UPDATE:
In deference to (a) those who would rather not see an anti-Hillary screed while they wait patiently for an update; (b) the fact that I've cooled off about Hillary's RFK gaffe (not that I think it was a reasonable comment, just that I've relaxed about it); and (c) the need for future unity in the Democratic party, I've moved said anti-Hillary screed below the fold.
Anyway, she's been totally outdone by Liz Trotta at Fox:
No, of course that's not what she really said.
But that's what she meant.
I've resisted the anger against Hillary that has engulfed the progressive left, but I'm done.
Sheesh.
UPDATE:
Two further points:
Point the First. What I think this comment reveals about Hillary is: she is staying in this because it's a long time until the convention and, you know, anything can happen. Obama could have a love child come forward. Michelle could have a lesbian lover come forward. A bank somewhere could find a cancelled check from Tony Rezko to Barack Obama for one meeellion dollars with a Memo line that reads "in exchange for doing everything I ask you for." Obama could end a speech with "Allahu Akbar" instead of "God Bless America." It's a couple months - anything could happen.
Including, Obama could get shot.
I really do believe that is something she believes, and is part of why she's in this race. Not that she *wants* him to get shot, but she *does* want the other stuff to happen, and hey, you never know.
Point the Second. Thank you, Hillary.
Why?
As of this afternoon, I was pondering the question of a running mate for Obama. It's clear that choosing Hillary was, by most metrics, a bad choice. She counteracts his message of change. She undercuts his pure and consistent opposition to the war, and to escalation with Iran. She's a hugely divisive figure who, despite her popularity in Appalachia, probably brings as many negatives as she does positives.
BUT: he had to take her anyway. Period. The end. As of 3pm today, there was no way for Obama to pick any other running mate without bucking the narrative that everyone is, consciously or not, rooting for. It was simply what had to happen.
Guess what: it's not anymore.
I started my birthday by ending my long political withdrawal - just in time to see Tim Russert on MSNBC declare that we now know who the Democratic nominee will be. With mostly superdelegates left to make the difference, as the conventional wisdom goes, so goes reality.
Fingers crossed.
[Update: Karl Rove said the same on Fox. I can't believe I'm happy to agree with Karl Rove.]