Hillary Clinton's Valedictory
This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.
There was a moment at the end of the debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama last night when I thought to myself, "Well it's done…valedictory."
The crowd erupted in applause as Sen. Clinton turned to her opponent and said, "It's been an honor." There is no doubt Clinton believes she'll be a better president. But the odds right now are stacked against her getting the nomination.
Sen. Obama leads the popular vote by about a million. His lead in delegates while not insurmountable is significant. He's won 10 states in a row.
Perhaps an hour or so into the proceedings last night I thought I detected a change in Sen. Clinton's body language. It was as if the fight had drained out of her. When I asked her about it this morning she said, "It was just sleep deprivation." And when I asked if she was about to quit, she said no.
Back in campaign mode she promised she'd be ready to serve…on day one. But somehow, it didn't sound quite the same.
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.