In economic address, Hillary Clinton calls out 'gig' economy

Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton laid out her economic agenda in New York City. She focused on ways to lift American workers and called out the sharing economy as a potential factor in dampened wage growth. The sharing economy -- bolstered by high-flying start-ups including Uber, Airbnb and Lyft -- allows individuals to share products and services like offering homes and apartments for rent, or driving passengers to destinations. "Many Americans are making extra money renting out a spare room, designing a website ... even driving their own car. This on demand or so called 'gig' economy is creating exciting opportunities and unleashing innovation, but it's also raising hard questions about workplace protections and what a good job will look like in the future," Clinton said.

Republican presidential candidates are knocking Hillary Clinton for her remarks. Sen Rand Paul (R-KY) came out with the sharpest barb, saying the country “shouldn’t take advice on the sharing economy from someone who has been driven around in a limo for 30 years,” referring to Clinton’s revelation in 2014 that she hadn’t driven a car since 1996. Former Gov. Jeb Bush’s (R-FL) campaign released a statement saying, “Secretary Clinton’s antiquated proposals protect the special interests that want to stifle American ingenuity and 21st Century companies like Uber that are creating jobs.”