Clinton's new website stokes 2016 speculation

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Once again fuelling speculation about whether she will run for president in 2016, Hillary Clinton launched a new website even before she officially stepped down as secretary of state.

HillaryClintonOffice.com only features a picture of Clinton - without the black glasses she took to wearing in the last few weeks of her reign at the State Department - and a contact sheet.

But in a nod to her future career and the fierce news buzz which surrounds her, the contact sheet urges visitors to specify whether they are trying to contact Mrs Clinton for a scheduling request, or for a media inquiry.

According to news reports, the website was registered on Thursday, just 24 hours before Mrs Clinton stepped down as America's top diplomat, handing the baton to John Kerry.

Mrs Clinton has so far said she has no plans to re-enter politics and run in the 2016 presidential elections, saying she wants to rest after two decades in the public spotlight, catch up on reading and spend time with her family.

But as the woman dubbed "the rock star diplomat," there is little doubt she will be highly sought after on the lecture circuit and could command substantial fees.

In a second bid aimed at ensuring she remains in the public eye, her husband, former president Bill Clinton, and her daughter, Chelsea, sent out a message on Tuesday entitled "Thank you Hillary" that praised her four-year tenure as secretary of state.

"We couldn't be more proud of what she's accomplished or more humbled by her commitment to making our country and our world stronger, safer, and better," they said in a joint message released by the Clinton Foundation.

"She's transformed the way we practice diplomacy and taken advantage of global trends - engaging directly with people, embracing technology, and championing economics, education, and energy to improve lives and strengthen communities around the world."

The message, emailed to supporters, also called on them to send a message of thanks to Hillary Clinton - a move that could add even more names to her already substantial mailing list, vital if she intends to elicit donations for a 2016 campaign.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.