AND NOW...HEEERE'S HILLARY - AT 8:02 A.M. ET:  This is the day when Hillary Clinton comes out, or goes on, or whatever they do in this administration.  We're informed that she wants the spotlight, kind of like Mama Rose in "Gypsy."  She will not be denied:

WASHINGTON – Eclipsed by a globe-trotting president, a foreign policy-savvy vice president and a bevy of special envoys, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is struggling to re-emerge this week as the Obama administration's diplomatic heavyweight.

Clinton is trying to retake center stage as the administration's top foreign policy voice after four frustrating, low-profile weeks during which a fractured elbow forced her to cancel two overseas trips. Her diminishing presence abroad and at home, followed by her startling public criticism of the White House this week for delaying a key appointment, has prompted a flurry of speculation about whether her influence is waning inside President Barack Obama's Cabinet.

Clinton was set to deliver what aides billed as a major policy address at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington on Wednesday. A day later, she heads off on an around-the-world trip.

COMMENT:  I suspect this will be the most fascinating personal story of the Obama administration.  Hillary Clinton will not be shoved aside, at least not easily.  The question is how much publicity the Obama press will give her as she globetrots.  (Michelle Obama probably hopes her round-the-world trip lasts three years.) 

We've guessed here before that Hillary might just jump ship at the right moment, especially if Obama's poll numbers continue to sink and the Dems take a beating in next year's elections.  Don't love her, but don't underestimate her.  In her heart of hearts, she knows she deserved that nomination.  She recalls that Obama got weaker and weaker toward the end of the primaries, just as he's getting weaker and weaker now.  She sees a pattern.  She's sharpening the knife.

July 15, 2009