A longtime Clinton insider says the couple is prepared to move their governing philosophy even more to the moderate center than they did after the sweeping Republican gains in the 1994 congressional mid-term elections.

"The Clintons may have started out as ideologues," she said, "but they quickly realized that pragmatism is the true art of successful politics and they have been constantly fine-tuning their political philosophies." The woman, a close friend of the Clinton for more than four decades, also pointed out another reason Hillary can't wait until 2016.

"The constant travel and the never-ending demands of the secretary of state's office are taking a devastating toll on her," she said. "She turns 63 this month, but she's starting to look more like 70 although she's in excellent physical health."

Here's betting Hillary will look years younger and be all smiles when she delivers her inaugural address from the west steps of the capitol in early 2013.