I almost titled this story - “AP Finally Reports Something Correctly”; it seems the Associated Press committed a Freudian slip in print when writing about McCain’s VP list.

“His top contenders are said to include Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Less traditional choices mentioned include former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, an abortion-rights supporter, and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Democratic vice presidential prick in 2000 who now is an independent.”

It happens to everyone. What’s that old expression about broken watches telling the time twice a day?

And in related news, Bill Clinton knows what time it is - time to rally ’round the party standard and get to circling the wagons, with the Democratic Convention due next week.

Or, rather, he knows it’s time for self-serving, vindictive grandstanding, what with he and his wife (and even Chelsea and Socks and Hillary’s AV team) practically headlining the Democratic Cathartha-fest 2008. He gave a preview of coming detractions yesterday.

“Obviously, I favor Senator Obama’s energy positions, and Democrats have been by and large the more forward-leaning actors,” Mr. Clinton said. “But John McCain has the best record of any Republican running for president on the energy issue and on climate change.” He added, “I’m very encouraged about where the presidential rhetoric is in this campaign.”

The message is clear: Since my wife’s not running, it doesn’t matter a good goddamn who you vote for.

In order for that message to change, the Democrats better get wise to the fact that the Clintons are as much a part of the vain, backbiting Bush era as the man in the White House himself.