SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:53 P.M. ET: 

CLOSING IN – From the L.A. Times:   Federal prosecutors investigating the possible mishandling of classified materials on Hillary Clinton’s private email server have begun the process of setting up formal interviews with some of her longtime and closest aides, according to two people familiar with the probe, an indication that the inquiry is moving into its final phases.  Those interviews and the final review of the case, however, could still take many weeks, all but guaranteeing that the investigation will continue to dog Clinton’s presidential campaign through most, if not all, of the remaining presidential primaries.  No dates have been set for questioning the advisors, but a federal prosecutor in recent weeks has called their lawyers to alert them that he would soon be doing so, the sources said. Prosecutors also are expected to seek an interview with Clinton herself, though the timing remains unclear.  I'd love to see Hillary walking out to accept the Democratic nomination when she's interrupted by a guy saying, "Secretary Clinton, I'm Special Agent Desmond.  Can we talk?"

TRUMP MAY LEAD BY ONLY ONE POINT IN CALIFORNIA – According to a new USC poll.  From The Hill:   Among likely June primary voters, Trump leads Cruz by just 1 point, 36 to 35 percent. John Kasich falls far behind at 14 percent.   Trump, however, got 30 percent support among registered Republicans surveyed in California, according to the poll. Cruz got 30 percent and Kasich received just 12 percent support.  Low turnout could hurt Trump and help Cruz, the Times reported.  According to the poll, about 25 percent of California Republican voters said they would refuse to vote for Trump if he is the Republican Party's nominee.  There have been signs around the country that the race is tightening.  We'll get an indication April 5th, when Wisconsin votes. 

HOW THRILLING – From MSN:   WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is offering his prayers for the families of the two Americans killed in the bombings in Brussels and telling Belgians that "America has their back" in the fight against terrorism.  In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama is renewing his vow to continue the campaign against the Islamic State, which took credit for the attacks. He says U.S. officials are working with allies to root out the group's operations in Europe.  It must be wonderful for Barack Obama to have your back.  Just the feeling of confidence, the remembrance of the firm stands he has taken against, say, Iran, or the Cuban regime.  If Obama said he had my back, I'd be on the phone in ten seconds with a life-insurance agent. 

March 27, 2016