SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:29 P.M. ET:

MONEY WORRIES – Output of U.S. factories was down in March, as were housing starts, flashing a yellow light to those who examine the American economy.  It appears that the "recovery," always somewhat vague, is losing strength.  We'll get further data as new jobs reports come out in the weeks ahead.

IS CHRISTIE INTERESTED? – Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey still insists he doesn't want to be vice president, but also says it would be "arrogant" of him not to consider a discussion about it with Mitt Romney.  Translated:  "Yeah, you know, hey, I can be persuaded.  I mean, it's my country.  Besides, who wants to live in New Jersey?"  It remains to be seen if Romney would want the pugnacious Christie on the ticket.

UN NOT GOING TO NORTH KOREA – The UN nuclear watchdog agency says it will not send a delegation to North Korea, since the North Koreans have said they are no longer bound by an agreement to suspend missile and nuclear tests.  The "international community" has failed miserably in its attempts to "engage" North Korea.   The North has broken one agreement after another.  The Obama administration doesn't seem all that concerned.

POLL MESS – There are some new polls out pitting Romney against Obama, but they're all over the place.  Most place Obama ahead, some by as much as nine points.  A few, like Gallup, have Romney ahead, but usually only by a small number of points.  A CNN poll reported that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe Obama will be re-elected, regardless of their own choice for president.  Polls at this stage are of little significance, outside their entertainment value.  Ronald Reagan trailed Jimmy Carter through most of the 1980 campaign.  And, at one point in 1988, Michael Dukakis was well ahead of Bush 41, who went on to defeat Dukakis handily.

April 17, 2012