Hillary Clinton has officially launched her second bid for the presidency.
The former first lady, senator and secretary of state’s highly anticipated 2016 campaign formally kicked off with a newly launched website topped with the slogan “This starts with you,” as well as a video announcing her big move.
“I’m getting ready to do something, too. I’m running for president,” Clinton says in her first two-minute campaign video.
“I’m hitting the road to earn your vote because it’s your time. And I hope you will join me on this journey,” she adds at the end of the short clip, which focuses on the middle class.
Clinton’s daughter, Chelsea, was among the first to send her support, via Twitter.
Very proud of you Mom! @HillaryClinton: http://t.co/PvMlg82cU2
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) April 12, 2015
Minutes later, Clinton posted her own message to Twitter, signing off with a simple “-H.”
I’m running for president. Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion. –H https://t.co/w8Hoe1pbtC
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 12, 2015
She also announced that she is hitting the campaign trail, and heading to Iowa.
I’m hitting the trail to earn your vote. Headed to Iowa. –H http://t.co/Mut4vOMxm0
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 12, 2015
During a two-year hiatus from holding political office, Clinton made no secret of the fact that she was considering a presidential campaign. Clinton also gave no shortage of hints over the past few months that she intended to make a second go at the White House.
Sunday’s announcement was widely anticipated following Clinton’s lease on a hip new (potential) campaign headquarters in Brooklyn, and hiring of a Google executive to head her technology strategy.
U.S. President Barack Obama threw his weight behind Clinton during a press conference on Saturday when asked about his thoughts on her potential run. The president said she would make “an excellent president.”
Looking back on his 2008 campaign, Obama said Clinton was a “formidable candidate” to run against for the Democratic nomination. He also lauded her service as secretary of state during his first term in office.
“She was an outstanding secretary of state. She is my friend,” Obama said. “I think she would be an excellent president. And I’m not on the ballot.”
