SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 8:53 P.M. ET:

FRENCH RESULTS – Socialist Francois Hollande has edged out incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy in the first round of French voting.  There will be a runoff on May 6th, with Hollande heavily favored to win.  This is a major setback for the United States, as Sarkozy has been the best friend America has had in the French president's office in decades.  Also, the Sarkozy alliance with generally conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany has helped to stabilize Europe at a time of financial crisis.  A socialist government in France will do little to assure the international financial community of France's seriousness in ending Europe's money woes.

PROBE TO SPREAD? – Senators Charles Grassley of Iowa and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut have united to demand a wider investigation of the Secret Service scandal, to include a probe of White House personnel assigned to presidential travel.  It is stressed that no evidence has come to light involving regular members of the White House staff, but Grassley and Lieberman say they want to be sure the White House itself was not compromised.  My gut feeling is that these two senators know something, but don't want to go public in advance of any investigation.  Could get juicy.

NO, WE'RE NOT DUMB – A new Pew survey confirms what other studies have found, that Republican partisans are generally better informed and more knowledgeable about politics and political history than are Democrats.  On 8 of 13 questions, those who lean Republican outscored Democrats.  This is not surprising to many of us who've known Dems and Republicans over the years, but it will likely be a shock to mainstream media and the journalism schools that feed the major news organizations.  There will be heavy fretting.

April 22, 2012