The Today Show's Matt Lauer interviewed Hillary Clinton this morning, and after tossing a few obligatory accolades about the New York Times endorsement, he got serious. After Hillary made stock remarks about the great significance of a presidential run featuring a woman and an African American, Matt reminded her of the NYT's stated desire that she "change the tone of campaign" and avoid being "divisive." Lauer then questioned her about the recent exchange in which she accused Barack Obama of representing "slumlord" Antoin "Tony" Rezko while Obama was practicing law in Chicago. Lauer informed Hillary that he was about to put up an undated photo of the Clintons posing with Rezko, suggesting it might have been taken during her husband's presidency.

Hillary responded that she didn't remember taking the picture, adding that she had taken "hundreds of thousands of pictures" and "wouldn't know him if he walked in the door." Interestingly, back in 2006, President Bush used a similar defense when asked about a photo he took with then-lobbyist/now-inmate Jack Abramoff.

Hillary then switched tactics, pointing out that her retort to Obama was a "counterpunch" and an attempt to change the subject. Matt, tasting blood, refused to be swayed, asking, "Does it make sense to use someone like this against Senator Obama when there really is no such thing as political purity anymore?" Hillary remained calm, suggesting the best that could be done was to stick with the facts.

Let's call this one a draw.