Hillary Clinton opts for low-key 'conversation' at Iowa college to launch presidential campaign

Move part of a meticulously crafted strategy to try and dispose of the celebrity aura that clings to the former First Lady and Secretary of State

Hillary Clinton talks to students at Kirkwood Community College in Monticello, Iowa (Getty Images)

Alighting from the rather menacing-looking black van that had borne her over two days from the East Coast to deepest Iowa, Hillary Clinton chose a deliberately low-key “conversation” with a small group of community college students to launch her presidential campaign.

The decision to go intimate rather than big-venue splashy for the debut event was part of a meticulously crafted strategy to try to dispose of the celebrity aura that clings to the former First Lady and Secretary of State and re-purpose her as a candidate willing to get into the mix with voters and listen to their concerns.

“Wow, that’s great,” she offered with uncertain enthusiasm as the first of a handpicked group of students shared her plans to graduate and find work.

Looking alternately at her hosts and the cameras, Ms Clinton reiterated the theme of the video released on Sunday declaring her candidacy – that she means to be the “champion” of the American people, some of whom have yet to see the benefits of the economic recovery. “I want to be that champion,” she said, “I want to stand up for people so they are not just getting by but so they can get ahead and stay ahead.”

In a clear effort to show a softer side, she cited the struggles of her parents – her mother was abandoned at 14 – and the lessons that she has learned in church. “You are supposed to give back,” she said, citing that as the reason she wants to be president.