Hillary Clinton Says Women in Politics Have Ripple Effect

CHICAGO June 13, 2013 -- A "still jet-lagged" former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced today she's turning her focus to help create more opportunities for women in the workplace.

"When women participate in the economy everybody benefits. This should be a no-brainer," Clinton said in remarks at the Clinton Global Initiative America event in Chicago.

Clinton spent years as a New York senator and Secretary of State distinguishing herself from her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Today she announced they're joining forces with their daughter, Chelsea, in his foundation which has been re-named The Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea Foundation.

"We are so excited to have this be a full partnership between the three of us," she said.

For anyone looking for clues about a potential 2016 presidential run, Clinton – who made her debut on Twitter on Monday – offered only this:

"When women participate in politics, the effects ripple out across society," she said as the audience cheered and applauded.

In addition to calling for more opportunities for women, Clinton in her speech also focused on early childhood development and economic development. If we can overcome "partisan, cultural, and geographical" divisions, she noted, "we can take on any challenge we confront."

Clinton's appearance today came only days after allegations from a former State Department investigator that top officials at her agency attempted to stop or delay potentially damaging probes, including one allegation about a U.S. ambassador losing "his protective security detail in order to solicit sexual favors" from prostitutes.

Clinton today did not address those allegations. A State Department spokeswoman earlier this week said the agency takes "allegations of misconduct seriously" and they "investigate thoroughly."

On Friday in Chicago Bill Clinton will speak alongside New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, with their stated topic "Cooperation and Collaboration: A Conversation on Leadership." With Christie viewed as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2016, he and Hillary Clinton could find themselves on opposite sides of the battle for the White House.

According to a Gallup poll released Monday, 58 percent of respondents expressed a favorable view of the former Secretary of State, while 39 percent said unfavorable. Before this survey, Clinton's favorability rating had been above 60 percent every time since 2008.