If I thought the cable news networks were going berserk this morning with news that Hillary Clinton might be conceding the Democratic nomination to Barack Obama (they were, but she isn't), boy, they're really beside themselves now.
Clinton has apparently signaled with the ritual handshake and sent a coded message through double-secret channels to fellow tribal members (A/K/A New York lawmakers) that she's open to the idea of being Obama's vice president.
Rep. Charles Rangel, a senior member of the New York Democratic delegation, also told CNN, "I have reason to believe she is open to the [vice president] slot."
The talking heads are abuzz about the "backchannels" this information went through, the "delicate nature" of the talks and the "importance" of keeping it "informal."
Why?
It reminds me of these lines from The American President.
If you're up for being considered as a running mate for a candidate for president of the United States, why not publicly say so?
It's almost as if Clinton thinks that saying it out loud before a large group of people -- or a camera, or any sort of audio recording device -- will somehow shatter the majesty and aura of the idea that she's running for president, too.
Aaron Sorkin might portray it this way:
(Scene: About two dozen people are gathered in the secret underground war room bunker tastefully finished basement beneath Hillary Clinton's New York home. They are enjoying light hors d'oeuvres and gently spiked punch while engaging in jovial repartee about the price of tea in China.)
Hillary Clinton spies Charlie Rangel in a corner of the room. Brushing past him, she breezes into the hallway and turns back toward his position.
Clinton: Psst ... Charlie! C'mere a minute!
Charlie Rangel: Huh? Oh, hi, Hillary. What's going on?
Clinton: Shhh, shhh ... c'mere!
(Pulls Charlie Rangel into an empty room, shuts the door and nervously scans for bugs.)
Clinton (whispers): Let Barack know that ... well, you know.
Charlie Rangel: What?
Clinton: You know, that thing everyone's talking about ...
Charlie Rangel: What thing? ... Oh, no; he left that church.
Clinton: No, not THAT thing ... Tell Barack ... (looks around nervously) ... Iway ... ouldway ... ebay ... OKWAY ... ithway ... icevay ... esidentpray. Got it? Tell Barack.
Charlie Rangel: Oh, OK. (opens door and heads back down the hall)
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