Here’s a possibility: Obama got the fix in when he took that week off & went to Hawaii. This showdown will require his attention to make sure it goes off without a hitch.
The sudden trip to Hawaii is odd- particularly since his grandmother is out of the hospital and if it were truly urgent- you’d think he’d be on the plane last night.
At the same time- it may be she’s relatively stable- but won’t make it til the election or close to it and so he’s going this weekend to say good-bye.
I tend not to think he’s going for COLB related business- it’s too obvious and his every move is watched and covered. If something needs fixing with the COLB issue- it’s done from the inside with plenty of $$ or promises of other rewards- and in a way that gives him plausible deniability.
Bill Clinton is a rank amateur compared with Obama.
Is he leaving the kids behind? (Wife is not going- we know that)
Is he taking Axelrod and/or lawyers?
If they answer is yes to either, you can be sure it is a damage control trip.