Former Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and First Lady of the United States Hillary Clinton (D) announced today that she is a candidate for President in 2016.

Hillary Clinton speaking at the last Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa [September 2014 file photo].

The announcement video, linked this afternoon via social media:

The transcript:

Various individuals: I’m getting ready for a lot of things. A lot of things.

It’s Spring, so we’re starting to get the gardens ready and my tomatoes are legendary here in my own neighborhood.

My daughter is about to start kindergarten next year and so we’re moving just so she can belong to a better school.

[in Spanish] My brother and I are starting our first business.

After five years of raising my children I am now going back to work.

Every day we’re trying to get more and more ready and more prepared. Big boy coming your way.

Right now I’m applying for jobs. It’s a look into what the real world will look like after college.

I’m getting married this Summer to someone I really care about.

I’m gonna be in a play and I’m gonna be in a fish costume. We’re little tiny fishes…

I’m getting ready to retire soon. Retirement means reinventing yourself in many ways.    

Well, we’ve been doing a lot of home renovations. But most importantly we really just want to teach our dog to quit eating the trash. And so we hve high hopes for twenty-fifteen that that’s gonna happen.

I’ve started a new career recently. This is a fifth generation company which means a, a lot to me. This country was founded on hard work and it really feels good to be a part of that.  

Hillary Clinton: I’m getting ready to do something, too. I’m running for President.

Americans have fought their way back from tough economic times, but the deck is still stacked in favor of those at the top.

Every day 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. Because when families are strong America is strong.

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.

[Hillary for America

hillaryclinton.com

Paid for by Hillary for America]

Hillary Clinton’s Twitter page before (left) and  after (right) today’s announcement.

That’s a lot of Twitter followers.

Previously:

Oh yeah, Hillary’s gonna run (August 18, 2014)

Go North (September 3, 2014)

Road Trip! – the 2014 Harkin Steak Fry (September 5, 2014)

Bet the farm (September 14, 2014)

The Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – September 14, 2014 (September 15, 2014)

Hillary Clinton at the Harkin Steak Fry: “I’m back!” (September 15, 2014)

“I’m Back” Hillary Clinton at Harkin Steak Fry (September 16, 2014)

Super Twitter (February 2, 2015)

The campaign begins (April 10, 2015)