Moseley Braun Kicks Off Bid for White House

Democrat Carol Moseley Braun, who made history as the first black woman elected to the U.S. Senate, formally launched her long-shot bid for the presidency Monday, vowing to “fix the mess” created by the current leadership.

Moseley Braun faces nine other Democratic candidates -- all men who, for the most part, have raised more money and are beating her in the polls. Nevertheless, she is forging ahead with her campaign, arguing that as a former ambassador, senator and local government official she is uniquely qualified to be president.

“I offer the clearest alternative to this current administration, whose only new idea has been preemptive war and a huge new bureaucracy,” the former senator from Illinois said in a low-key announcement at Howard University. “I can fix the mess they have created because I am practical, I am not afraid of partnerships and I am committed to making the world a better place for our children.”