Hillary Rodham Clinton ended two years of coy denials amid speculation on Sunday after she announced that she would seek the presidency for the second time.
Clinton released a two-minute video just after 3 p.m., immediately establishing herself as the likely 2016 Democratic candidate. She smiled near the end, stating, “I’m running for president.”
Clinton’s announcement begins what could be one of the least contested races for the Democratic nomination in recent history – in direct contrast to the 2008 primaries, when Clinton was an early front-runner, but ended up in a long, costly battle eventually won by Barack Obama. It could also lead to the first time a woman captures a major party’s nomination.
Clinton’s announcement through a viral video was no surprise, given her avid use of social media. She has used Twitter to express opinions since leaving the State Department in 2013 as a way of appealing to young voters.
The 67-year-old says she wants to be “America’s champion.” Unlike her 2008 campaign, when she played down gender and tried to show she was tough enough to be president, this time she’s highlighting the fact that she is not only a mother, but also a grandmother, who has what it takes to make history.
Clinton will undoubtedly face some tough scrutiny regarding the email scandal that surfaced a few months ago, but plans to power through. She is also likely to face questions about a number of other seemingly shady antics while being Secretary of State – including the big one, Benghazi.
Hillary Clinton is one of the 5 people who have announced 2016 presidential bids, as well as the only Democrat so far. Her potential Republican opponents include Senators Ted Cruz of Texas, Marco Rubio of Florida and Rand Paul of Kentucky as well as former Governor Jeb Bush of Florida and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.