Clinton Promises Free College to Anyone Whose Parents Make Under $85000

Chief among Sanders concerns was whether Clinton and the Democratic Party would embrace the progressive policy agenda that was central to his presidential campaign.

Hillary Clinton took a page from Bernie Sanders’ campaign playbook on Wednesday by embracing free tuition for some American college students. Clinton also called for reinstating year-round Pell Grant funding so students juggling classes along with jobs, childcare and other obligations could continue their education through the summer months, along with a three-month timeout of sorts on the repayment of federal student loans.

When asked about the incident on CNN, Sanders said it was overblown, but that “we look at the world a little bit differently”.

Sanders has withheld his endorsement of Clinton since the end of the Democratic primaries in mid-June, pressing for policy commitments from the campaign and party leaders developing the platform that will be considered at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Now, though, Clinton wants the majority of students to pay nothing at all. He described some members as being “anxious” about Sanders’ answer about when he would endorse Clinton.

Bernie Sanders is expected to endorse Hillary Clinton at a joint campaign event next Tuesday in New Hampshire.

Sanders has increasingly hinted in media interviews that he is preparing an endorsement of the presumptive Democratic nominee. In a statement, Clinton said her plan would make sure families “can send a child or loved one to college tuition-free” and give student debt holders “immediate relief”.

“It is basically insane that so many of our bright young people are unable to afford the cost of college and get the education they need and it is equally crazy that millions more leave school deeply in debt”, Sanders said.

A Clinton aide said student debt and the rising cost of tuition were among the most common issues Clinton heard about from voters while campaigning during the primary.

Clinton press secretary Brian Fallon declined to comment. Newkirk said that while Democracy Spring will “generally try to communicate with law enforcement and to respond if they reach out, we don’t generally negotiate” the particulars of planned protests. Indeed, the proposal drew praise from Sanders, who wrote on Twitter that he applauded Clinton’s “very bold initiative for the financing of higher education”.