Brass Tacks.

Here we are.  Hillary with a solid, undeniable lead in the popular vote. Barack with a minimal "pledged" delegate lead.  It'll come down to the Supers.

And, who of the Super Delegates know and owe Hillary, and who know and owe Obama?  It's realpolitik time. Experience counts, yet again.  We all know what's coming.  Either Barack is VP, or he's the most-loved loser since Goldwater.  

We'll see.  And, I'm sure Obama will buck at it at first.  He believes his own press, and thinks he can win.  But, when his options start shrinking (and Hillary's patience thins), he'll make the right choice. He'll still be a young man in 2012, and he'll have paid his dues.  

Or, in the alternative, he can go back home and let Evan Bayh be VP.  It's Obama's choice, really.  He's earned it, if he wants it.  It's up to him.

If you're going to rend your garments, wail, or knash your teeth -- save it.  I've seen it all.  If you're into grown-up politics, please comment on what you think might happen going forward.  Carrots, sticks and all.