The last time Hillary Clinton presented herself as a candidate for the most powerful job in America critics complained she was stiff, lacked a unifying message, was arrogant and removed from voters — competent no doubt, but could she empathise?

She did show emotion when she conceded the party nomination to Obama; she lamented not having pierced that “highest glass ceiling”. Yet even earlier, her remarks appeared to convey a depth of feeling talking to a women’s group.

When probed over what her motivations were, Clinton’s response could be interpreted as sensitive and inspiring patriotism: “This is very personal for me. It’s not just political, it’s not just public. I see what’s happening. We have to reverse it.”

Pundits suggest that Clinton’s toughest task may be overcoming her own image.

As the top US diplomat for four years, it helps that her address book includes a who’s who of high-level international politicians.

But even though she is far better known than most of he