Top Clinton Aide: Hillary Almost Didn't Run

A top Hillary Clinton aide says the Democratic presidential nominee nearly didn't throw her hat in the ring.

"Contrary to this view that she had held onto this dream of being the first woman president, I think she came close to not running," Clinton campaign communications director Jennifer Palmieri told CBS News' Major Garrett.

"She went in with a lot of reluctance because she knew what would happen with the press coverage of her. She knew what Republicans do to her."

But the former first lady and secretary of state "decided to do it because she thought she was the person who could best be president and that she was the Democrat that was best positioned to be able to win," Palmieri said.

Still, she added, "I think [Clinton is] one of the people who's least surprised that she lost."
Palmieri also said that Clinton knew she "screwed up" by describing Trump supporters as a "basket of deplorables."

"She realized it that night. There's no question it did real damage," Palmieri said.

• Hillary Clinton 'Future Is Female' Video Opens MAKERS Conference
• Kellyanne Conway Hits Back at Tweeting Hillary: 'PA, WI, MI'