Hillary Clinton’s “victory” speech last night after her all-too-close primary win in Indiana was pitiful.  Not only did she have to follow a eloquent Barack Obama (with a real victory speech), she said things that revealed her desperation, if not an inability to recognize reality.

Her “me, too” speech, poorly written and even more poorly read, was rag-tag compared to the stirring, personal oratory of Senator Obama - who appeared to be pulling it straight from his head.

Here’s some of what she said…

Well, tonight we’ve come from behind, we’ve broken the tie, and, thanks to you, it’s full speed onto the White House.

You know, people ask us all the time, Well, how do you keep going? We love getting out and meeting people. We love having a chance to be with all of you. And didn’t Chelsea do a great job?

And I know a lot of people enjoyed seeing my husband again out on the campaign trail.

So now it is on to West Virginia, Kentucky, Oregon, and the other states where people are eager to have their voices heard. For too long, we’ve let places like West Virginia and Kentucky slip out of the Democratic column. Well, it’s time for that to change.

And these next primaries are another test. I’m going to work my heart out in West Virginia and Kentucky this month, and I intend to win them in November in the general election.

You know, I want the people in these upcoming states to know we’re going to work hard to reach out to all of you, because we want you to know that the Democratic Party is your party and a Democratic president will be good for you.

Despite the arithmetic everyone has known for weeks, last night’s appearance (and today’s cancellation of ALL appearances) clearly served as Hillary Clinton’s last stand.  She may keep going… she may throw more money into her failed campaign … she may try to stretch this out until June… but it’s over.

Cue the trumpet.