Hillary Clinton is reported to be seeking a one-on-one meeting with Barack Obama. But to quote Hillary, “What does Hillary want?” Probably the VP slot. How does Obama get out of giving it to her? It is tough to say “no,” some would say, since she hasn’t left the race, isn’t yet promising to be a good sport, and hasn’t embraced the nominee. Or is it tough? What would she really do if he said, “Hillary I can’t make any promises about the VP slot. I have to think this through and see where we are in a month or so and where I need help”? Threaten a floor fight? Be the spoiler and go home and sulk, leaving much of the Democratic Party up in arms?If Obama really is as smart as they say, he’ll figure out he doesn’t need to give her anything.

But does he want her, or rather does he need her, as VP? I think the answer is “yes,” only if he lacks confidence in his ability to broaden his coalition and win in the easiest election year for Democrats in a generation. And we know the fellow who is planning on lowering the ocean levels is nothing, if not confident. He can get elected, he must figure, with many other women as VP, if he needs a female or with someone who can help him in key state. And as for governing, he needs her and Bill looking over his shoulder like a hole in the head, as my mother would say. But how he deals with her will be his first big test. And it sure would be fun to listen in.