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

1.  GOP SENDS NBC TO SIBERIA – From the Washington Times:   Responding to the blowback against CNBC’s handling of the third GOP debate, the head of the Republican National Committee announced Friday that it was “suspending” its plans to partner with NBC News for a presidential debate next year.  Good move.  It's about time someone took some actual action against abusive journalists.  Too many politicos are afraid of the press.   The suspended debate was set to take place in February, as a joint NBC/Telemundo event, Telemundo being the second largest Spanish-language TV network.  There is some speculation that NBC will make some concessions, and that the debate will get back on track.  The Republicans want those Hispanic viewers.

TRUMP REGAINS GOP LEAD – From IBD:   After taking a battering in last month's poll, Donald Trump has re-emerged at the top of the Republican field in the latest IBD/TIPP poll.  Support for Trump among registered Republicans and those leaning Republican is 28%; support for Carson is 23%. Last month's poll had Carson up by 7 points over Trump.  Marco Rubio comes in third at 11%, the same as last month.  No other GOP candidate reached double digits. Support for Jeb Bush dropped two points to 6%; Carly Fiorina collapsed to 3% from last month's 9%. Ted Cruz held at 6%.  There has to be a shakeout at some time.  There is a wide expectation that the chief beneficiary of said shakeout will be Marco Rubio, who gets strong notices for his debate skills and who is now attracting some big money.  I can't really believe that Trump will be the nominee.

SWEDEN "FACING COLLAPSE" IN REFUGEE CRISIS:  From RT.com:  A leading Swedish politician says the country is facing a refugee catastrophe, which will lead to the “country collapsing.” The bold claims were made by Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom, who adds the EU needs to do more to take the strain off Stockholm.  The northern European country expects to accommodate around 190,000 by the turn of the year, but this is putting a strain on the country both economically and socially. Wallstrom says that Stockholm needs more help and intends to put pressure on European Union member states to take a greater share of the burden the continent is facing from the refugee crisis in the Middle East and Africa.  This is the result of the madness of "progressivism."  You can be kind and generous without permitting the destruction of your country.   Europe's leftist politicians haven't learned that lesson.

October 30, 2015