US election: Hillary Clinton already favourite to become president in 2016

HILLARY Clinton may have repeatedly stated that she intends to step down from politics after this election, but that did not stop bookmakers yesterday installing her as favourite for the 2016 presidential election.

Despite her public assurances that she does not want to stand, Ladbrokes yesterday put her 5/1 favourite for the top job in 2016.

Mitt Romney’s 2012 running mate, Paul Ryan, is 10/1 to become president in four years’ time, with the vice-president Joe Biden given odds of 16/1 amid speculation he will also make a bid for the White House.

Mrs Clinton’s chances for the highest office of all will depend a lot on the career path chosen by Mr Biden, the 69-year-old former US senator who has been a loyal Obama lieutenant,
although prone to gaffes.

Much will depend on the 
political future carved out by Mr Biden during the president’s 
second term.

It may be four long years away from the next election, but Mrs Clinton would appear to have the perfect CV for the job and friends are said to be urging her to change her mind and stand.

A formidable first lady during her husband Bill’s presidency, Mrs Clinton has also served as senator for New York and most recently as Secretary of State.

Her tenure as Secretary of State has been marked by a loyalty to Mr Obama, despite their acrimonious battle for the presidential nomination in 2008.

Now aged 65, she is still young enough to run, although her husband has admitted she is “tired” after being 20 years in the public eye.

Tellingly, the former president has declined to rule out his wife making a bid for the White House.

In the meantime, other potential Democratic candidates, such as New York governor Andrew Cuomo, are said to be waiting for Mrs Clinton’s next move.