HILLARY RIDES THE TITANIC – AT 8:29 A.M. ET:  Damage has been done.  Her lead over Donald Trump is shrinking.  From NBC: 

Hillary Clinton's lead over Donald Trump narrowed to 3 points this week after several days of controversy following FBI Director James Comey's recommendation that no criminal charges be brought against the former secretary of state over her use of a private email server.

While the developments are certainly good news for the Clinton campaign, Comey's critical statement on Clinton's handling of the matter was not positive. Clinton's lead over Trump has deteriorated in the past couple weeks since her lead peaked two weeks ago.

A strong majority of voters (82 percent) agreed that it was inappropriate for Clinton to use a personal email server during her tenure as secretary of state. A smaller majority — 56 percent — also said they disagreed with Comey's recommendation that Clinton not be prosecuted for use of the server.

COMMENT:  This election may well turn out to be a tight horse race.  And minor-party candidates might draw enough votes to change the outcome in a number of states. 

One can only wonder where the race would be right now if the Republicans had a skillful presidential candidate, not a sledgehammer.  This should be an easy fight for Republicans.  If they lose the presidential contest, some heavy soul-searching will be in order, soul-searching that should focus on the way candidates are nominated.  We'll have more to say about that.

July 12,  2016