Obviously, Bill Clinton wanted to deliver a speech announcing his unequivocal support of his party's nominee to the National Clean Energy Summit, but engaging in a transparently cynical attempt to pay lip service to Barack Obama while pulling his punches on John McCain's dubious environmental record just seemed like the right way to be a real friend…

"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."

Obviously, Barack Obama would like nothing better than to stuff a sock down Bill Clinton's throat and chicken wire his mouth shut, but giving him a primetime speaking slot at the convention will probably muzzle him well enough.