Amazing gracelessness

Imagine if after this year's Superbowl the New England Patriots had stayed on the field. Led by Tom Brady, they decided that they weren't quite ready to acknowledge the loss. They were in no rush to get off the field. They were going to huddle. Call another play or two and see how they felt.

Why shouldn't they? Over the course of the season, they had certainly performed better. They had won more games. They want to make sure that their season was fully appreciated by New York fans. They then invite Patriots fans to let them know what the fans think the team should do next. Until then, they would just wait on the field.

Sound ridiculous? That's the spectacle we are witnessing with Hillary Clinton.

After Barack Obama wrapped up the nomination last night, Hillary Clinton couldn't muster an acknowledgement. As late as today, Clinton's backers are still making the rounds on TV claiming that she shouldn't be rushed into acknowledging her loss.

The clock is out of time. The players have left the field. The stadium is emptying, and Clinton's team is still on the field calling plays.

Last night we expected to see a display of grace. What we got was a petty, self-serving speech. And to make matters worse, it was followed by an attempt to use the leverage of her voters to muscle her into the VP slot.

It would have been so easy to congratulate Obama and acknowledge the accomplishment of earning the nomination. That would not have precluded her from launching her VP campaign. Instead, holding out indefinitely is an amazing lack of grace. She can do better.