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By Dan Merica CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- "Complicated" is how Hillary Clinton described her relationship with the political press corps at an event on Monday night.

The honest admission provided a rare glimpse into how the former secretary of state -- and frontrunner for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination -- views the journalists who constantly follow her.

"I am aware some of you may be a little surprised to see me here tonight," Clinton said.

Clinton, who most recently held an adversarial press conference with throngs of reporters over her use of personal email as secretary of state, has a long, often antagonistic history with the national media.

When she was asked to headline an event with hundreds of political reporters, editors and executives, she recounted thinking, "What could possibly go wrong?"

"I am all about new beginnings," Clinton said at the Toner Prize event in Washington. "A new grandchild, another new hair style, a new email account, why not a new relationship with the press? So here goes, no more secrecy, no more zone of privacy. After all, what good did that do me?"

At the cozy event, Clinton hinted at her 2016 bid by noting that she has been "ruminating" lately.

Clinton has operated with the media almost exclusively on her terms for the last two years. At her paid speaking engagements and foundation events, the press is generally kept hundreds of feet away. During the 2014 midterm election -- and at times during Clinton's 2014 book tour -- media was sometimes close enough to ask a question, but the occurrences were rare.

Her press conference two weeks ago at the United Nations was the first time since September 2014 she gaggled with the cadre of reporters that have followed her for the better part of a year.

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Hillary Clinton seeks 'new beginning' with the press