DENVER (AP) — Bill Clinton is defending Hillary Rodham Clinton's commitment to the poor and working Americans, saying his family's post-presidential wealth has not prevented the former secretary of state from understanding people's problems.

The former president tells NBC News' David Gregory, "She's not out of touch."

Bill Clinton says at the Clinton Global Initiative America meeting his family's personal wealth is the "wrong debate" and the focus should be on how political leaders address the "demise of the American dream."

The former first lady told ABC News earlier this month that her family was saddled with legal bills and "dead broke" when they left the White House in early 2001.

Republicans have accused Mrs. Clinton of being out of touch, pointing to the family's wealth since the end of Clinton's two-term presidency.