Washington, Sep 24 (IANS): Not long ago, Hillary Clinton had "absolutely no plans to run" for the White House in 2016. Now she is "wrestling" with the idea, but is in no hurry to decide as it's a decision "not to be made lightly."

A possible White House run by the former Secretary of State and First Lady, whom polls put as the leading contender Democratic nomination, has become a topic of renewed speculation with the publication of an interview by New York magazine.

In her first interview since leaving the State Department, asked by the magazine whether she wrestles with the idea of a possible run, Clinton replied "I do, but I'm both pragmatic and realistic."

"I think I have a pretty good idea of the political and governmental challenges that are facing our leaders, and I'll do whatever I can from whatever position I find myself in to advocate for the values and the policies I think are right for the country," she said.

"I will just continue to weigh what the factors are that would influence me making a decision one way or the other," said Clinton, who started out as a leading contender for Democratic nomination in 2008 too, but narrowly lost out to then Senator Barack Obama.

But "I'm not in any hurry. I think it's a serious decision, not to be made lightly, but it's also not one that has to be made soon," she said. "This election is more than three years away, and I just don't think it's good for the country."

"It's like when you meet somebody at a party and they look over your shoulder to see who else is there, and you want to talk to them about something that's really important; in fact, maybe you came to the party to talk to that particular person, and they just want to know what's next. I feel like that's our political process right now. I just don't think it is good."

Some of Clinton's closest confidants insist she will run, even if she hasn't realized it yet, according to the magazine. Of Clinton's failed 2008 bid, her aide Melanne Verveer told the magazine, "She doesn't repeat her mistakes."

Clinton also told the magazine that after many years, she and her husband Bill Clinton were enjoying their "ordinary" life together.

"We get to be at home together a lot more now than we used to in the last few years. We have a great time; we laugh at our dogs; we watch stupid movies; we take long walks; we go for a swim. You know just ordinary, everyday pleasures," she was quoted as saying.