"I've just got my hands full right now," Clinton (D-N.Y.) told reporters in Brooklyn, where she spoke to the borough's Chamber of Commerce.
"I'm just not thinking about it," she said. "I'm focused on doing my job [selling my novel], and I'm focused on electing a Democrat who is running."
But with speculation swirling to the contrary, Clinton's words were parsed yesterday for signs that her no really meant yes - or even maybe. Her denials were softer than on Friday, when she answered the same question with a flat, "I am absolutely ruling it out."
But one aide insisted, "It doesn't mean anything. ... She hasn't changed her mind."
Asked whether the rumors are harming the current field of Democratic candidates, Clinton replied, "I think that we have some very good candidates running. ... I think one of them will emerge, and I think [President Bush] is beatable."
Clinton repeatedly has vowed to serve out her Senate term, which ends in 2006. Many political insiders have speculated that Clinton would make a presidential push in 2008, assuming Bush wins a second term next year. But "Hillary '04" rumors were sparked last week when her aides posted gushing E-mails on her campaign Web site from supporters begging her to take on Bush. Word of a fund-raising meeting Clinton scheduled next week with strategists, along with recent polls showing Bush's support sagging, added fuel to the fire. But several political consultants were betting against a Clinton candidacy next year.
"Sometimes politicians should be taken at their word, and this is one of those cases," said Jeff Plaut, a Democratic consultant with Global Strategy Group. [Jeff, Jeff, Jeff - take a Clinton at his or her word? Are you crazy?]
Another strategist, who asked not to be identified, was more blunt: "I don't think she's running. I don't think she can win [against Bush]." NY Daily News