SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 10:28 P.M. ET:

A MESS – After much fanfare, North Korea launched a large rocket today, only to have to break up and fall back either to unpopulated land or into the ocean.  So North Korea got nothing out of a test that had been condemned around the world as a violation of North Korea's obligations.  There was no announcement about the cause of the failure.

MITT AHEAD IN FOX POLL – A new Fox News poll has Mitt Romney topping President Obama, 46-44%.  Among independents, Romney has 43% to Obama's 37%.  The poll was taken among 910 registered voters.  The results dramatically differ from those of the new Washington Post poll, showing Obama well ahead.  However, that poll was taken among all adults.  Registered voters tip the poll more toward Republicans.  Likely voters, the best sample for a poll, usually produce results even more Republican.

DERSH DISSES ZIMMERMAN CHARGE – Crack appeals lawyer and Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz is appalled at the second-degree murder charge against George Zimmerman, in the Trayvon Martin case. “Most affidavits of probable cause are very thin. This is so thin that it won’t make it past a judge on a second degree murder charge,” Dershowitz said. “There’s simply nothing in there that would justify second degree murder.”  Wow, that's a pretty strong condemnation coming from a leading authority.  I also must admit to having second thoughts about the praise I heaped on the special prosecutor yesterday, after her statement announcing the charges against Zimmerman.  I was not aware that she is an elected official, and Dershowitz's comment that her announcement sounded more like a campaign speech has started to ring true.

MITT ROMPS ON OBAMAVILLE BLUNDER – The Obama campaign has hit a major iceberg called Hilary Rosen, who said, now famously, that Ann Romney had never worked a day in her life.  In fact, she raised five sons, a feat not known for being easy.  The Obamans reacted quickly, essentially doing a Jackie Mason routine.  ("We never heard of her.  Who is she?  Hilary who?")  But the Romnies also reacted quickly, demolishing the Dem charge that the GOP is waging "a war on women."  Immediately they produced a bumper sticker saying "Moms drive the economy," with Mitt's name on it.  They got fight.  Good for them.

April 12,  2012