SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:56 P.M. ET: 

CLINTON CLAIMS IT – Hillary Clinton claimed the Democratic nomination for president tonight after winning New Jersey.  California results are not yet in.  Bernie Sanders, showing his usual illusions of grandeur, did not concede.  Maybe he'll retreat to a commune and fight to the last proletarian voter.  Clinton's speech was an undistinguished but perfectly acceptable address, thanking the immediate world, but especially her mother, for her electoral success.  She properly noted that she became the first woman to win the presidential nomination of a major party.  She gave a major embrace to her daughter, a minor peck to her son-in-law, and an obligatory show of pseudo-affection to Bill, who seemed to be enjoying the spectacle. 

TRUMP REFINES A BIT – Donald Trump also spoke tonight, using a teleprompter to prevent still one more gaffe.  The contrast with Clinton was obvious.  No matter what one may think of her, and we don't think much of her here, she's a pro.  Trump came off as someone running for president of a fraternity.  He lacks the style of a presidential candidate, and he'd better develop it fast.  There is serious talk of revolt within the Republican Party.  The conventions will give each major candidate a chance to showcase their campaigns.  My fear is that Trump will be Trump and put on a lavish TV show, a kind of Miss Universe of American politics. 

PRESIDENTIAL WARDROBE? – FROM CNBC:   Hillary Clinton took a lot of flak on Monday after a report surfaced that the presidential candidate wore a Giorgio Armani jacket worth more than $12,000 during a speech in April about inequality.  Clinton, who was well-known for her vast pantsuit collection, has upgraded her wardrobe during her most recent bid for president to appear more relatable, according to the New York Post.  You need a $12,000 jacket to be relatable?  Who is she relating to?  I guess it's the average American mom.  They all have $12,000 jackets.  Walmart sells a ton of them.

June 7,  2016