once had visions of being a major power center but never imagined to use the vehicle of Vice Presidency to live out his dream.

A purely ceremonial position is stupid - unless you're British and want the tourism revenue.

I agree with your sentiments - and of course, did put that same thesis and reasoning forward long ago (in my youth). The "Clinton should quit" group were an abomination.

But I don't know if Obama sees Clinton now as an ally or an enemy - and putting her in a ceremonial role with little teeth is a fine way to treat an enemy, you might agree. Keeping her quiet would be the issue. But not offering her something acceptable (to her) will make it more difficult to keep her quiet. The last think Obama should want is for Senator Clinton to go back to being Senator Clinton.

Lastly, I think Clinton sees it as possible that Obama will lose. Being on the ticket keeps the door open to "set things right" (in her mind) in 2012.

You want to torture her? Put her in Cabinet as Secretary of Defense. She'd be a bad choice - but it would make for great art.

I understand Madame Clinton better than most. I too waged battle and had played a winning hand, only to lose my unborn in an accident, of all things. And they wondered why I seemed paranoid. There is never enough grieving.

Adieu, Hillary.