SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 9:05 P.M. ET: 

DEFENDING CNN – FROM THE HILL:  CNN President Jeff Zucker says President-elect Donald Trump's attacks on his network are an attempt to "delegitimize journalism,” adding that CNN's "credibility is higher than ever.”  "It’s just unfortunate that the most powerful person in the world is trying to delegitimize journalism and an organization that plays such a vital role in our democracy," Zucker told New York Magazine in an interview Wednesday.  "I think he’s entitled to his opinion, but it’s — to use one of his favorite words — sad."  No, what's sad is that CNN has become a predictable megaphone for the liberal left.  At times it's unwatchable...unless your flight is six hours late and you're sitting in an airport at 2 a.m.

CHELSEA SPEAKS – FROM THE HILL:  Chelsea Clinton urged supporters of her mother's presidential bid to keep fighting for their beliefs in a new interview with Refinery 29.  "Everything we believed before the election, we still believe," the former first daughter said. "Everything we worked so hard for, we have to continue to work hard for. It requires engagement in our own communities."  Clinton’s comments come just before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Her mother, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, lost to Trump in a surprising defeat in November.  In the interview, Chelsea Clinton implored Democrats to use their frustrations for good by continuing to push for change.  "Use those emotions to engage and organize and advocate to protect and advance what you think matters most," Clinton said. "Whether that's combating climate change, or protecting women's rights, fighting against gun violence, or advocating for LGBTQ equality."   A classic display of why the Dems lost the election.  Note how she mentioned only the trendiest issues around – direct from the faculty lounges of the East and the studio offices of Hollywood.  How about things like employment, a strong national defense, peace, public safety?  Oh wait, those issues are taken – by the Republican Party.

TWO CAN PLAY AT THIS GAME – FROM THE DAILY MAIL:   The Wynn Las Vegas has removed all Tom Ford beauty products and eyewear from the resort after comments the designer made about Melania Trump.  Ford, 55, said during an appearance on The View in November that he would not be dressing Melania Trump while she was in the White House because his clothes are 'too expensive' for a first lady to wear, noting that in that position she would have to 'relate to everybody.'  Donald Trump responded to this by telling Ainsley Earhardt on Fox & Friends that Melania never asked Tom Ford to dress her.  'Never asked Tom Ford, doesn't like Tom Ford, doesn't like his designs,' said Trump.  He then went on to say: 'Tom Ford is an example. "I will not dress the First Lady." He was never asked to dress - and Steve Wynn just called me and he said he thought it was so terrible what Tom Ford said, that he threw his clothing out of his Las Vegas hotel.  Tom Ford has a perfect right to his opinion, and Steve Wynn has a perfect right to toss Ford's goods out of his hotel.  Wynn's action may prompt some self-celebrating celebrities to think twice before they open their well-fed mouths.

January 18, 2017