VOA常速英语:Presidential Hopefuls Keep Busy Weekend Schedule

WASHINGTON— U.S. presidential candidates have scheduled meetings this weekend with groups supporting their respective parties. Democratic hopefuls are in Minnesota to address the Democratic National Committee's annual summer meeting. Republican candidates are taking their campaign messages to supportive groups across the United States.

Democratic politicians who have announced their candidacy for the presidential nomination are in Minnesota for the two-day meeting that began early Friday. The party's favorite, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton was among the first to speak.

"But let us not forget what we inherited from the Republicans: the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression," she said. "Thanks to the hard work and the sacrifice of the American people and the leadership of President Obama, we are standing again."

But at a press conference after her address, Clinton once again had to answer questions about the use of her private e-mail account for official messages while she was secretary of state.

"I never sent any classified material, nor received any marked classified and you are seeing these questions raised now because questions about classification are always going to raise issues," she said.

Clinton said as the State Department completes its verification process, it will be confirmed that she did nothing wrong.

Another Democratic candidate, former Rhode island Governor Lincoln Chafee, hailed the achievements of the Obama administration and said he would continue fighting for peace.

"I came up through the Vietnam era and I really want to see that our future generations do not have to go through these endless conflicts," he said.

On the Republican side

Meanwhile Republicans are talking about strengthening U.S. military and global leadership.

Friday in Charleston, South Carolina, Republican Senator Marco Rubio focused on China.

"If elected, I will end the defense sequestration and restore the Pentagon's budget to its appropriate level. Doing so will allow us to neutralize the threat posed by China's rapidly growing forces and capabilities," he said.

Also in Charleston, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, discussed his plan to "restore America's leadership in the world."