As Senator Hillary Clinton's speechwriters have frequently turned a tin ear toward the public, I thought I should help them out with an outline of what she might say on Saturday when she has scheduled a campaign rally to give her concession speech. (I know that sounds contradictory.) Here's what she should, but likely won't, tell the crowd:
My fellow Americans: A long and vigorous primary and caucus season has drawn to a close. The pledged delegates and announced superdelegates who have committed to Barack Obama are a majority of the convention, and he will be our party's nominee. Given that fact -- and it is a fact -- many have asked if our campaign will end.
Our campaign to bring affordable health care to every American -- will not end.
Our campaign to restore sense to our nation's foreign policy -- will not end.
Our campaign to hold recipients of corporate welfare accountable for the public dollars they receive -- will not end.
And our campaign to make the White House once again open and accountable to you, the citizens of the United States -- will not end. Today it begins anew.
When I was a child people said, "In America anyone can grow up to be President." But not everyone could share that dream. I'm proud to help bring that dream to all Americans, of both genders. And when my name is placed in nomination at our convention, I will be proud to endorse then and there, as I do here and now, the candidacy of a man who through his unfailingly principled campaign this spring has helped bring the same dream to all Americans, of all races. This morning I telephoned Senator Obama to congratulate him on his forthcoming nomination and pledge to him my unswerving support in the fall campaign. I ask my supporters to join me in this important effort. Together we can -- we will -- elect Senator Obama as our next president. Yes, we can. Yes, we will! Thank you.