Bill Clinton: I Never Asked Meek to Drop Out

"Kendrick Meek is my close friend," Mr. Clinton said. "I have supported his campaign from the beginning, though our relationship extends far beyond politics. We did talk last week following a rally in Orlando about the race and its challenges. I didn't ask Kendrick to leave the race, nor did Kendrick say that he would. I told him that how he proceeds was his decision to make and that I would support him regardless."

"I still believe he could be the best Senator to help Florida and America emerge from the current crisis and build a growing middle class economy," he added.