PALACE INTRIGUE, FROM THE GUY WHO USED TO LIVE IN ONE – AT 11:40 P.M. ET: 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton says the Obama administration should consider arming rebels fighting to oust Moammar Gadhafi in Libya. Clinton tells ABC News in an interview that he "sure wouldn't shut the door" to assistance for the rebels, reflecting a position that some in Congress have urged President Barack Obama to pursue.

COMMENT:  What is intriguing is not the nature of the advice, but the fact that Bill Clinton is giving it.  By tradition, a former president doesn't give unsolicited public advice to an incumbent, unless the former president is Jimmy Carter, who'll give unsolicited advice to anyone, including the kid running the lemonade stand.

Now, we all know that Bill Clinton is married to Obama's secretary of state.  It is inconceivable that he'd be giving advice publicly without Hillary's approval.  He's had enough trouble at home.  But why would she approve?  Ah, that is the question.  Hillary has a wide network of talkers in Washington who leak things to the press.  It's widely reported, via this network, that Hillary is frustrated with Obama's indecision and lack of leadership.  At the same time, she's announced she's stepping down from her post at the end of the president's first term.

Is Hillary Clinton planning anything?  Is she making her first move in distancing herself from this administration's failing foreign policy?  I have no idea, but I don't believe her when she says she has no interest in any further government work.  Watch her closely.  And watch her chief spokesman, Bill.

April 4, 2011