Hillary Clinton launches 2016 presidential campaign

As of around noon today, Hillary Clinton launched her 2016 presidential campaign by posting on her various social media accounts. Accompanied by the announcement was a video in which Mrs. Clinton outlines why she is seeking the Democratic nomination in 2016. This week, she’ll be starting her campaign with visits to Iowa consisting of small gatherings with limited press access.

Report from the AP:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton jumped back into presidential politics on Sunday, announcing her much-awaited second campaign for the White House. “Everyday Americans need a champion. I want to be that champion,” she said.

As she did in 2007, Clinton began her campaign for the 2016 Democratic nomination with a video. But rather than follow it with a splashy rally, she instead plans to head to the early-voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, looking to connect with voters directly at coffee shops, day care centers and some private homes.

“So I’m hitting the road to earn your vote. Because it’s your time. And I hope you’ll join me on this journey,” Clinton said at the end of a video, which features a series of men, women and children describing their aspirations.

This voter-centric approach was picked with a purpose, to show that Clinton is not taking the nomination for granted. Only after about a month of such events will Clinton will give a broader speech outlining more specifics about her rationale for running.

Here is the video which is the focus of her launch:

The official tweet:

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

With this low-key launch, the campaign is officially underway now that we have declared candidates in both parties. Marco Rubio will announce on Monday, April 13, and some other Republicans, and perhaps Democrats, may announce anytime between now and the end of June.

Undoubtedly this quiet launch for Hillary is meant to get her in the race without the pressure of a big announcement with great fanfare. She’s clearly working to avoid the inevitability train which has followed her for months, if not years now.