Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, back from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries (including Turkey, I believe), talked a bit on NPR about the timing of any announcement of her presidential campaign.

INSKEEP: And one other quick question, Senator. As you know, Sen. Barack Obama made news yesterday by taking a step toward a presidential run. As you consider what to do and when to do it, is there a reason for you to hold back from announcing?

CLINTON: You know, I am not influenced by anybody else’s timeline. I am trying to just pursue my own analysis and assessment.

INSKEEP: What is it that you don’t know?

CLINTON: There is a lot involved in doing this effectively, if you are going to take the plunge. When I’m ready to make an announcement, I would love to talk to you about it.

INSKEEP: Is there a date you think by which you must decide, given the dynamics of this – the fundraising and people necessary?

CLINTON: There is a timeline that I have had in mind, and I’m going to stick with that. I look forward to talking with you about it in the future.

INSKEEP: This spring, perhaps?

CLINTON: (laughter) Well, you’re very good Steve. But I’m just going to go far with my planning, but what’s really important to me now, is not what’s going to happen in a year or two years from now, but what we’re going to do to protect American troops, what we’re going to try to do to stabilize Iraq, what we’re going to try to do to win in Afghanistan and protect America’s interest throughout the region.

Audio can be found here.