Mrs. Clinton was the co-star of the Clinton administration, the only first lady ever elected to the United States Senate and a globe-trotting diplomat who surprised her party by serving dutifully under the president who defeated her. Regardless of the outcome, Mrs. Clinton’s 2016 campaign will open a new chapter in the extraordinary life of a public figure who has captivated and polarized the country since her husband, former President Bill Clinton, declared his intention to run for president in 1991.
– Hillary Clinton is now, officially, at long last, Ready for Hillary. She jumped back into presidential politics today as a top adviser announced her much-awaited second campaign for the White House. The adviser, John Podesta, told alumni of her first presidential campaign in an email: "It's official: Hillary's running for president." Clinton followed with a video released on YouTube that depicts people going through life challenges like moving, job-hunting, and starting a family, the New York Times reports. "I'm getting ready to do something too," Clinton says, appearing a minute-and-a-half in. "I'm running for president. ... Everyday Americans need a champion. And I want to be that champion." Clinton is expected to face pressure from progressives to adopt a more populist economic message focused on income inequality. The GOP, meanwhile, has already started attacking her, jumping on Clinton's use of a personal email account and server while secretary of state. Clinton is the first Democrat to get into the race and is not expected to be seriously challenged, the Times notes, but there are some lower-profile Democrats who may toss a hat in the ring, including former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, and former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee. If elected, Clinton would become the first woman to serve in the Oval Office. (Meanwhile, Kate McKinnon's version of Hillary Clinton made her announcement last night on Saturday Night Live.)