Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is wrestling with the idea of contesting the 2016 presidential polls but is "pragmatic" and "realistic" about her decision, which close aides claim is a "foregone conclusion".
On being asked in an interview by the New York magazine whether she wrestles with the idea of running for president, Clinton replied, "I do".
"But I'm both pragmatic and realistic. I think I have a pretty good idea of the political and governmental challenges that are facing our leaders, and I'll do whatever I can from whatever position I find myself in to advocate for the values and the policies I think are right for the country," Clinton said.
"I will just continue to weigh what the factors are that would influence me making a decision one way or the other," she said in her first interview since departing as President Barack Obama's top diplomat in February.
Some of her close confidants are far less circumspect than she is, according to the magazine.
"She's running, but she doesn't know it yet," an aide was quoted as saying by the magazine.
"It's just like a force of history. It's inexorable, it's gravitational. I think she actually believes she has more say in it than she actually does," the aide said.
"She's doing a very Clintonian thing. In her mind, she's running for it, and she's also convinced herself she hasn't made up her mind. She's going to run for president. It's a foregone conclusion," a longtime friend is quoted as saying.
Clinton in the interview also said that she has time to decide on the presidential bid as it is an important decision not to be made light of.
"I'm not in any hurry," Clinton has been quoted as saying.
"I think it's a serious decision, not to be made lightly, but it's also not one that has to be made soon," she said.
The former first lady is the leading contender for the Democratic nomination if she chooses to run.
Democrats are watching her moves closely for any indication of her decision, which could have a major influence on whether others decide to enter the race.
Potential contenders include Vice President Joe Biden, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley.
