SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 9:45 P.M. ET: 

ANOTHER ONE? – As many old hands predicted, a second woman has come forward to make sexual claims against Brett Kavanaugh.  One of his Yale classmates now claims, after 35 years, that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her and engaged in vulgar behavior at a dorm party.  No actual evidence is provided.  The accusation is revealed in a new edition of the New Yorker, in a story written by Ronan Farrow and feminist writer Jane Mayer.  Previously, Mayer co-wrote the book, "Strange Justice," a hit piece on Clarence Thomas.  Several former Yale students have already come forward to refute the new accusation, but already Senate Democrats are calling for Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings to be suspended.  That would mean Professor Ford's, yesterday's woman of the week, would not even be testifying.  I hope Senate Republicans hold their grand and continue with this week's schedule, especially as the new charge seems full of holes, and the woman making it appears somewhat unsure of the facts.  The timing, of course, is suspicious, but not shocking.  This is a show, after all, and this is the second act.

AND MORE DRAMA AHEAD – A third act is coming.  Michael Avenatti, known primarily as lawyer for the famous exotic dancer, Stormy Daniels, and a self-proclaimed possible presidential candidate in 2020, announces that he, too, will come forward with a new client, who will make "credible" sex charges against Judge Kavanaugh.  I have no idea where they get these women, in the last days of a confirmation hearing.  But please recall that Anita Hill, accuser of Clarence Thomas, also "came forward" in the final days of his confirmation hearing.  I guess that's what the playbook calls for.

EITHER DO IT OR SHUT UP – FROM THE NEW YORK POST:  Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg said he’ll decide whether to mount a 2020 challenge of President Trump after the midterm elections.
“Right now, I’m only focused on the midterms,” Bloomberg told CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS” on Sunday. “I believe that the Republicans have not done what they should have done in terms of providing some counterbalance to the executive branch.”  He added: “And then afterwards, you take a look at it.”  Bloomberg is spending an estimated $80 million to help Democrats take back control of Congress and counter Trump’s policies on gun control, climate change and immigration.  After the November elections, Bloomberg said he’ll evaluate how best to spend his time and fortune.  “And we’d see whether or not it’s possible and how I feel, but that’s down the road,” Bloomberg said of launching a presidential bid.  “There’s lots of possibilities . . . and lots of ways to make a difference.”  Reminds me of our late Governor, Mario Cuomo, sometimes called "Hamlet on the Hudson," because he could never make up his mind whether to run for president.  Decide, Mike, and send us an email. 

September 23, 2018