SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:51 P.M. ET:

ALLEGED IRAN PLOT FOILED – The Justice Department says that the U.S. has broken up an Iranian plot to murder the Saudi ambassador to the U.S. on American soil.  A suspect has been arrested and has confessed, Washington says.  If the facts are right, this is close to planning an act of war against the United States.  The State Department responded by increasing sanctions on iran, an ineffective gesture.  Others in the Neville Chamberlain Appreciation Society, otherwise known as the Obama administration, issued reassuring statements that the U.S. plans no military response.  Nothing like appearing strong and resolute.

CHRISTIE BLESSES – Only a week after declining to enter the presidential sweeps, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has endorsed Mitt Romney for president.  Most endorsements aren't remembered the next day, but occasionally one is significant.  Ted Kennedy's endorsement of Barack Obama in the 2008 primaries helped considerably to seal the deal for Obama.  Christie is an immensely popular figure among conservatives, and his endorsement of Romney might well ease conservative fears that Romney is not ideologically pure.

CAIN SOARS – A new South Carolina poll shows Herman Cain at the top, ahead of all other GOP candidates.  Cain is at 26%, Romney at 25% and Rick Perry at 15%.  The Cain number is surprising enough.  The fact that Rick Perry comes in third in a deep South state is further evidence that Perry's campaign is in serious trouble, and in need of an energy transplant.  Commentators on TV confirm our initial impression that Perry did nothing at the New Hampshire debate tonight to help his cause.

RUDY OUT – Rudy Giuliani has ruled out a presidential run this season, removing the last "question mark" about potential candidates, now that Chris Christie and Sarah Palin have also dropped out.  Rudy says it's just too late.  He might have glanced at a calendar three months ago.  Rudy was a terrific mayor, and turned New York City around, but it's many years since he left office, and I'm afraid the glory has irrevocably faded.

October 11, 2011