SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:52 P.M. ET:

SIGN OF THE TIMES – From London's Express:   While Amelia and Oliver were the favourite names nationally, Muhammad topped boys’ names in London.  And when spelling alternatives including Mohammed, Muhamad and Muhammet were combined, the traditionally Muslim name even overhauled Oliver as the national favourite boys’ name.  Coming soon to a registry near you.  But who are we to question?

NEWT SPEAKS – And he's always interesting.  From RealClearPolitics:   Former Speaker of the House and Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich talks to FOX News' Greta van Susteren about the affect of Hillary Clinton's private server controversy on her campaign for the presidency.  Gingrich predicted the former Secretary of State will not be the Democratic nominee and that Republicans "should worry" about Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders instead.  Gingrich said he wouldn't be surprised if Michael Bloomberg, Jerry Brown or Elizabeth Warren jump in the race if it looks like Hillary Clinton will implode.  "If Hillary starts to implode you will see a vacuum that you have not seen in many, many years," he said.  Now that is fascinating stuff.  There was speculation last week that Mayor Mike might jump in.  He, like Trump, could finance his own campaign.  There might be a "Draft Warren" movement.  Brown would be 78.  However, he still seems vigorous.

WALKER FIGHTING – Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin is one of the best potential presidents the GOP has, but he can't seem to catch fire.  Now he's moving to run as an anti-establishment guy.  From The Politico:   As anti-establishment Republicans are gaining traction in the polls, Scott Walker is trying to establish himself as an outsider as well.  In a speech set to deliver in Minnesota on Tuesday, Walker will take on the GOP’s leaders in Congress.  “Republican leaders in Washington told us during the campaign last year that we needed a Republican Senate to repeal Obamacare,” the Wisconsin governor will say, according to excerpts of his remarks released by the campaign. “Well, Republicans have been in charge of both houses of Congress since January and there still isn’t a bill on the president’s desk to repeal Obamacare.”  Walker is a fighter, and an excellent governor.  If he lacks anything, it's a dynamic speaking style, which often doesn't click in the age of TV news.   But don't count him out.  If Trump fades, Walker will be right up there with the leading pack.

August 17, 2015