Hillary Rodham Clinton is perhaps as popular as ever in her 22 years in national politics. Now she's taking steps as a private citizen that fuel her supporters' hopes she will run for president in 2016.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Testifies On International Affairs Budget For 2013
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
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Clinton is scheduled to speak Tuesday night at an awards ceremony in Washington. It's her first public speech since stepping down as secretary of state.

A potential rival for the nomination, Vice President Joe Biden, is also scheduled to appear.

Many Democrats consider Clinton a prohibitive favorite who might deny funds and volunteers to other Democratic candidates.

A Washington Post-ABC News poll has found that 67 percent of Americans hold a favorable view of Clinton. That's her highest rating to date.

 

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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