Democrat dream ticket?

The Independent reports on speculation that Hillary Clinton may settle for the vice-presidency:

The rumour has resurfaced – perhaps inevitably, but this time stronger than ever: could the long and bitter battle for the Democratic nomination end in what many see as the perfect answer – Barack Obama united with the all-but-vanquished Hillary Clinton on a "dream ticket" for the White House?

After his big primary win in North Carolina and very near miss in Indiana this week, Mr Obama himself gave fresh impetus to the speculation. "She is tireless, she is smart. She is capable," he told CNN. "Obviously she'd be on anybody's shortlist to be a potential vice-presidential candidate." On NBC he had a similar message: "There's no doubt that she's qualified to be vice-president, there's no doubt she's qualified to be President."

Thus far there have been no similar noises from the other side. The Clinton camp naturally shies away from the subject: even to publicly concede the possibility, when her candidacy is hanging by a thread, would be taken as acceptance of defeat.

Others, however, believe that although Ms Clinton vows to fight on in pursuit of the top job, quiet feelers are being put out about a "dream ticket" – indeed, some argue that the former first lady's real purpose in staying in the race is to make her claim to the vice-presidency unassailable.

Nevertheless, the fact that Hillary has behaved as if the presidency were an entitlement may mean she would be unsatisfied with anything but the top job. The the vice-presidency is a post of great power, but...

...there is another job which could tempt a defeated Mrs Clinton – that of Senate majority leader. She has won fine reviews for her performances on Capitol Hill. With Democrats set to increase their majority in the Senate in November, conceivably close to a filibuster-beating 60, the majority leader would wield real power.