SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:39 P.M. ET: 

THREATENING WORDS – Now that the Olympics are over, the boys in Moscow can stop smiling and get back to their usual tactics.  They have eyes on the Ukraine.  From Reuters:  "Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Monday said Russia had grave doubts about the legitimacy of those in power in Ukraine following President Viktor Yanukovich's ouster, saying their recognition by some states was an 'aberration.' 'We do not understand what is going on there. There is a real threat to our interests and to the lives of our citizens,' Medvedev was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying.  'There are big doubts about the legitimacy of a whole series of organs of power that are now functioning there.'  Chilling words, the kind you hear before an intervention.

I'M NOT THRILLED – I've reported to readers several times that I'm not thrilled by the results of recent polls that show our side ahead, but by margins that should be greater.  The Texas governorship race is an example:  From the Texas Tribune:  "After what are shaping up to be easy primary wins in March for the leading gubernatorial candidates, Republican Greg Abbott starts the general election race for governor with an 11-point lead over Democrat Wendy Davis, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll."  Look, Wendy Davis has almost self-destructed, and all the GOP can muster at this point in the red state of Texas is an 11-point lead?  Come on.  It should be at least 15 points or more.  Some constructive worry is in order.  Every race should be run as if we're 20 points behind.  Overconfidence kills.

DEVAL WHO? – From the Politico:  "Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signaled Sunday that he would be open to a White House bid at some point, though the governor has previously ruled out seeking the presidency in 2016.  Asked in an interview whether he could see himself as a national candidate — not necessarily in 2016 — the second-term Democrat responded: 'Maybe. Maybe.'"  I'm so glad.  Everywhere I go I hear a yearning for Deval Patrick.  Don't you?  Listen carefully.  The support is building.  One vote.  Two votes.  Do I hear three?

WHAA..? – If the UN secretary-general doesn't know what's going on in the UN's own home city, maybe we shoudn't trust the UN on anything.  From the Weekly Standard:  "Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg met with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at United Nations headquarters for Bloomberg's new role as United Nations special envoy for cities and climate change. At the photo op, the secretary general was effusive in his praise of Bloomberg, even crediting him for transforming New York City into a 'carbon-free city':  Mayor Bloomberg is much better known for his strong stewardship on environment and climate change. He has made this great city of New York a carbon-free city. It has been his hallmark, and as President of the C40 Mayors Group for Climate Change, he has been making a great contribution to a global effort, together with the United Nations, to make this Planet Earth and our world environmentally sustainable. And I really appreciate it.'"  When did Mike Bloomberg make New York carbon-free?  Did I miss it?  Was I out of town?  Will someone please tell me.

February 24, 2014