The Republicans could offer Mitt Romney de facto party support for a future run, but Hillary already is the party's heir apparent. She really is Richard Nixon and the party has no Barry Goldwater around to tell her its over. That actually gives too much credit to Goldwater. Nixon hung on by his fingernails well past the time that their would have been anything salvageable from the mess.

The Clintons are looking into the political abyss, as is an entire network of supporters whose survival is inextricably bound to the fate of the candidate. For most candidates, it is the prospect of power that binds them to a candidate. In the case of the Clintons, it is the prospect of losing power.

The Clintons kept the gang together through eight years of Bush with the expectation that everyone would get their old jobs back (think Madeline Albright...). All those people betting on the wrong horse. Too many people with too much to lose if Hillary drops out, so Hillary's own formidable ambition and drive is going to be reinforced by everyone on the gravy train.

Bill could do it, but he won't. He has nothing to lose if Hillary crashes and burns and everything to gain if she wins--good, bad or ugly.

Obama is going to have to drive the stake through her heart to get a clear field, and not without a few teeth marks in his neck.