Clinton announces candidacy
Two-time senator and former first lady Hillary Clinton announces intentions of running for US president in 2008; considered the fore-runner among Democratic candidates
WASHINGTON: Democratic Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton formally announced her intention to run for US president in 2008. "I'm in and I'm in to win," she said on her Web site.
Hillary said she was not afraid of taking on the Republicans. After triumphing twice against them in her Senate races in New York, she knows how to take them on and beat them, she wrote.
The American public has long awaited such a formal declaration from the popular senator and former first lady. Her announcement, days after Sen. Barack Obama from Illinois declared his bid to become the first black president, kicks off what has become the most diverse Democratic race ever.
Clinton is considered the front-runner, with Obama and 2004 vice presidential nominee John Edwards top contenders. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who would be the first Hispanic president, intends to announce his plans on Sunday.
Clinton has already succeeded in enlisting a wide network of supporters, as well as millions of dollars for her presidential campaign. Many see her as the first woman candidate with a realistic shot at winning the Democratic primaries and a presidential election.
However, there are Democrats who are worried that Clinton's image may present a problem for American voters. Some US polls have shown that she provokes extremely divided reactions among the public: for some adoration, for others, disgust.
A month ago, in an interview on NBC, Clinton expressed and explained her ambivalence with the idea of a presidential bid. I, more than anyone, know how tough this job is, she said.
I want to be sure that I'm making the right decision for myself, my family, my party and my nation, she explained, emphasizing the expected difficulties for any president coming into office in 2008.
Now, in late January, she has made up her mind to run. In a videotaped message on her Web site, she said "After six years of George Bush it is time to renew the promise of America."
"I am forming a presidential exploratory committee. I am not just staring a campaign though, I am beginning a conversation with you, with America. Because we all need to be part of a discussion if we are going to be part of the solution."
She mentioned several issues that she will address in her campaign including the war in Iraq, energy and health care.
Reuters and AP contributed to this report
