SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 9:41 P.M. ET:

JIMMY HAS A DISTINCTION – According to a new book by WaPo writers Mike Duffy and Nancy Gibbs, Jimmy Carter has won a major distinction:  Among former presidents, and the incumbent, he is the least popular former president.  Clinton, Bush 41 and Obama, according to the book, can't stand Carter because Mr. Peanut is constantly interfering with foreign policy, and conducting foreign policy without any administration's request.  The evaluation is not surprising.  However, Carter remains popular with discerning foreigners, like the Nobel Peace Prize committee.  (Choke.)

EDUCATORS AT WORK – The parents of a British teen who died suddenly two months ago have received a warning from her school that she won't be permitted to attend her school's prom unless she improves her attendance record.  No, this is not a joke.  The school blames the letter on a software error.  Apparently, warning letters are not checked before they go out.  Modern British education at work.  Compare please to similar problems at the UK's nationalized health service.

NEW TERROR CONCERN – ABC News is reporting that American and European authorities are worried that Al Qaeda may soon try to plant bombs inside its operatives, then put them these suicide bombers on airliners.  Physicians contacted by reporters said that there was plenty of room inside the stomach cavity for explosives.  It does not take a large bomb to blow out the side of an airliner.  For the last year, terror experts have warned that Al Qaeda was designing bombs with no metal parts that could be detected by metal detectors. 

AYOTTE BOOSTED – Buzz is increasing that New Hampshire's popular Senator Kelly Ayotte is on Romney's short list for the V.P. slot.  Ayotte was an early endorser and has been an active surrogate.  Romney is reported to be very comfortable with her.  The problem is that she is from the same region as Romney, and her experience level is borderline – New Hampshire attorney general and two years in the U.S. Senate.  On the other hand, she is a proven vote getter and might help with the women's vote.

April 30, 2012