Assuming Barack becomes the democratic nominee (regardless of the Clintons' funny math), one of his first decisions will be what to do about Hillary. He has more choices than ignoring her or making her his vice president.
Here's what I think would be a great win-win solution -- and isn't that the heart of Obama's governing philosophy? He puts Hillary on the ticket. But not as vice president. Huh?
Offering her the vice presidency really doesn't do much for anybody. I think it would be hard for her to accept number two and having Bill in the bargain just seems like a recipe for trouble. The vice presidency is a good slot for someone who needs national recognition/experience (like Jim Webb) or someone who will balance out the ticket in a much-needed way (like Sam Nunn).
So try this one on for size.
He finds out from Hillary what she really wants to do -- drive healthcare reform -- be a diplomat -- whatever. He offers her the appropriate cabinet position, announces it to the public as a pledge, and the three of them run for the presidency as a team.
This type of candidacy would bring Hillary's supporters on board, it would utilize her talents and give her great visibility and, most importantly, it gives her a reason to really work to get him elected. Rather than being seen as compromising his values for political expediency, it serves a powerful message about changing the way we do things and changing the way we think about politics.
(In the interests of honesty, I first heard this idea from a commentator on the radio the other day and I am sure he was more eloquent than I am. I haven't heard the idea anywhere else and it has just been bouncing around in my head. I still think it's a great idea!)