The Obama administration has gradually been adjusting to reality. On Friday evening, President Obama was still exhorting President Mubarak: “I told him he has a responsibility to give meaning to those words, to take concrete steps and actions that deliver on that promise.” By this morning, Secretary Clinton had basically abandoned Mubarak. She was talking to Chris Wallace about the need for “a transition to democracy,” “an orderly transition to a democratic government,” “an orderly transition” with a “a well thought-out plan that will bring about a democratic, participatory government.”

It’s clear such a government will be a post-Mubarak government. Indeed, it will be a post military-rule government (which isn’t to say the military wouldn’t have to play a key transitional role and wouldn’t continue as an important force after). It’s good that Secretary Clinton sees this, and that we have a role to play in making it happen.