It Ain’t Over Yet, Folks

In all of the suspense about when and how Hillary Clinton will suspend or end her campaign, what has become clear is that the Democratic campaign isn’t ending at all. Rather, it is entering a painfully awkward and difficult stage.

From now through the foreseeable future, Clinton becomes the fallen one, and will be afforded much sympathy, congratulations and attention. Most of it, but not all, will be genuine as she is a force like no other in the Democratic Party who built a movement of her own in this historic campaign. The Clinton camp seeks to “negotiate” with Barack Obama’s campaign over priorities of hers, whatever those may be. He must enter bend-over-backwards mode, and who knows how long it will last?

Even if Hillary doesn’t want to be vice president, the Clinton universe, led by Bill, will push this idea and push it hard. Obama isn’t likely to pick her, but Team Clinton isn’t likely pat his pick on the back, either. Obama is a hostage, tied to a Clinton surrogate like Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland if he doesn’t ask for the former first lady herself. What else will she want?

Then there is the question of how much Clinton helps Obama, how hard she tries to see him win. People won’t take their eyes off of her, and the tension between the two camps will remain a subject of intense focus from here through Tuesday, Nov. 4 and beyond.

Alas, this isn’t the end after all. Not even close.

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