Hillary Clinton praised Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s “fighting spirit” on Tuesday during a surprise visit to the disgraced former Democratic National Committee chairwoman’s campaign headquarters.

“I’m here today with a very simple message: I can’t think of anyone who deserves your support for reelection, starting with the primary August 30th, than my friend, Debbie,” Clinton told a small audience gathered at Wasserman Schultz’s campaign headquarters in Davie, Fla.

“As a personal matter, I really respect Debbie’s fighting spirit,” the Democratic presidential nominee added.

The appearance comes just weeks after Wasserman Schultz was forced to resign as DNC chair because of leaked emails showing her and other party officials expressing opposition for Clinton’s primary challenger, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

The scandal caused a massive rift in the Democratic party because it confirmed Sanders’ supporters deepest suspicions that the DNC sought to secure Clinton’s nomination. Clinton has avoided commenting on the emails, some of which show DNC officials plotting to publicly question Sanders’ religion.

Sanders has endorsed Wasserman Schultz’s primary opponent, Tim Canova.

Canova filed an ethics complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Monday alleging that Wasserman Schultz improperly used the DNC to “monitor my campaign and try to crush my campaign in violation of federal election law.” (RELATED: Allegation: Former DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz Violated Federal Election Law)

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