[Lancey Howard]

Under current rules, a deadlocked convention is still possible, and the wide Democratic field without a clear front-runner improves the odds.

That is exactly what the Clintons are in the careful process of orchestrating. Wes Clarke is the key. He is the key to convention chaos. But there is a backup plan in place as well.

Here's what I predict:
Clarke/Clinton

It is the perfect win/win situation for Hillary.
If Clarke gets the nomination and wins, it sets up Hillary for '08 against a non-incumbent. (Yeah, Clarke knows why he is there and he would most definitely NOT seek a second term. Or ELSE, LOFL! The Clintons have that in the bag already.) If Clarke loses, it will be Clarke who lost, not Hillary, so she saves face. In either event, she is set up for an '08 run. Win/win (for her).

[hunter112]

Hadn't thought about that, often the vice presidential candidate on a losing ticket becomes the early front runner four years later. That happened with Edmund Muskie, Walter Mondale, Joe Lieberman, and if you'll allow the lapse of time, Bob Dole.

That's why its imperative for Dean to get the nomination. I hereby withdraw my support of Al Sharpton in all polls that I freep!

[expatpat]

I think you might have hit on their strategy. It explains a lot.

[expatpat]

But Clarke will need to increase his life insurance coverage if he goes this route!