Last night, there were lots of numbers Hillary Clinton was pleased to see: 250,000 (the number of poular votes she gained in Kentucky) and 35 (the percentage/margin of difference in Kentucky) were two of them. But maybe the most surprising? 22 million. That’s 22 million dollars she collected last month, long after the pundits declared her mathematically eliminated. That’s extraordinary, because it reflects not just a distaste for Barack Obama (as do the Kentucky numbers) but a remarkably devoted following.

What does it mean? Possibly nothing. (The nomination is settled, despite some very real concerns bubbling among Democrats and their media boosters.) But for those making the case that binding the party’s wounds and making sure her devoted followers (who are willing to part with hard-earned money after all hope is lost) are paramount, that figure is fodder for the argument to put her on the ticket. It’s still, I think, a messaging disaster (is he for change or not?) and a governing nightmare (how would you like to be President with both Clintons looking over your shoulder ?), but stranger things (like this entire election season) have happened. And if John is right, Obama may be willing to take the plunge.