After finishing just behind John Edwards in the caucuses, Hillary Clinton addressed her supporters Thursday evening, making it clear that she still plans to be the Democratic nominee.

"We're taking this enthusiasm and going right to New Hampshire," Clinton told a screaming crowd at the Hotel Fort Des Moines.

Saying she was "so proud to have run with such exceptional candidates," Clinton congratulated Obama and Edwards for their first and second place finishes, respectively.

"This has been a great night for Democrats," she said. "We have seen an unprecedented turnout here in Iowa and that is good news because today we are sending a clear message that we are going to have change, and that change will be a Democratic president in the White House."

She said it was important to keep the race focused on two things: How Democrats will win in November by nominating a candidate "able to go the distance" and who will be the best president "from day one."

"I am ready for that contest," Clinton told supporters.

In an attempt to downplay her third-place finish in the state, Clinton said she "had planned to run a national campaign all along" and was looking forward to hitting the ground in New Hampshire.

"I am so ready for the rest of this campaign," Clinton said. "I know that we're going to get up tomorrow and keep pushing as hard as we can to get the message out about what is at stake in this election."

She ticked off a series of initiatives, from ending the war in Iraq to energy independence and referenced her book "It Takes a Village," which includes a chapter about her belief that each child needs a champion.

"I think the American people need a president who is their champion, and that is who I intend to be," she said.

Long-time Clinton supporters were disappointed and surprised by her third-place finish. Gisselle Davis said she believed Clinton had the support and the substance to win the caucuses.

"Like a lot of people are, I am excited about the thought of a woman president," Davis said. "Plus, I believe Clinton has the best policy on the important things like health care and Iraq."

Joe Halterman also expected Clinton to come out on top, saying it seemed inevitable that she would finish in first-place.

"I love Bill Clinton, and I think enough people feel the same way and want him back in the White House," Halterman said. "Hillary gained a lot of experience while she was the First Lady and now as a Senator. I believe she will go on to win the nomination even after loosing here tonight."

Labels: Democrats