SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 9:29 P.M. ET: 

RYAN FOR PRESIDENT – There is now a major, and apparently growing, push by some conservatives to get Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin to enter the GOP presidential race.  Originally pushed by journalist Bill Kristol, Ryan is also being urged by Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana to jump in.  Another booster, significantly, is Jeb Bush.  It is hardly a secret that the Bush family has no great love for Governor Rick Perry of Texas, who succeeded George W. Bush when Bush became president.  As we theorized earlier today, a Ryan candidacy might be an attempt to attract consideration for the second spot on the ticket.  I dont know whether Ryan would have to give up his seat in the House to run for president, or whether he can run for both simultaneously.  Stay tuned.

NO TIME FOR GREEN EYESHADES – As even Hillary Clinton is warning about cuts in the defense budget, Russia reminds us that there's a real world out there, and not always friendly.  Today Russia unveiled its first stealth jet fighter, the Sukhoi PAK TA T-50.  It reportedly costs a third of what our F-22 costs, and so it's a hot export item.  India will buy 200, and the Russian air force will have an equal number.  Despite Barack Obama's much-vaunted "reset" of relations with Russia, the Russians continue to frustrate us all over the world, and especially in our attempt to shut down the Iranian nuclear program.  Not exactly enemies, but they're hardly friends.

LETTERMAN TARGETED? – A Muslim militant has called on American fellow travlers to assassinate David Letterman because of a joke Letterman told about a Pakistani member of Al Qaeda.  The FBI is taking the threat seriously.  The militant urgent Muslims to "cut the tongue of this lowly Jew and shut it forever."  Letterman isn't Jewish, but apparently some militants believe any American named David must be.  CBS has declined comment.  However, knowing the business, I'm sure some network honcho is wondering whether the threat will boost Letterman's ratings.  I can just imagine what Johnny would have done with this.  "You know you're in trouble when..."

TIN EAR – It's remarkable how President Obama, one of the best and most astute campaigners of recent times, has developed such a tin ear as president.  He seems to have almost no understanding of people and how they react to a national leader.  Of course, he didn't exactly have high-level experience before moving into the White House.  Now the president is catching heat, including some from within his own party, for jaunting off to Martha's Vineyard for another vacation, the "Vineyard," as it's called in chic circles, being a playground for the rich and very gainfully employed.  The critics are correct.  The president says he'll announce a new jobs program...but only after he vacations.  Oh, peel me a grape, would you?  The imagery is awful, as is the sheer number of getaways this president needs in order to function.  Please recall that both Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush had favorite vacation spots – their homes.

August 17, 2011