On Hillary:

In spite of ever more feverish speculation about who Mr Obama is likely to choose – Hillary Clinton having made a comeback in the past few days – the decision is unlikely to be leaked. . . . It is even unclear whether Mr Obama has yet whittled his choice down to a shortlist. . . . All are evaluated principally on their ability to help Mr Obama win in November, as opposed to the contributions they might make to an administration.

. . .Asked whether Mrs Clinton is a possibility, Mr Obama says she would be on anybody’s shortlist. But Obama staffers struggle to contain their incredulity when asked if the prospect is likely. In practice, almost nobody will know whom Mr Obama is going to select until he announces it. And that could be someone “from left field”, as one Obama staffer puts it.

The chances of picking Hillary seem nil to me, but maybe Obama will surprise us all. It will be a sign of maturity, judgment and confidence that should reassure every skeptic. As I say though, I do not expect it.

By Big Tent Democrat, speaking for me only