Clinton camp likely to speak with Gore

No... this isn't "BREAKING".  You didn't see that in the title, did you?  And no... I don't have any inside source that is aware of any secret pow-wow between the Clintons and Gore.

The meeting between the Clinton camp and Gore, going on either now or within the next 2 weeks, is simply obvious to me.  

Bill and Hill are two of the most politically oriented people on the planet.  When Hillary announced her "exploratory committee" 1 year ago, she fully expected to be challenged by the likes of Edwards, Obama, Richardson, or even Clark.  She was ready for the challenge.  And in hindsight, she was very well prepared.  The results speak for themselves.  She has shown that she'll be the front-runner heading into Iowa and New Hampshire and has a very good shot at a nice and tidy little primary run ahead of the convention.

All of this political calculation and maneuvering gets hi-jacked by one simple event... the entrance of Al Gore into the race.

So... do you really think Hillary and Bill are going to let this wildcard event ruin their victory parade without at least some effort at preventing it from happening in the first place?

Answer: No!

There are 2 possibilities around a Gore candidacy...

(A) The Clintons speak to Gore and address some of his concerns about Hillary's run for the Democratic nomination to the degree where Gore is satisfied that the nomination is in good hands.  He then announces unequivocally that he will not run for President.

or,

(B) The Clintons speak to Gore but fall short of satisfying Gore, prompting him to get into the race.

There is no (C).  There is no silence from the Clinton Camp.  It would run counter to everything we know about Hillary and Bill.  They never leave a political stone unturned.  They're not about to turn over an imminent victory to random chance, or to Al Gore's whim.  They've done all the risk analysis.  All of the contingency plans are in place.  They even have a plan of action in place if Al decides to run after hearing them out.

But what they don't have is NO PLAN.

I take some comfort in the knowledge of this obvious, though unproven, fact.  It means Al Gore will have an effect on a Hillary presidency.  Sure, she could go back on her word to any behind-closed-doors promise to Al.  But it'll cost her.  The Gore-acle will speak out against such betrayal.  This is serious stuff.  The Clintons know how popular Gore is.  They won't be quick to double cross him on something they promise him.

And why would she go back on her word, anyway?  The Clintons always take the politically expedient road.  And right now that road of expedience is along the Gore Highway.  What will Gore want in such meetings?  For sure a more high profile for environmental causes.  I also believe Gore is very concerned with Bush's Executive power grab.  I think he'll want Hill to speak out against some or all of this.  And finally, I think Gore will want his 40 minutes at the Democratic National Convention.

But rest assured, this meeting is happening or will happen very soon.

Bank on it.