Story highlights Hillary Clinton said candidates for president should "not just give a speech for them, not just appeal to their emotions"

She argued that her campaign is listening to the issues that matter to Americans

San Juan, Puerto Rico (CNN) When Hillary Clinton faced a surging Barack Obama in 2008, her argument against him was that his speeches were inspiring, but his leadership wouldn't be.

On Friday, Clinton used a similar argument against Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has surged in early state polls and is drawing large numbers to his rallies and speeches across the country.

"I think you can come with your own ideas and you can wave your arms and give a speech," Clinton said in response to a question from NBC's Andrea Mitchell about Sanders and Donald Trump. "But are you connecting with and really hearing what people are either saying to you or wishing that you would say to them?"

Clinton argued that her campaign is listening to the issues that matter to Americans and that she feels "very, very good about where" her campaign is.

Later in the interview, Clinton said candidates for president should "not just give a speech for them, not just appeal to their emotions."

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