Clinton to become presumptive Democratic nominee, first woman to top a major party ticket

Clinton reflected emotionally on possibility Monday

Hillary Clinton will become the first woman to top a presidential ticket after securing enough commitments Monday from delegates to become the presumptive Democratic nominee, The Associated Press reported.

Earlier on Monday, Clinton reflected emotionally about being on the cusp of the Democratic nomination, a feat that would make her the first female nominee for a major political party.

During a question-and-answer session with reporters at a community center in Compton, Clinton acknowledged the historic nature of her candidacy and likely nomination after being asked if she feels the "weight of what this means for people."

"I do, I do," Clinton said. "I've seen it for more than a year. My supporters are passionate. They are committed. They have voted for me in great numbers across our country for many reasons, but among those reasons is their belief that having a woman president will make a great statement, a historic statement about what kind of country we are, what we stand for."

Clinton, who earlier declined to directly reflect on the history, said the weight is "really emotional."

"I am someone who has been very touched and really encouraged by this extraordinary conviction that people have. It's predominantly women and girls but not exclusively. Men bring their daughters to meet me and tell me that they are supporting me because of their daughters."

Clinton added, "And do I think it will make a very big difference for a father or a mother to be able to look at their daughter, just like he can look at their son and say you can be anything that you want to be in this country including president of the United States."

The former secretary of state has largely declined to discuss the historic nature of her candidacy. It wasn't until recently, however, that Clinton began addressing her status as the potential first woman nominee for a major political party.

"I know we have never done this before," Clinton said on Saturday in Fresno. "We've never had a woman president. That is why I want you to understand, that I have spent eight years in the Senate on the Armed Services committee, four years as secretary of state."

Clinton ran away from the historic nature of her candidacy during her failed 2008 presidential campaign, instead trying to focus on her preparedness in an effort to show her toughness.

But when Clinton launched her campaign in 2015, she did so in a softer light, as a grandmother who wants to talk about "kitchen table" issues like health care, education and social services.