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Hillary Clinton on Putin's criticism: He's not the first sexist male leader

Hillary Clinton described Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent snipe at her as sexist, but attributed the comment to him being defensive about his leadership.Putin recently criticized Clinton as someone who "has never been too graceful in her statements,” according to an English transcript of an interview.Clinton responded in an interview that aired on NBC’s Nightly News and TODAY.“H
Clinton spoke to NBC's Cynthia McFadden.
Clinton spoke to NBC's Cynthia McFadden.TODAY

Hillary Clinton described Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent snipe at her as sexist, but attributed the comment to him being defensive about his leadership.

Putin recently criticized Clinton as someone who "has never been too graceful in her statements,” according to an English transcript of an interview.

Clinton responded in an interview that aired on NBC’s Nightly News and TODAY.

“He's not the first male leader that has engaged in sexism on the public stage,” she said. “He attacked me because I have raised issues about his leadership, and in particular, about the illegal occupation of Crimea.”

Clinton, who many believe may launch a second presidential campaign in 2016, also provided a few reasons why she may not want to return to the White House. Among them, a new grandchild who will be born later this year.

"I am about to become a grandmother in the fall, which I know is gonna change my life," the former first lady, senator and secretary of state said in an interview with NBC's Cynthia McFadden.

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“I don't want to be focused on something two years away. I want to be focused on this baby right in front of me."

Clinton also said she has been enjoying a previously elusive freedom that has allowed her to catch up with friends and dine with family. She said she would have to sacrifice setting her own schedule if she makes another White House run. 

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Clinton, who has been promoting a new memoir that that hit stores this week, "Hard Choices,” covered a range of topics in her interview — including the public’s obsession with her appearance.

“I'm so used to it now,” she said. “I mean, I do think it gets old. It gets old for any woman. But after a while, you just grin and bear I think is the way to handle it.”

Clinton also described how she refused a request by the 2008 Obama campaign to attack Sarah Palin immediately after the former Alaska governor was tapped to be the Republican vice presidential candidate. Clinton's interview also covers the recent prisoner swap involving American Bowe Bergdahl, CIA leaker Edward Snowden, and her relationship with President Obama. Read about the full interview here.