New York, June 15 (RHC)-- Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton has officially launched her campaign for U.S. president with a speech on New York City’s Roosevelt Island. During Saturday’s speech, the former secretary of state, senator and first lady tried to portray herself as a champion of financially struggling Americans amid the country’s growing income inequality.

"Americans can't succeed unless you succeed," she said. "That is why I am running for president of the United States." Clinton told the crowd: "Prosperity can't be just for CEOs and hedge fund managers. Democracy can't be just for billionaires and corporations. Prosperity and democracy are part of your basic bargain, too. You brought our country back. Now it's time, your time, to secure the gains and move ahead."

Saturday's event was also a chance for Clinton to introduce herself in a different, softer light to a large media audience. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio did not attend the rally, saying he is waiting for Clinton to present a "larger vision" for reducing income inequality.

This will be Clinton’s second attempt at running for the White House. She ran unsuccessfully in 2008 for the Democratic nomination against then U.S. senator Barack Obama.

Hillary Clinton’s e-mail controversy is reportedly hurting her approval ratings and taking a toll on her public image. She has come under intense criticism after the New York Times published a report in March that suggested Clinton violated federal regulations by using a personal e-mail account for government business during her time as secretary of state, potentially shielding her correspondence from public inquiries.

Clinton’s favorable ratings have dropped significantly across several key indicators since she announced her presidential campaign in April, according to a CNN/ORC poll released earlier this month. The poll found that a growing number of Americans say she is not honest and trustworthy and does not care about people like them.