In this Sept. 22, 2015 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks in Des Moines, Iowa. AP Photo
LAS VEGAS, United States—Hillary Clinton received surprise respite from attacks over her use of a private email server as US top diplomat, with rivals becoming unlikely defenders during a Democratic presidential debate Tuesday.
READ: Clinton says private email was a mistake, says she’s sorry
“Enough of the e-mails!” said an exasperated would-be nominee Bernie Sanders, Clinton’s closest rival in party polls, in response to a moderator’s questioning.
“The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn e-mails,” he said turning to Clinton.
“Thank you. Me too. Me too,” the former first lady replied.
READ: Clinton private account targeted in Russia-linked email scam
The Democratic frontrunner is facing an FBI investigation after using a private email server while serving as Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013.
Clinton has faced tough questions about whether she inappropriately sent and received highly sensitive material, and whether sufficient security measures were in place to protect her server from hackers.
The issue has dogged her for months, with foes suggesting it is just one of many scandals that have hurt the White House hopeful and her former president husband Bill Clinton over decades.
The former top diplomat bristled when asked about the issue and painted a Congressional panel that made the discovery as being politically motivated.
“I’ve taken responsibility” she said. “I did say it was a mistake.”
Ahead of her Congressional testimony before a Republican-dominated panel, Clinton insisted “I’ll answer their questions. But tonight I want to talk not about my e-mails but about what the American people want for the next president of the United States.”
That prompted Sanders to chime in “I think the secretary is right.”