Trump Jabs Clinton on National Security: 'Putin Looks at Her and He Laughs'

Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are making the case for their unique qualifications on national security this week.

Trump is speaking in Philadelphia Wednesday to explain his plans to "add substantially" to the country's arsenal of submarines, ships and combat troops. The two will speak separately Wednesday night at a "commander in chief" forum on NBC.

The news comes one day after both Clinton and Trump targeted military families in key Southern states.

In Virginia Beach, Trump spoke to military and retired military at a private event Tuesday. He blasted Clinton's foreign policy and promised better health care for veterans.

"You have illegal immigrants that she wants....treated better than veterans," he charged.  

Trump told veterans he would have negotiated a far better nuclear deal with Iran. He called it "a deal at the highest level of incompetence."

He also said Clinton is unfit to take on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Putin looks at her and he laughs," Trump said. "Putin looks at Hillary and he smiles. Boy, would he like to see her. That would be easy."

The Virginia Beach crowd appeared mainly supportive of Trump and his policies.

"I like his policies. He supports the military and he's going to straighten out the VA, which needs to be straightened out," resident George Garrett said.

"We do need a CEO this time," Natalie Faison said. "We do not need a politician."

But in Florida, Clinton blasted Trump's relationship with veterans, reminding her audience of his exchange this summer with the Muslim parents of a slain American soldier.

"His campaign has been one long insult to all those who wear the uniform to protect our most cherished American values," Clinton said.

She also alleged that when it comes to foreign policy, Trump is a danger and a risk.

"He says he has a secret plan to defeat ISIS," Clinton said. "But the secret is -- he has no plan."

To further her attack on Trump's standing with veterans, Clinton has released a new ad, dubbed "Sacrifice," that shows veterans watching some of Trump's more provocative statements.

Clinton is still dogged, however, by escalating questions about emails she sent while secretary of state. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, chairman of the House committee investigating the case, asked a federal prosecutor to look at whether she helped to delete thousands of her emails.  

It may be another reason why the race appears to be tightening. The latest CNN poll shows Trump topping Clinton 45 to 43 percent.