“If Hillary’s In it – Hillary ‘ll Win It!”

Former First Lady Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, who has taken the first step towards an official presidential nomination bid, is one of the Democratic Party's key assets. But what is the likelihood of her pulling off one of the most historic landmarks in contemporary history – by becoming the USA’s first female President? IWM assess her chances.

A campaigner for women's rights, healthcare and job creation, Hillary Rodham Clinton commands a remarkably high profile both at home and on the global stage. As a senator (from New York) she has tried to position herself in the centre of the Democratic Party.

She voted for the invasion of Iraq in 2003 but has since distanced herself from what she has called President Bush's "escalation" of the conflict and is calling for the Iraqi government to take over security so that US troops can be withdrawn.

Hillary Clinton jumped into the fray as a 2008 presidential candidate with the words: "I'm in" posted on her Web site. "And I'm in to win," she added in a statement, announcing she has set up an exploratory committee that can gauge opinions and raise money for a presidential campaign. Clinton's announcement came on the same day that the next president will be inaugurated two years down the road: January 20, 2009.

The former First Lady and Democratic senator from New York is considered her party's front-runner in what has become a diverse Democratic field. (Should she win, she would be the first woman to serve as president of the United States - and the first presidential spouse to do so as well.)

Clinton has become the first former First Lady to seek presidential office, while Democratic Senator Barack Obama’s entry into the race has raised the possibility of the US having its first black president.

Bringing "the right end" to the war in Iraq, reducing the deficit, making the country energy independent and health care affordable were issues Clinton touted in her announcement, speaking on a video posted on her site.

Correspondents say that her unbeatable name recognition and unmatched fundraising ability make her a clear front runner for the Democrats – inspite of Obama’s political charisma and universal appeal. And yet it is not all positive for Clinton. She is also seen as a divisive figure. Some estimates say one in three Americans would never vote for her.

In her rallying call, the 59-year-old Chicago native said: "After six years of George Bush, it is time to renew the promise of America. I grew up in a middle-class family in the middle of America, and we believed in that promise. I still do. I've spent my entire life trying to make good on it, whether it was fighting for women's basic rights or children's basic health care, protecting our social security or protecting our soldiers."

Democratic insiders say that if she gets into the race, Hillary Clinton will win the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination. As a New York Time political commentator wrote: "If Hillary runs, Hillary wins—simple as that. She's doing all the right things, going to all the right states, building up political chits, and steering for the middle. She has to convince the 'nervous Nellies' in the party though that she's not a totally polarising figure and that she can win the general [election].

"I would never underestimate her. She has been to hell and back on so many things that no road she will likely ever travel will seem so hot. Hillary will be either the first ever woman to win a major party nomination, and then potentially the first female President of the USA, or just another failed candidate. But one thing is certain: she will never have a better chance than now.”

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