As Americans weigh up their economic worries, and wonder which of their presidential candidates is best equipped to lift them out of the gloom, they can only thank God that there's at least one bright spot on the horizon; even if that spot is confined to the female trouser-suit manufacturing industry. Yes, Hillary Clinton looks like she'll be running again for the White House in 2012. She's disappointed, naturally, with how things have turned out; yet proud that she's managed to battle on in the Democratic nomination contest long enough to satisfy herself that she's done all in her power to make sure that John McCain wins the presidency in November.

An admission from Hillary that her challenge to Barack Obama has finally run out of steam does now seem imminent. A close confidant of the former First Lady told The Times this week that Obama was likely to be beaten by John McCain in November's general election, adding: “So then there is 2012. She will only be 64 and that's not too old to be president, is it?” No, Ma'am, it isn't. Nor is it too early to launch Hillary's 2012 primary campaign, starting with her adoption of a revamped version of the Beatles hit, When I'm Sixty Four as her campaign theme song:

Lost to Obama, but I'll run again!

In just four years from now.

Victory in 2012 is sure to be mine,

If not, then I'll extend the deadline.

If I still lose, 'cos they don't vote for me.

I'll be back for more.

Will you support me, will you endorse me,

When I'm sixty four?

They say I play dirty, that no hold is barred,

I kick men when they're down.

Obama thinks I'm only out to queer his pitch,

And Michelle, she just thinks I'm a witch.

But who'll take that call, when the phone rings at three?

If Tehran starts a war,

Will you support me, will you endorse me,

When I'm sixty four?

Throw me my pantsuit, I've got quite a few,

One for every state,

Pink or blue or green or grey or aquamarine,

Politics gets dirty, but my legs both stay clean.

OK, so Bosnia was quite sniper-free,

The truth is such a bore,

Will you support me, will you endorse me,

When I'm sixty four?

Hey, I've got experience, and plenty of views,

I know all the ropes.

Vote for me, I'll prove to you that I can lick it,

If I must I'll even add Barack on my ticket.

I'm taking donations, Visa or cash,

This campaign's left me poor,

Will you still back me, or once again jack me,

When I'm sixty four?

(PS If you play this song backwards you'll hear a secret customised version of another Beatles song, Michelle, but our lawyers are still checking if we can print it.)

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