A friend was kind enough to update me on a conference call Senator Clinton just had with many of her volunteers. Here is what Senator Clinton had to say about our efforts to retire her primary debt: "She does not want help paying back the money she lent the campaign, but asked for help paying the vendors."

Let me clarify exactly what this means. Senator Clinton is saying she does not us to help her repay herself - she lent her own personal money to the campaign -a separate entity from her personally - and she's willing to absorb that loss. But she owes money to "vendors" ranging from Mark Penn to caterers and maintenance staff and so forth.

The pride I feel: I don't know too many people, let alone politicians, regardless of their personal wealth who make it clear that they will absorb a loss of over 10 million dollars rather than seek donations from her supporters.

The pragmatism: Senator Clinton is not going to expect those who worked for her to go unpaid. Now, the vendors to whom she owes fees for things like lighting and catering should get paid in full. But her biggest outstanding debtor is Marc Penn's firm, which is reportedly owed 5 million dollars. Now, if Marc Penn wanted to he could simply forgive that debt. Apparently he has not chosen to do so. Maybe he cannot forgive the entire debt because he must consistently pay his own employees. I do not know.

But here is what often happens in situations where a debtor owes a creditor but the creditor is willing to compromise - perhaps because the creditor did not perform services as well as it might have or perhaps just out of graciousness. The parties agree on an amount that will, basically, settle the debt. After the creditor receives that money the parties agree to an amicable parting of the ways - in legal parlance, they agree to release on one another from further obligations.

I would really like to know what amount Mark Penn would accept in exchange for such a set of mutual releases. But here's my new game plan for RETIRE THE DEBT.

While I remain committed to raising every last penny Senator Clinton owes every vendor, my first priority would be to induce Mark Penn to accept a lesser amount than what he has billed for in exchange for an amicable end to this episode in his relationship with the Clinton campaign.

So starting today, I am raising money in the name of negotiating with Marc Penn for him to accept significantly less than 5 million dollars. I am going to focus on a big enough number to get Mr. Penn's attention but not so big that I cannot possibly raise it. More pragmatism.

I think that if I keep plugging away, giving it my all, I can raise $50,000 dollars by the end of August. I really think I can do it. I think I can do it with five dollar donations. So long as I work really hard. My pride in Senator Clinton makes me happy to work on her behalf. My pragmatism makes me know the work is needed.