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

MAJOR TRAVEL NEWS – FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER:   Former President Barack Obama's journey to French Polynesia was undertaken so he could write his memoir.  Obama arrived at a luxury resort frequented by Hollywood stars in mid-March, though it was unknown at the time what he was doing there.  The Washington Post reported Sunday that Obama is writing his White House memoir during his extended stay at the eco-friendly resort in French Polynesia's atoll of Tetiaroa.  Bidding for the former president and first lady Michelle Obama's book rights surpassed $60 million.  What a total racket.  He's lying on the beach while the grown-ups try to clean up the mess he caused.

FREEDOM CAUCUS LOSES ONE – FROM NEWSMAX:   Rep. Ted Poe announced on Sunday he is resigning from the Freedom Caucus, which helped scuttle GOP attempts to pass a bill repealing and replacing Obamacare, The Texas Tribune reported.  "Saying no is easy, leading is hard, but that is what we were elected to do," Poe said in a statement. "Leaving this caucus will allow me to be a more effective member of Congress and advocate for the people of Texas."  In further explaining his decision, Poe said that "in order to deliver on the conservative agenda we have promised the American people for eight years, we must come together to find solutions to move this country forward."  Probably a smart move.  He probably senses that Trump will try to isolate the Freedom Caucus members, who were instrumental in defeating the GOP health plan.

THE RISE OF A STAR – FROM THE HILL:   Ivanka Trump will attend a summit on the economic empowerment of women in Germany, according to a report.  German Chancellor Angela Merkel invited Ivanka to the W20 summit during her visit to Washington, D.C., a senior White House official told the Associated Press.  Merkel reportedly met with Ivanka Trump during the German leader's White House visit. Trump helped to set up a gathering between German and American business leaders.  The summit is a women-focused program that includes 20 countries and will be held in Berlin in April.  The first daughter is planning to study successful apprenticeship programs at the summit, according to the report.  The White House recently confirmed that the first daughter will have an office in the West Wing, though she will not have an official title or receive any kind of salary.  In her new office, she will provide President Trump on a sweeping array of topics, her attorney told Politico earlier this month.  Watch Ivanka closely.  I sense that she has political ambitions, apart from her father.  People I trust tell me she's the real deal, as smart as she appears. 

March 26, 2017