ISSUE: The Clinton campaign

OUR VIEW: Political reality aside, Clinton aspirations remain

The battle for delegates -- and to a large extent the superdelegates -- is over. Sen. Barack Obama has made history, assuring himself of the Democratic presidential nomination, at least mathematically.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, who has fought the long battle but come up just short of the delegates needed for the nomination, is acknowledging the Obama victory but not saying what her next steps will be. By every indication, however, active efforts to secure superdelegates’ pledges and other campaign initiatives are ending.

The Obama victory comes as superdelegates such as House Majority Whip James Clyburn are moving away from the uncommitted column to stand with the Illinois center who will become the first African-American presidential nominee of a major political party.

Clyburn states that the time has come for the party to unite in the wake of the end of the primary season.

“I believe the nomination of Sen. Obama is our party’s best chance for victory in November and our nation’s best hope for much-needed change. Sen. Obama brings a new vision for our future and new voters to our cause. He has created levels of energy and excitement that I have not witnessed since the 1960s,” Clyburn said.

At the same time, Clyburn acknowledges that party unity does not mean party unanimity. “United means recognizing and respecting some realities. And it is a reality that delegates determine the winner.”

Further, he says that unpledged superdelegates reversing the decision of those who voted in the primaries and caucuses “would be unwarranted and could make the nomination worthless.”

Sen. Clinton recognizes the political reality. She has made a strong case for being the nominee, accumulating by some counts more popular votes than Obama and winning in key “blue” states that Democrats must have in November to win against Republican John McCain.

She will come out a winner now by ceasing to push the issue of overcoming Obama’s lead. Doing so is practically impossible, but Clinton has every reason to go the route of maintaining a formal campaign and holding on to the delegates she has won.

Her vote totals give her political power, whether she is pursuing the vice presidency or not. They also give her power at the convention with issues such as health care. They make her a player beyond what the Obama people will want.

They also make her a viable alternative should Obama make a major blunder between now and the voting at the convention. As unlikely as that may be, American politics are filled with the unexpected.

Clyburn is right: To take the nomination away from Obama could have negative ramifications, but superdelegates were made “super” to give them power beyond the elected delegates. The Hillary Clinton campaign may be over from an active standpoint, but the former first lady has not given up on the idea of being president, holding a position of influence or paving the way for a presidential campaign four or even eight years from now.

United party or not, don’t expect Clinton to fade away.

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