Clinton to run as ‘tenacious’ economic ‘fighter,’ reports say

by Mark Hensch - 04/11/15 5:26 PM ET

Hillary Clinton’s political strategists on Saturday revealed that the former secretary of State will seek the White House as a champion of middle-class prosperity in 2016.

The Associated Press reported that two senior advisers for Clinton’s campaign said she will cast herself as a “tenacious fighter” for average Americans next election cycle.

{mosads}The pair of operatives spoke anonymously so Clinton could better inform voters herself in the coming weeks. It is heavily rumored she will announce her campaign for the Democratic nomination in a video message Sunday.

AP said Clinton will purportedly borrow from President Obama’s successful 2012 campaign against her. She will present her message as one of economic populism focused on middle-class families.

She will contrast this with Republicans, whom she will argue support the wealthy and elitist.

Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) are the GOP’s only official White House candidates so far. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) will reportedly make his own campaign public on Monday in Miami.

Clinton plans on touring America’s early-voting states after her announcement and directly courting voters. She will initially visit Iowa, the country’s first voting caucus.

The advisors added Clinton would gradually reveal her platform so as not to overwhelm potential voters. They said she will begin with a focus on expanding early childhood education, making college more affordable and increasing economic success for families.

Clinton has long been considered the frontrunner for her party’s coronation. Her strategists said her early plan is not to take that status for granted.

The former first lady will thus avoid charges her nomination is inevitable by working hard for votes. She plans on addressing colleges, day care centers, diners and even private homes to appear approachable to Americans.

Former Govs. Martin O’Malley (Md.) and Jim Webb (Va.) are other possible contenders for Democratic support. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) have also been floated, though Warren has repeatedly denied she will run.

Clinton served as President Obama’s secretary of State from 2008 to 2013. A major terrorist attack during her tenure killed four Americans on Sept. 11, 2012, at the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

Former President Bill Clinton brought Hillary into the national eye following his election in 1993. She stood beside her husband as first lady through two terms, lasting until 2001.

– Updated at 5:38 p.m.

Tags Hillary Clinton