Nobody takes the slings and arrows of media hysteria like Clinton. He's right out there now, saying "you want a piece 'o me? Come get me," (and do buy my book while you're at it.) And they are taking the bait. Eviscerating Big Bill means they can rest easily at night knowing that they are fair and balanced if they have to perform unpleasant duties like reporting that the Codpiece is empty.

It's long been my opinion that one of Gore's major errors in 2000 was in keeping Clinton at arm's length. That may have appeased his own personal morality and mollified the inside-the-Beltway guys who ran Gore's campaign, but it was an extremely stupid move considering how popular Clinton was, and how energizing he could have been in the GOTV effort had he been unleashed and allowed to stump for Gore. Given how close things turned out, a few percentage points in a few states could have made the difference, and Gore might have won.

So I'd go even farther than Digby in repudiating those who claim that Clinton's increased visibility will hurt Kerry -- I say that not only will it draw fire, and placate the media's internal devils, but, if he's used (as we're hearing he will be) as an integral part of the Kerry campaign, Clinton will help tremendously. It won't show up much at the polls, because it won't much effect the undecideds, but it will serve to energize the base, and without the sordid (and blatantly obvious) pandering that Bush and Rove has to resort to.