Monitor Twitter and the blogosphere today, and the conventional wisdom consensus that emerges is that Nick Clegg is indeed about to do a deal with the Conservatives, possibly even at the cost of electoral reform.
Here, for example, is what Krishnan Guru-Murthy, the respected Channel 4 News anchor, says:
Well, from what Gove, Ashdown and Hague have said so far today it does sound like a deal is likely . . . and PR is not.
Is this really possible? I cannot believe it, and not just because Clegg reiterated his support for electoral reform at yesterday’s rally in central London. You can call it wishful thinking, but I genuinely believe that there is an element of going through the motions happening here, and that talks with the Tories may yet break down.
After which the Lib Dems will give a serious look at Labour’s comprehensive offer of PR and numerous cabinet places.