Hillary Clinton: ‘I’m running for president’

Hillary Clinton finally announced her White House candidacy Sunday, a move that empowers her to parry Republican attacks as she seeks to become the United States’ first female president.

Seven years after her bitter nomination defeat to Barack Obama, the former secretary of state and first lady jumps into the race as the Democratic Party’s overwhelming favorite, as Clinton and her rivals gird for a bruising 18-month campaign.

“I’m running for president,” a beaming Clinton said in a video on her campaign website that went live at about 3:00 pm (1900 GMT) Sunday.

“Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion, so you can do more than just get by. You can get ahead, and stay ahead,” she said.