Let us talk, Hillary tells Americans : <b>Video</b>

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Starting her first full week as a presidential contender, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton expressed confidence that she can win the 2008 Democratic nomination.

Clinton is starting a three-day series of web chats with supporters this evening, and travels to Iowa, site of the first nominating caucuses, next weekend. "I want to have a conversation with our citizens about what we want for our country," Clinton said.

Clinton, speaking publicly on Sunday for the first time since declaring her candidacy on her website, said she decided to run after doing a "thorough review" of the challenges facing the US.

She said she is the best candidate for the job and is eager to begin campaigning. "It'll be a great contest with a lot of talented people and I'm very confident. I'm in, I'm in it to win and that's what I intend to do," she said.

The former first lady was vying to be the first woman and first presidential spouse to win the White House. Polls show her leading a crowded field of Democratic candidates that includes Illinois Senator Barack Obama, who hopes to become the first black President.

A Washington Post-ABC News poll released yesterday shows Clinton is the favorite of 41% Democrats, more than double the support of any of her rivals.

Despite abundant strengths, Clinton remains a polarising figure to many voters and faces questions about her ability to win a general election. Her position on the Iraq war - she voted to authorise the invasion in 2002, and has refused to call for a date-certain removal of troops - has alienated many Democratic activists who vote heavily in primaries.