Game on.

Eight years after being upstaged in Iowa by Barack Obama, Monday night brought more disappointing results for Hillary Clinton, who leaves the state with a razor-thin lead over Democratic rival Bernie Sanders after the first nominating contest of 2016.

"I am a progressive who gets things done for people," Clinton declared to supporters in Des Moines, saying she was "excited about really getting into the debate with Sen. Sanders about the best way forward to fight for us and America."

The former secretary of state, whose once formidable lead over Sanders evaporated over months of campaigning, promised to "finish the job of universal health care coverage for every man, woman and child."

And after pledging to sustain the Democratic vision in the face of Republican opposition, she concluded, "I stand here tonight, breathing a big sigh of relief​. Thank you, Iowa. ... I will keep doing what I have done my entire life."

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