Was Claire McCaskill an accessory to a snub? Or was it a political mirage conjured by scribes thirsty for conflict?

Either way, the perceived slight of Hillary Clinton by rival Barack Obama at this week’s State of the Union address has taken on a life of its own, adding intrigue to what is already one of the juiciest campaign story lines.

Here is what the Beltway buzz is all about: Before the president’s speech, Obama was doing the standard Senatorial rounds, greeting cabinet officers and other dignitaries. Afterwards, Obama went to stand next to Sen. Edward Kennedy, who had given him a huge endorsement earlier in the day.

That’s when Clinton came over. Here’s how Frank James of The Swamp, the Tribune Co.’s political blog, describes what happened next:

As Clinton approached, Kennedy made sure to make eye contact and indicated he wanted to shake her hand. Clinton leaned towards Kennedy over a row of seats and Kennedy leaned in towards her. They shook hands.

Obama stood icily staring at Clinton during this, then turned his back and stepped a few feet away. Kennedy may’ve wanted to make peace with Clinton but Obama clearly wanted no part of that.

But McCaskill - who was talking to Obama as his back was turned to Clinton - recounted a different version of events.

“It was not a snub. I had a ringside seat,” McCaskill told The Swamp. “It was one of those accidents that just happened, caught on film. Frankly, everybody’s spoiling for a fight, which is the politics of old.”

So was there a snub? Like McCaskill said, the scene was caught on film, so let’s go to the tape.

Here’s the scene before Clinton approaches Kennedy, with McCaskill in the foreground:

Now, here comes Clinton reaching over to Kennedy, with Obama looking towards McCaskill:

Another angle:

Finally, here’s Obama appearing to glare at Clinton, though I’m not sure where this fits in the chronology:

 Snub? Accident? Much ado about nothing? Let us know what you think.