A funny thing happened on the way to the forum Austin debate. Perhaps the Clintons aren't planning to scorch the earth after all. Perhaps the diarist who coined the pro-wrestling analogy regarding Penn's shameless delegate strategy was spot on.
For the first time in recent weeks, I'd like to give President and Senator Clinton the benefit of the doubt.
Follow me for a moment here...
For the first time in recent weeks, I'd like to give President and Senator Clinton the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps they are beginning to quietly admit their understanding that the writing on the wall has few optimistic words for them, or perhaps they've just simply realized that the public has largely rejected their inevitable, "hell or high water and by any means necessary" memo that various surrogates have recently been floating.
Then again, for everything an Obama supporter like me might say about the Clintons during primary season, there's no denying that both of them are exceptionally brilliant people. They may yet see an improbable path to the nomination, but they're also sharp enough to understand what a controversial path via superdelegates would mean, regardless of the current Democratic rulebook allowing such a tactic.
It can be argued without tremendous leaps of faith that a few recent moves indicate an intention to exit with grace if the March 4'th miracle doesn't come through. Obama can lose Texas by several popular points but still take most of the delegates and the popular vote polls of both OH and TX are closing very quickly. In the last two days, we've seen at least three interesting events which could reasonably be interpreted as hints at their personal, un-spun views on the bleak reality for Hillary's campaign.
First, we have Bill appearance in Beaumont TX. (hometown of such luminaries as Rep. Nick Lampson and yours truly) This is where the former President made the now oft-repeated comment about Hillary "not having a chance if she loses Texas and/or Ohio." Interestingly absent from these remarks was Pennsylvania, which the national message has long held up as the final piece of their three-headed firewall.
Secondly, we have the other reports that Hillary has increasingly shifted her public speeches to "if" rather than "when" she is our president. Then again, this may also just be a case of her finally getting the message that many been annoyed by her inevitable assumption, especially as that seems increasingly questionable - to be generous.
Finally, we have the closing statements of the Austin debate. Some have speculated that the remarks were a deliberate signal to her supporters that it was okay to start turning down the volume of their defense of her as a person...In short, she's reassuring her base that there's life after Presidential politics, and she'll be fine. I myself wouldn't presume to read that much into it yet, but as another blogger commented last night, it was as though Hillary had accepted the gold watch at a retirement ceremony. Regardless of the accuracy in any of these interpretations, I must admit it was the most genuine and conciliatory moment I've seen from the NY Senator recently. Then again, the cynic in me must also consider the possibility that it was the proper and effective statement to make in order to stem a hemorrhage of support.
Overall though, I'm much more reassured that should Hillary Clinton have a thoroughly disappointing night on 3/4, she's ready and willing to bow out with the class and graciousness that we know she's capable of once the bell has rung and the final round of this fight is over.
Then again, much could change in the next several days. Things may look bleak for Hillary Clinton at the moment, but not a one of us who supports Barack Obama can rest on our laurels without endangering the cause we’re all working for. "Never count out a Clinton" is something I am trying to live by, even we "silly cultists" have increasing reason to be optimistic. Until Sen. Clinton herself announces the end or suspension to her campaign, let none of us start counting, getting comfortable or hiring fat ladies for the victory concert. Adding the more reasonable modifier to what has now become clichéd around here, let’s work like we’re five points down....In the case of Ohio, like we’re still ten points down.