SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE - AT 9:58 P.M. ET:

DOWN, DOWN, DOWN – Obama might try to blame George W. Bush for the earthquake, but nothing seems to be working for him these day.  Gallup now reports his approval rating at 38%, the lowest Gallup has ever recorded for this president.  His disapproval stands at 54%.   And Rasmussen reports that Obama has reached -26 in Ras's presidential approval index, also the lowest ever recorded for the president.  However, Rasmussen also is reporting that Obama retains 44% support among independents.  Despite overall dismal numbers, he cannot be counted out.  We still don't know who the Republican nominee will be, or how he or she will perform.

GADDAFI SINKING – The colonel's compound in Tripoli has been taken by the rebels.  At the same time, Gaddafi, speaking by radio from somewhere, promised victory or death.  The rebels are claiming they control 90% of the country, but claims by either side should be taken with caution.  At the same time, there is growing concern in the West about Libya's stockpiles of weapons, which include deadly chemicals, raw nuclear materials, and an estimated 30,000 shoulder-fired rockets.  Terrorism experts fear that some of these items can fall into the hands of terror groups, local or foreign.  The situation in Libya is still fluid.  We don't know exactly what, or who, will emerge from all this.

VERY CLOSE IN NY –  The Republican National Committee has taken a sudden interest in the September 13th special election in New York City to replace disgraced Congressman Anthony Weiner.  The district has been considered safe for the Democrats, but polling shows an unusually close race.   Republican challenger Bob Turner has the support of former Democratic Mayor Ed Koch.  The reason for the closeness is President Obama's unpopularity, which is dragging the Democratic candidate, David Weprin.  It's now reported that the national GOP will start spending money on the race, especially for get-out-the-vote efforts.  But it will not be much.  The smart money still has to be on the Democrat, and the district will probably be eliminated in redistricting anyway. 

SHOW OFF – Jon Huntsman, appearing on CNN, has announced that he's going to be president...in Chinese.  This has the dandies in absolute ecstasy, as no one else running for president can speak Chinese.  This apparently is now a major qualification.  Heck, I grew up in New York and have been reading Chinese menus all my life, and I'm especially good on the lunchtime combination specials.  Would someone please place my name in nomination at the convention?   I'll find out the Chinese equivalent.  We have a rally planned with gongs.

August 23, 2011