SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 10:52 P.M. ET:

ON SECOND THOUGHT – After days of near-hysteria over revelations that employees of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation hacked into the phones of potential news sources, some newspapers are starting to pull back.  Britain's left-wing Guardian apologized for running allegations that turned out not to be true.  And the Washington Post has raised serious questions about one charge, that Murdoch's people hacked into the phones of 9-11 victims' families.  It turns out that no evidence has been presented to back that up, but several high-ranking Democrats, and one Republican, have used the story to demand federal investigations.  There's no doubt that some ugly practices took place, and Murdoch's competitors are jumping on the scandal with glee.  But beware the wild charge, and writers seeking book contracts.

INEVITABLE – We have said here for some time that the race card will be played in the 2012 campaign, although it doesn't take a genius to figure that out.  It's a powerful, intimidating weapon, which even intimidated John McCain in the 2008 cycle.  We got a preview today when Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas charged on the floor of the House that the treatment of President Obama during the debt debate is based on his race.  Now, it is true that no one takes Lee seriously in Washington.  She's an imperious, publicity-seeking fool, but the charge she raised can have an effect on some voters.  And that charge will be made again and again, probably by some of Obama's pet journalists.  It is going to get ugly. 

RAHM THE REPUBLICAN? – Rahm Emanuel, President Obama's former chief of staff and now the mayor of Chicago, has apparently read the tea leaves.  He's getting tough with municipal unions, and threatening to lay off 625 workers this week unless the unions come up with an acceptable plan to avoid the action.  Emanuel, who clearly has higher ambitions, is sounding like a Republican.  In a way, this dovetails with New York's new governor, Democrat Andrew Cuomo, who's had a spectacular first six months by ruling like a Republican.  Two shrewd politicians, and maybe a signal that the moderate Democrat of old may be making a comeback.

July 15, 2011