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Too me, it looks like the "price" for Hillary's support was that the Clinton machine will be running things for the new administration.

Not really --There is no loyalty in politics --power/prestige is what the politicos grave and they don't care who they have to align with to get it --Clintonistas be overjoyed at getting back on the scene

Not really --There is no loyalty in politics --power/prestige is what the politicos grave and they don't care who they have to align with to get it --Clintonistas be overjoyed at getting back on the scene

I understand the Clintonistas are thrilled to be back in power. The question is, is Obama thrilled to have the Clintonistas back? Did he always plan to have what looks like a third term Clinton administration?

One of two things happened here:

Obama ran on the "change you can believe in" theme, all the while planning on heading up a third term for the Clinton administration.
Obama really planned to carry his "change you can believe in" theme forward with a whole new team, but was persuaded/forced to go with the Clintonistas for some reason.

If it was the first, then he was a bigger liar than I thought.

I think the second is more likely. Hillary had something to strong arm him with, and the "price" for her endorsement and support was a good cabinet post plus good posts for her and Bill's friends and advisors.

I just don't see the Clintons giving up the entire party and apparatus without a fight. She probably had enough on Obama to take him down in the general election and run again in 2012. But she didn't. I think we're seeing the reason for that now.