SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:55 P.M. ET:

WHAT BLUE WAVE? – FROM BREITBART:  A Monmouth University poll released Wednesday shows Democrats with only a “negligible edge” over Republicans for November’s Congressional elections.  The poll, conducted over three days almost entirely before President Donald Trump’s well-received State of the Union Address, shows 47 percent of respondents saying they would vote for a generic congressional Democrat compared to 45 percent for a generic Republican, well within the poll’s 3.5 percent margin of error. This figure is a massive shift from earlier polls showing double digit Democratic leads and fueling pundits’ talk of a “blue wave” that could sweep Republicans from power.  The same polling agency, the Monmouth University Polling Institute (MUPI), found a 15 point generic Democratic advantage using the same question only last month.  Americans are starting to realize that Trump and the Republicans are delivering real results.  The Dem strategy is simply to oppose, to show contempt for cherished institutions, and to glorify illegal immigrants.  The Dems will get the journalist vote, the GOP should do well among we deplorables.

WE DOG LOVERS ARE SMILING – FROM AP:   SAUGATUCK, Mich. (AP) – Michael Ryder had been approved for $360 every week in Michigan unemployment benefits — until the state learned he’d been dogging it at the Detroit-area restaurant chain where he supposedly worked.  Ryder is a German Shepherd owned by attorney Michael Haddock on the other side of the state in Saugatuck.  WZZM-TV reports that Haddock received a benefits letter addressed to “Michael Ryder” from Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency. The station says Haddock contacted the agency about the letter.  The agency says its computer system sent the letter, but the claim later was flagged as suspicious and denied.  Investigations administrator Tim Kolar wrote in a tongue-in-cheek email that he knows “first-hand it is rare for ‘man’s best friend’ to contribute financially to the household and that will continue in this instance.”  I say, give the dog the benefits.  Dogs deserve a break.  Look at all the things they do for us, without charge.  Fight this unfair denial!

A MAJOR LOSS – FROM FOX:  South Carolina Republican Trey Gowdy, a key member of the House Intelligence and Oversight committees, said Wednesday he will leave Congress at the end of this term. The four-term congressman said he does not intend to seek another elected office.  Gowdy released a statement on his decision, which stated in part:  "Words cannot adequately express my gratitude to the people of South Carolina for the privilege of representing them in the House of Representatives. The State of South Carolina has an incredible depth and breadth of assets including numerous women and men capable of representing us. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve in the People's House and—prior to Congress—to advocate on behalf of justice in our court systems.  A very good man and a superb lawyer.  This is a major loss to the country.

January 31, 2018