I can do this without you. That is the biggest message sent today by the Obama campaign to the Clintons.
Despite what some writers are saying about Gore being late with his endorsement, the timing of this endorsement shows extreme political agility and ability. This endorsement was well-orchestrated. Gore is a symbol of what might have been; I would expect him to address the Democratic Convention criticizing the Bush administration while meticulously showing how he and Obama agree on the need for political change and a rebirth of an informed and active citizenry (these were the two major themes of the book The Assault On Reason).
First, the Obama campaign hired Patti Solis Doyle, Senator Clinton's fired Campaign Manager, to be Chief of Staff to the Vice Presidential Nominee. This act effectively closes the door on a Clinton Vice Presidency. The Chief of Staff is always, first and foremost, the person who keeps the Vice Presidential Nominee in line and on message. The Chief of Staff works with the Vice Presidential Nominee but is the in-place representative of the Presidential campaign. The only way Senator Clinton could possibly get the Vice Presidential nod is if she agreed to do exactly what Doyle tells her to do. That level of humility, and that much swallowing back humiliation, is unlikely from Senator Clinton.
Second, bringing out the Gore endorsement during the same news cycle sends the message to all of the Party establishment to get on board. Timing is everything in politics if you're going to shut down challenges and change the subject. The "Will Clinton get the Vice Presidency?" questioning and commentary has had its day. It's done now. The Gore endorsement finished it except among die-hards.
Third, Obama now co-owns four major and incredibly popular political themes: the 50-state strategy (Governor Howard Dean), economic justice (Senator Edwards), the climate change battle (Vice President Gore) and political change (his own). Add to that General Wes Clark's most recent questioning of Senator McCain's foreign policy credentials and experience. This is a direct attack on what McCain wants to be his strength; I think there can be no doubt that Clark, an extremely popular and useful Party soldier (military, yes; he is also a true-blue campaigner) is communicating with the Obama campaign.
I'm impressed. Somebody, or some people, in the Obama campaign truly get it. I have been disappointed in so many campaigns over the years; when the candidate has to be better than his campaign, something is seriously wrong. I hope some really, really good books come out of all this that are actually read by aspiring politicians.