Rest assured that Secretary of State Hillary Rodham-Clinton isn't taking a fall over the Benghazi debacle for President Obama without exacting a price -- a steep price.  It's not Bill's or Hill's way to give from the heart.  Like the devil, the Clintons expect their due, and gosh darn it, they're going to get it -- one way or another.

The Benghazi cover-up is a festering sore on the Obama presidency -- or more immediately, on Mr. Obama's re-election chances.  "What did the president know, and when did he know it" is more than a shopworn saying regarding Benghazi and the president's involvement.  In fact, a tougher question is whether or not Mr. Obama was the instigator of the cover-up, or as was said during Watergate, a "co-conspirator."

Of course, it's a guessing game as to what Mr. Obama is surrendering to Hillary for graciously falling on her sword.  It depends, in fact, on Hillary's gambit working and knocking the bloodhounds off Mr. Obama's trail.  The president has already turned over a small mountain of chits to Hillary's sometimes hubby, Bill, for the latter's convention speech on behalf of Mr. Obama.  Actors like Bill expect to get paid -- and SAG minimums he ain't accepting.    

How handsomely Mr. Obama compensates the Clintons depends in large part on his securing another four-year lease at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. 

Let's hope that Mr. Obama's ability to meet the Clintons' shakedown terms is foiled by that Republican fella from Massachusetts, Mitt Romney.  A vexed Bill and an irate Hill aren't the devils Mr. Obama wants to contend with.

Thomas Lifson adds:

I have been wondering the same thing myself.  How rich a prize would have been necessary?

It could well be Hillary was told she would be thrown under the bus if she didn't agree to be a stand-up guy (interesting, isn't it, how appropriate mob terminology becomes).  Janet Reno's "taking responsibility" for the Waco massacre of adults and children (she the words, that's all) earned her respect among Democrats and in the media. Hillary will gain stature in that crowd, if nothing else develops.

But it is not like the Clintons to demand nothing. Obviously 2016 nomination  help (no race-baiting), plus some kind of appointment, pardon, or other goodies would be the sorts of categories they might consider asking for. Having some chits on Obama would give the Clintons a vested interest in his survival.