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Hillary Clinton joins 2008 race
Ms Clinton would become the US' first female president
Democratic Senator Hillary Clinton has taken the first step towards running for the US presidency in 2008.
Ms Clinton, 59, wife of former president Bill, announced her move on her website, saying "I'm in to win".
The former First Lady has set up a presidential exploratory committee, testing the waters for a full bid.
Her announcement comes days after African-American Democratic Senator Barack Obama said he had formed an exploratory committee.
Only a new president can regain America's position as a respected leader in the world
Hillary Clinton statement
In a videotaped and written message on her website, Ms Clinton said it was time "to overcome six years of Bush administration failures.
"The stakes will be high when America chooses a new president in 2008," she said.
"Only a new president can regain America's position as a respected leader in the world.
"This is a big election with some very big questions. How do we bring the war in Iraq to the right end?" she asked, in addition to mentioning several domestic issues, including health care, the environment and "energy independence".
Ms Clinton said she planned to answer questions in web chats on three consecutive nights, starting on Monday.
Her announcement brings to five the number of Democratic presidential hopefuls.
'Front runner'
Ms Clinton would become the first First Lady to seek presidential office, while Mr Obama's entry into the race would raise the possibility of the US having its first black president.
HILLARY CLINTON
Former Arkansas lawyer
Former First Lady
Two-time New York senator
Mr Obama is one of the Democratic Party's rising stars, having electrified the 2004 Democratic convention with a powerful speech.
Ms Clinton is currently serving as a senator for New York, having won a second term by a landslide last November.
Correspondents say that her unbeatable name recognition and unmatched fundraising ability make her a clear front runner for the Democrats.
Yet she is also seen as a divisive figure. Some estimates say one in three Americans would never vote for her.
Ms Clinton's decision in 2002 to vote in favour of military action against Iraq angered many Democrat supporters but she has since become a vocal critic of President George Bush's handling of the conflict
Ms Clinton would become the US' first female president
Democratic Senator Hillary Clinton has taken the first step towards running for the US presidency in 2008.
Ms Clinton, 59, wife of former president Bill, announced her move on her website, saying "I'm in to win".
The former First Lady has set up a presidential exploratory committee, testing the waters for a full bid.
Her announcement comes days after African-American Democratic Senator Barack Obama said he had formed an exploratory committee.
Only a new president can regain America's position as a respected leader in the world
Hillary Clinton statement
In a videotaped and written message on her website, Ms Clinton said it was time "to overcome six years of Bush administration failures.
"The stakes will be high when America chooses a new president in 2008," she said.
"Only a new president can regain America's position as a respected leader in the world.
"This is a big election with some very big questions. How do we bring the war in Iraq to the right end?" she asked, in addition to mentioning several domestic issues, including health care, the environment and "energy independence".
Ms Clinton said she planned to answer questions in web chats on three consecutive nights, starting on Monday.
Her announcement brings to five the number of Democratic presidential hopefuls.
'Front runner'
Ms Clinton would become the first First Lady to seek presidential office, while Mr Obama's entry into the race would raise the possibility of the US having its first black president.
HILLARY CLINTON
Former Arkansas lawyer
Former First Lady
Two-time New York senator
Mr Obama is one of the Democratic Party's rising stars, having electrified the 2004 Democratic convention with a powerful speech.
Ms Clinton is currently serving as a senator for New York, having won a second term by a landslide last November.
Correspondents say that her unbeatable name recognition and unmatched fundraising ability make her a clear front runner for the Democrats.
Yet she is also seen as a divisive figure. Some estimates say one in three Americans would never vote for her.
Ms Clinton's decision in 2002 to vote in favour of military action against Iraq angered many Democrat supporters but she has since become a vocal critic of President George Bush's handling of the conflict
BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Hillary Clinton joins 2008 race
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