Outspoken Clinton Aide Reines Playing Trump in Mock Debates

Hillary Clinton's longtime aide Philippe Reines, whom the Democratic nominee described in her book "Hard Choices" as a man she could "always trust … to speak his mind," is playing the role of Donald Trump in her mock debate sessions to get her ready to face a likely contentious face off with her Republican rival.

The New York Times, which first reported Reines' involvement, described him as a "deft practitioner" of the policies Trump favors. Reins served as a trusted aide of Clinton's through her years as secretary of state and in the Senate, but is also known for being blunt with her over her failures.

"It's perfect," said Michael Feldman, a former aide of Al Gore's and a friend of Reines. "As people have been trying to guess, they’ve been identifying characteristics, all of which he has: He’s smart, he’s quick on his feet, and he knows how to, and is not afraid to try, to push her buttons."

Trump has kept traveling through the week, while Clinton has taken some days off to prepare for Monday night's event, and is not believed to have a person standing in to play Clinton.

However, the role as a stand-in is an important part of the mock debate process. In 2012, then-Sen. John Kerry helped President Barack Obama by portraying GOP rival Mitt Romney, and Ohio Sen. Rob Portman helped with Romney's practice session by playing Obama.

Reines is described as having a personality that's closer to Trump's than it is to Clinton's, and faces the challenge of portraying a candidate who has been unpredictable in his attacks.

However, sources told The Times that also means that Reines won't be afraid to help Clinton prepare by slamming her with issues that could rattle her if Trump brings them up, including husband Bill's past marital indiscretions.

Reines is also well known for passionately defending Clinton, including launching several profane arguments against reporters and others who have criticized her.

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