Readying For Clinton’s Near-Last Hoorah

Barack Obama may be on the verge of clinching thepartys nomination, but the big story remains at camp HillaryClinton, where hundreds of press have gathered to cover thepotential downfall of the once-viewed inevitable nominee of theDemocratic Party. The Election Night Celebration as the campaign calls it, is beingheld at Baruch College in New York City. The gymnasium is packedwith supporters and staff members, all in formal Dress For Party. Perhaps oneway of describing the scene is that there are more champagnedrinkers here than beer chuggers in the crowd. The staff seems tobe in good spirits, most of them smiling and coalescing with oneanother. There are staff members here that many of us havent seenin months. The area designated for the press is larger than any other electionnight celebration, including Super Tuesday back in February. It'sthe first time that there haven't been large TVs inside the roomwhere she's speaking broadcasting primary results. Inside the press filing area is constant chatter and speculationamong reporters of when Clinton may drop out. Some say it will betonight, others seem to think she will wait until later in theweek. Regardless of the mood or the dress code, one thing is for certain:not a single person in these two rooms has any idea what is goingthrough Clintons mind, and it is unlikely that anyone willaccurately predict the future of her campaign.