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

AMERICANS ON TRADE – From NBC News:  "Despite a heavy push by President Barack Obama for a sweeping multinational trade deal, a majority of Americans echo the concerns of labor unions and a number of Democratic members of Congress that the trade accord will negatively impact U.S. workers and companies.  Two-thirds of Americans say protecting American industries and jobs by limiting imports is more important than allowing free trade so they can buy products at lower prices from any country, according to the most recent NBC News online survey conducted by SurveyMonkey from June 3-5."  Obama just hasn't made the case.  He seems indifferent to the need to explain and sell his policies.

CARLY GAINING – From Fox:  "GOP presidential candidate Carly Fiorina jumped to fourth place, according to Fox News’ 2016 Power Index."  I don't know how the index is compiled, but Fox is running the first debate, and apparently plans to limit the number of candidates participating.  There'll be a cutoff point, it's reported, based on poll position.  Carly hasn't yet moved up in the polls, but it would be a political crime if she wasn't permitted to participate.  She's gotten more buzz on the campaign trail than any other candidate.

NOT A GOOD SIGN – From the Washington Examiner:  "Back in January, Bush stood nearly six points ahead of his nearest rival in the RealClearPolitics...  'I'm still for him,' says an adviser to Jeb Bush's presidential campaign, 'but it hasn't gone very well so far, and we've got to face that. It's going to take some remedying.'  The remedying began Monday with word that Bush has shaken up his campaign before the campaign has even been formally announced. The Bush team sent out word that Danny Diaz, a respected, hard-charging Republican operative, will become the campaign's manager instead of Bush's original choice, the highly thought-of Iowa strategist David Kochel, who will move to another senior position in the campaign.'"  Well, they can do all the shuffling they wish, but the problem starts at the top.  Jeb is a decent man, and was a fine governor of Florida, but he just doesn't generate the excitement we need right now.  He'll have to ignite some fires to get back to the top.

NIGHTMARE – From the Washington Examiner:  "Since she has already expressed an openness to running for Senate in New York, it only makes sense that buzz would begin over Chelsea Clinton one day becoming president.   Democrats promoting a Clinton dynasty have whispered about it, but now a prominent Republican pundit is openly detailing a possible path to the presidency for Chelsea Clinton.  In his new book 'The Queen,' top radio talker Hugh Hewitt lays it out in memo style to Hillary Clinton."  Reports say that Chelsea is thoroughly obnoxious and drives people away from the Clinton Foundation.  Well, I guess that's a start. 

June 9, 2015