Officially kicking off her 2016 presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton on Saturday gave a rallying call to build "real and lasting prosperity" that "should be shared by all" and not just by CEOs and billionaires.
"Prosperity can't be just for CEOs and hedge fund managers," Clinton told a rally held on Roosevelt Island in New York and attended by thousands of supporters.
"Democracy can't be just for billionaires and corporations. Prosperity and democracy are part of your basic bargain, too. You brought our country back. Now it's time, your time, to secure the gains and move ahead. And you know what? America can't succeed unless you succeed. That is why I am running for president of the United States," she said.
Her husband, former United States President Bill Clinton, and their daughter Chelsea stood by in support. It was the first time the family was seen together in public since Clinton began her campaign to become America's first woman president.
Paying homage to the legacies of former presidents, particularly Franklin Roosevelt, Clinton said, "We have new challenges in our economy and our democracy, we are still working our way back from a crisis because time-tested values were replaced by false promises."
"We are standing again but we all know we are still not running the way America should," Clinton said while pointing out how while Americans are sacrificing like never before, the wealthiest Americans are getting a greater share of the profits and benefits. To those who are wondering 'when will I get ahead,'" Clinton said, "I say now."
Clinton touched other critical issues, vowing to fight income inequality and work on immigration reform, marriage equality, equal pay, criminal justice reform and women's rights.
The rally marks the formal kick-off to the 67-year-old former secretary of state's presidential campaign.
Clinton is seeking a Democratic presidential nomination to run for the White House in 2016. This is her second presidential bid.
In 2008, she lost in the Democratic Party primaries to current US President Barack Obama.
