opinion, does the same at local public-radio affiliate KPCC studios September 29, 2010, in Pasadena, California.
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    Fiorina arrives for a news conference after participating in a debate with U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, in a radio debate hosted by La Opinion and public radio station KPCC on September 29, 2010, at the KPCC studios in Pasadena, California.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina arrives for a news conference after participating in a debate with U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, in a radio debate hosted by La Opinion and public radio station KPCC on September 29, 2010, at the KPCC studios in Pasadena, California.
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    Boxer, left, and Fiorina, center, greet moderator Randy Shandobil, right, after a debate on the campus of Saint Mary's College September 1, 2010, in Moraga, California.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Boxer, left, and Fiorina, center, greet moderator Randy Shandobil, right, after a debate on the campus of Saint Mary's College September 1, 2010, in Moraga, California.
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    Fiorina, left, smiles with her husband Frank Fiorina, right, after casting their ballots at a polling place June 8, 2010, in Los Altos Hills, California.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina, left, smiles with her husband Frank Fiorina, right, after casting their ballots at a polling place June 8, 2010, in Los Altos Hills, California.
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    Fiorina greets supporters after announcing her candidacy for U.S. Senate at Earth Friendly Products packaging plant on November 4, 2009, in Garden Grove, California.
    15 photos: Carly Fiorina's political career
    Fiorina greets supporters after announcing her candidacy for U.S. Senate at Earth Friendly Products packaging plant on November 4, 2009, in Garden Grove, California.
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    Tuesday night, Christina Reynolds, a spokeswoman for the Clinton campaign, released a statement to CNN saying the man's remark was a "figure of speech."

    "At today's event, a veteran told a story about losing his job at HP, expressing his frustration at the way he was treated," Reynolds said. "He was using a figure of speech that should not be taken literally. Hillary Clinton doesn't hesitate to speak out against hateful or threatening rhetoric, but this vet did not intend to express either of those things, and Republicans should not try to pretend otherwise."

    The Fiorina campaign indirectly responded to the exchange by knocking the mainstream media, pointing to a tweet from spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores.

    "Let's all watch @HillaryClinton's media lapdogs explain why this is ok in 3, 2, 1....#whatbias," Flores tweeted.

    Fiorina herself failed to correct a voter in New Hampshire earlier this month who called President Barack Obama a "Muslim."

    "He's a Muslim. He's a black Muslim," the man said, to which Fiorina responded, "Well, time to do something different in many ways."

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