"[Sen. Tom Harkin] forged the coalition with Republicans Frist, Santorum, Martinez and, according to two sources, had the support of former President Clinton for his actions. While Mr. Clinton apparently didn't talk to Harkin until after the vote, one source described Mr. Clinton as 'egging him on.'"

It wouldn't be the first time Bill Clinton urged fellow Democrats to side with conservatives on traditional values issues.

During the presidential campaign, the triangulator-in-chief advised Sen. John Kerry to find a way to support at least a few of gay marriage bans that were on the ballot in 11 states.

Kerry rejected the advice and lost the election.

So why hasn't Mr. Clinton exhorted Mrs. Clinton to join Harkin in the bid to save Schiavo? "He probably did," one longtime Clinton watcher opined to NewsMax. "And it looks like she turned him down."

Editor's note: