Hillary's Obama balancing act

President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton broke bread Wednesday, trying to defuse a bitter row over foreign policy as the former US secretary of state eyes a possible 2016 bid for the White House.
But aides did not immediately confirm whether the pair had indeed taken part in a highly anticipated conciliatory hug before 150 guests at a dinner on Martha's Vineyard that was closed to the press.
"A good time was had by all," said White House deputy spokesman Eric Schultz.
"The president and first lady also were happy to have the chance to spend time with secretary Clinton and former president (Bill) Clinton," Schultz said.
After a ferociously bitter battle with Obama for the 2008 Democratic presidential ticket, Hillary was a loyal lieutenant in the president's first administration before she stepped down in 2013.
But the increasing probability of a Clinton presidential bid will place the 66-year-old's relationship with Obama under scrutiny.
So far Hillary has remained silent on her intentions, yet all of her actions -- a series of lectures, a tour to promote her latest memoir, media appearances -- appear calibrated towards a 2016 campaign.