Priebus blasts Clinton's 'contempt' for 'ordinary Americans'

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus on Saturday blasted Democratic presidential nominee Hillary ClintonHillary Rodham ClintonProgressive group frustrated with DNC over transition team Chelsea Clinton plans new children's book: 'She Persisted' Top Dems prep for future while out of the spotlight MORE for her “basket of deplorables” comment, saying it shows her “contempt” for ordinary people.

“By referring to millions of Americans as ‘deplorables’ and ‘irredeemable,’ Hillary Clinton is showing her outright contempt for ordinary people and proving yet again why Americans overwhelmingly regard her as dishonest and untrustworthy,” Priebus said in a statement.

“Insulting everyday Americans to a group of wealthy donors shows whose priorities Clinton really has in mind and exposes the hypocrisy of a candidate whose stated desire to unite the country is clearly all for show.”

Priebus added: “Millions of Americans are supporting Donald TrumpDonald TrumpVan Jones and and Ryan P. Haygood: Trump is wrong on criminal justice Serious tax reform is the key to restoring economic prosperity CNN host, GOP rep spar over Trump wiretap talk MORE because they are sick of corrupt career politicians like Hillary Clinton who regard what voters think as an afterthought. The truly deplorable thing in this race is the shameful level of condescension and disrespect Hillary Clinton is showing to her fellow citizens.”

Clinton triggered a flood of criticism after it surfaced Friday night that she, while speaking at a fundraiser in New York, said she could put half of Trump's supporters into a "basket of deplorables" of sexism, homophobia, racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia.

She walked back the comment in a statement Saturday, saying she regrets speaking so generally.

In an RNC press call on Saturday, Rep. Marsha BlackburnMarsha BlackburnOvernight Tech: Ad industry urges Congress to eliminate FCC privacy rules | Yahoo offers Google help in data fight | Facebook bans use of its data for surveillance Advertisers urge Congress to roll back internet privacy rule Week ahead in tech: GOP takes aim at internet privacy rules MORE (R-Tenn.) said Clinton's comments showed her "elitist" perspective on the country.