Clinton emerges from hiatus with updated vision for future

READ: Clinton takes month-long hiatus

“For our democracies to meet the tests ahead, all of our people, not just those of us here, but all of our people, have to believe they too have a stake in our prosperity and our future, no matter where they are from, what they look like, who they worship or who they love,” Clinton said.

Wednesday’s speech in Winnipeg was Clinton’s first headline appearance since Dec. 15. The dearth in events is noticeable considering Clinton’s prevalence last year.

But the former secretary of state has been busy, according to a Democratic source who told CNN Clinton has been meeting with advisers for the last month at her Chappaqua, New York, home for strategy sessions about launching a 2016 presidential run.

Once again, Clinton declined to offer an opinion about the building of the Keystone XL pipeline, a controversial proposal currently under review by the State Department and the subject of a power struggle between the Obama administration and the Republican-led Congress.

Before the event, some of the 2,000 people who paid $300 a ticket to attend Clinton’s speech chatted about the former first lady’s likely presidential run and the fact she was getting paid for Wednesday’s appearance. Some even asked, “Do you think Clinton will declare her candidacy today?”

They were left disappointed, though. Clinton was not asked about her 2016 plans during a moderated discussion with CIBC CEO Victor Dodig and made no mention of them in her prepared remarks.

Clinton now heads to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for a similar event on Wednesday night.

CNN