NEW YORK, Jan 20: Democratic Senator Hillary Clinton on Saturday took the first step toward a 2008 White House bid that could make her the first woman president of the United States, she announced on her website.

“I'm in. And I'm in to win,” Ms Clinton, a former first lady now representing New York in the US Senate, said in a video on her site.

“Today I am announcing that I will form an exploratory committee to run for president.

“The stakes will be high when America chooses a new president in 2008.

“As a senator, I will spend two years doing everything in my power to limit the damage George W. Bush can do. But only a new president will be able to undo Mr Bush's mistakes and restore our hope and optimism,” said Ms Clinton, 59.

“Only a new president can renew the promise of America -- the idea that if you work hard, you can count on the healthcare, education and retirement security that you need to raise your family. These are the basic values of America that are under attack from this administration everyday.” Ms Clinton also underscored the need to “get our country back on track.”—AFP