SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 9:20 P.M. ET:

THUMBS DOWN? – There is much buzz on the internet about Obama's sudden drop in job approval in both the Rasmussen and Gallup polls.  We caution that this may be statistical noise, although the fact that both polls reflect it gives reason to believe there may be something there.  This is simply an educated guess:  Toward the end of a campaign, the "undecided" make their decisions, and "independents" become less independent.  Decisions are being made, judgments are being rendered.  We may be seeing that.  We hope.

KEY ENDORSEMENT – The Des Moines register has endorsed Mitt Romney for president, the first time the paper has endorsed a Republican since 1972.  As a rule, I don't think newspaper endorsements mean all that much at the presidential level, where ordinary citizens know the candidates and can make their own decisions.  (You want to know the newspaper's endorsement for town selectman or state's attorney.)  But this one can make a difference.  Iowa is a key swing state and is closely divided.  Even a movement of two percent might be significant, so we welcome the endorsement.

WHEN COMEDIANS START RIDICULING – Jay Leno delivered a great zinger when suggested a recipe for an inexpensive Halloween costume – put on an Obama button and go as a journalist.  A very astute comment on our slanted, increasingly irrelevant mainstream media.  I've often said, since working for Johnny Carson, that you can learn much from comedians.  If they're good, they're very sharp observers of human nature.  Johnny was, and I'm glad to see Jay is coming along.

October 27, 2012