In new ad, Hillary Clinton says protesting & agitating is Democratic Party 'at its best

Hillary Clinton came out of semi-hiding Friday to record a video encouraging Democrats engaged in protests, marches and heckling at GOP town halls that they represent the Democrat party "at its best."

The ad, posted on the official Democratic Party YouTube account, is a thank you letter of sorts. It is also a call for Democrats discouraged by the upset of the 2016 election to remain hopeful. The former Democratic presidential candidate opens the video by saying that the recent "coming together" of Democrats is their party "at its best." She clarifies what she means as the video goes on.

"After the primary, we came together to write the most progressive platform in history," Clinton says. "Everywhere people are marching, protesting, tweeting, speaking out and working for an America that's hopeful, inclusive and big-hearted. From the women's march to airports, where communities are welcoming immigrants, refugees and people of every faith, to town hall meetings where people are speaking up for health care, the environment, good jobs and all the other issues that deserve our passionate support."

The agitating she is praising has been disruptive enough that several states have begun passing or drafting legislation to criminalize protests. And the town hall heckling she refers to as "passionate" had protesters in Louisiana booing Jesus' name and screeching while a local veteran led the pledge of allegiance.

Clinton closes by making clear the agenda of the Democrats as they attempt to rebuild after the surprise election of President Donald Trump. Her remarks all but ensure that protests in the name of "The Resistance" won't be going anywhere in the near term.

"Among those millions making their voices heard are future mayors, city and state officials, governors, members of congress, even future presidents," she says. "Let resistance plus persistence equal progress for our party and our country."