The Wait

Since Indiana and North Carolina, speculation has swirled within the chattering classes. How much longer will Hillary Clinton fight for the Democratic presidential nomination? If she decides to drop out, would she take the number 2 spot on the ticket with Barack Obama? If not Vice President, what exactly does Hillary want?

The short answer to all these questions is, nobody knows but Hillary. She's plodding on, spending time in West Virginia, a state she will likely win. Yet even she knows her presidential bid is beyond long shot. When the pundits start using the word presumptive in front of Obama's name, you know it's just a matter of time.

So it comes down to this for the senator from New York. Will she bow out gracefully, accepting something, anything in exchange? Even Obama's help in retiring her massive campaign debt doesn't sound as far fetched as it once did. There's even been some whispered talk about dumping Harry Reid and installing her as Senate Majority Leader.

The alternative is that she keeps up the fight. That would involve continuing to try to keep uncommitted  superdelegates neutral. Despite her best efforts, Hillary's once formidable lead among the party elders has totally evaporated. It also involves trying to keep Michigan and Florida in play, a tactic that may not last past the end of May.

Look for Hillary Clinton to keep fighting. The odds may be long, but the presidency is what she wants, and nothing else will satisfy her. If it eludes her grasp this year, as it almost certainly will, she'll live to fight another day.

That's the Clinton way.