Borrowing from the title of Jacob Weisberg's wonderful book, "The Bush Tragedy," I am suggesting that Barack Obama should express profound sympathy for his opponent, Hillary Clinton, as the unwitting collateral victim of her husband's tragic final appearance on the American electoral stage.

I'm sure Obama can implement this idea much better than I can, but I want to make three points to encourage whoever gets this to make sure that he or Michelle receives it.

1. Expressing sympathy reinforces Barack's highroad appeal, while challenging Hillary's claim to be an independent actor.

2. Hamstringing Bill's escalating fury will allow Barack to talk to the voters -- to talk past Hillary in preparation for dealing with McCain in the months left before the general election.

3. The action will clear Obama's liberal agenda of any Clinton taint, and it will further confuse Fox News (and ABC).

Eric Howlett

AMEN!