Kathryn, I agree that Hillary’s commander in chief ads will ultimately serve as a gift to the McCain campaign. Indeed, because they are so true, many of her criticisms of his lack of substance will redound to McCain’s benefit in November — even if they did nothing for her. Stanley Fish, of all people, explains why John McCain should want to run against the utterly inexperienced and doctrinaire Senator Obama, instead of Hillary, for that reason among others.

But if Hillary loses the nomination she won’t run again. Obama will run again, in 2012, whether as incumbent or challenger. Hillary is so thoroughly known by now that she will not get a dime from backers or the time of day from voters. Nor should she wish to see another demonstration of the fact that, solid though she is, she is not, ulitimately, lovable enough for the country to want her in their faces for the next four years. She will be a star in the Senate, however, and capable of much mischief.