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

REALITY STRIKES HOME – There was much hubbub recently about a poll showing Obama' ratings in very blue New York falling like a rock.  A new poll out today confirms the other one.  Uh, unfortunately there's a little asterisk.  The poll also shows Obama beating all Republican comers.  This is an old story – polls that show states suddenly shifting, only to return to form by election day.  It happens every cycle.  In 2008 there were all kinds of stories saying that New Jersey could fall into the GOP column.  Never happened.  I'm concerned about Republican overconfidence.  New York is a good lesson. 

A PERRY MOMENT – We've been somewhat critical of Rick Perry's mouth here.  Even Perry boosters are cautioning him to be more careful about his comments, lest the MSM nail him as a political extremist to the right of Hitler.  Now Perry has something new hanging over him.  He has to decide, as governor of Texas, whether the state will issue license plates commemorating its Confederate heritage.  The decision gives Perry the chance to rise above localism and show he can represent the entire nation.  He should decide against the plates.  I happen to like the South.  One of my daughters is a Virginian.  A very large percentage of Urgent Agenda readers are in the South.  But there are dignified ways of recalling the sacrifice of Southern soldiers without license plates sporting a symbol of secession.  Indeed, the Texas heritage is actually mixed.  Some Texans fought for the South, many others resisted the Confederacy.  Perry must now become "President Perry."

WONDERFUL DORIS – Those of you of a certain age recall Doris Day, one of the truly great (and enduring) stars of American movie and music history.  She's 87 now, and it is announced that she's releasing a new album.  Actually, the songs were recorded some time ago under the supervision of her son, Terry Melcher, who died in 2004.  The album is a tribute to his memory.  Doris Day achieved musical stardom with "Sentimental Journey," a major hit of 1945, some 66 years ago.  She is one of the biggest-selling recording artists in history.  Between 1948 and 1964 her movies, including Alfred Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much," were in the top ten every year.  When I worked on the Tonight Show, Doris Day was one of the stars we could never get.  She is incredibly independent, even turning down a Kennedy Center honor because she doesn't like to fly.  Welcome back, Doris.  We'll have a crush on you all over.

August 16, 2011