SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:55 P.M. ET:

A MAJOR UPSET – Socialist/Democrat Bernie Sanders won the Michigan primary, narrowly defeating Hillary Clinton in a state that Clinton had expected to carry, and a major industrial state as well.  It won't do much to dent Hillary's lead in the delegate count, but could be an important marker if Clinton starts losing the big industrial states that are part of the Democratic base.  We'll see about that starting next Tuesday.  Meanwhile, Hillary won Mississippi, largely on the strength of the black vote.

TRUMP TRUMPED ONLY ONCE – Trump took the main events today, Mississippi and Michigan, but Ted Cruz beat him in Idaho.  Michigan was YUGE for Trump.  He showed that he could defeat all comers in a state dominated by industrial workers who are hurting.  The victories tonight set Trump up for the decisive contests next Tuesday in Ohio and Florida.  If he takes those two states, he'll be on a clear road to the nomination, with few options open to any opponent.

RUBIO FADES – There's no doubt about it, Marco Rubio is, as of tonight, fading from the electoral scene.  He will probably be gone completely if he loses his home state of Florida next week.  I regret it.  I had thought he'd be the most effective Republican candidate against the Dems, but the voters disagree, and they always win.  If Rubio and Kasich both get knocked out next week, only Cruz will be left standing, and his job will be to dent Trump badly enough to insure an open convention.

TRUMP – I watched his victory speech tonight.  It was the usual weirdness, an endless ego trip.  It reminded me of the song from "My Fair Lady," A Hymn to Him.  In this case the him is singing the hymn to himself.  I don't know how long Trump can get away with an act that is so un-presidential.  Dignity and style have to matter in a president.

March 8, 2016