This gripping and somewhat sad tale of the Clintons says more in some respects about Barack Obama than it does about Bill and Hillary. The One doesn’t keep simple promises — raise money for Hillary and have dinner with Bill — which are the sort of decent gestures and savvy touches that political opponents remember. And what the Clintons most want — absolution from the racist label — he is unable or unwilling to give. There is no doubt that the Clintons haven’t forgiven or forgotten, and chances are many of their supporters have not either.

But does it matter? Only if Hillary’s supporters stay home, write her in, or vote for John McCain. In that regard, I wonder if it is coincidental that McCain’s most successful pitches of late (including his push back on the race card gambit, his attacks on media infatuation with Obama and his mocking of the cult of Obama-mania) seem eerily in sync with the simmering resentments of the Clintons and their supporters. Perhaps it is happenstance, but maybe there is a deliberate effort to pinpoint exactly those themes which will resonate with ex-Hillary supporters (as well as Independents).

But there is one thing that would certainly shake things up and really get the Clinton supporters’ attention: a pledge from McCain and his VP for one term only. If McCain were to do that, a number of Republican grumblers would kick up their heels. ( Some in the base have been knocking around the idea for awhile.) But the real impact would be on the Democrats who aren’t ready to give up on the Clinton renaissance quite yet. If McCain is elected with a one-term pledge, the 2012 election race would start November 5. And there would be every incentive in the world for the Clinton contingent to sit on their hands between now and November 4. Heck, they could be back campaigning for Hillary in five short months if McCain is elected.

But for now the ball is in Obama’s court. Where are his vaunted diplomatic skills and his ability to charm the opposition? He is the Great Uniter and this seems to be the first real test. He seems to be struggling to find a spot for Hillary at the Convention. Next he might schedule that dinner with Bill.