Clinton Took to Heart Blunt Talk From Friends

For Hillary Clinton, it was the candor of longtime supporters such as Charlie Rangel and Barney Frank that told her it was time to go. Politico offers more details from Clinton's conference call with House members, which began with deference but ultimately spelled out the political reality in blunt terms. "It just seemed to me once it was over, it was over," said Frank, who got things rolling during the call. "I said she should go out with dignity and not look like she was being pushed."

As has been widely reported, Rangel chimed in as well, telling Clinton that by staying in the race, she would be leaving Democrats in limbo and possibly jeopardizing some races. “Charlie’s comment certainly stood out,” said one aide. When she hung up, Clinton was still undecided, but a huddle with close advisers cemented the decision. (More Hillary Clinton stories.)