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

THIS JUST IN – FROM THE HARVARD CRIMSON:   Harvard will rescind the 2014 W.E.B Du Bois medal awarded to Harvey Weinstein, a movie executive whom more than 40 women have recently accused of sexual harassment and abuse.  The Executive Committee of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, a group of five professors that unanimously voted to award Weinstein the medal three years ago, voted Tuesday night to rescind the honor in the wake of the reporting detailing Weinstein’s behavior, according to Hutchins Center Executive Director Abby Wolf.  “We have voted unanimously to rescind the Du Bois Medal awarded to Mr. Weinstein in 2014. We stand with the women who have courageously come forward to fight for themselves and indeed for all of those who have experienced similar abuse,” the group wrote in a statement.   Well, now we certainly know that Harvard means business.  Just for reassurance, I want to see how Bill Clinton is received on his next visit.

SO, SPEAKING OF RIDICULOUS AWARDS – FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER:   Hillary Clinton didn't win the presidency, but she's in line for something almost as interesting -- the crown of "Wonder Woman."  The Women's Media Center, co-founded by feminist Gloria Steinem, told us that it is giving the latest Democratic presidential candidate its first "Wonder Woman Award" for her "extraordinary accomplishments" and public service.  "Like Wonder Woman, she seems to have superhuman strength, resilience, and courage," said the group in a reference to the famous comic and TV character.  "Hillary Clinton's actions have inspired and protected women and men on every continent," said Steinem. "She has battled negative forces and helped to maintain a fragile peace with her negotiating skill on behalf of this country and peace-seekers everywhere. She has handled all this with grace, grit, determination, integrity, humor and fortitude while remaining a steadfast feminist, advocate, activist, sister and tireless leader in the revolution. With this award, the Women's Media Center declares Hillary Clinton our Wonder Woman."   Oh yes, the grace, the humor, the integrity.  I hope they're praying that she doesn't get indicted.

THE EFFICIENT FIRST LADY – FROM FOX:  Melania Trump is embracing a more active and public schedule as first lady – but she still runs one of the leanest East Wing operations in recent history.  According to a Fox News analysis of White House personnel reports, Melania Trump has significantly reduced the number of aides on the first lady's office payroll in comparison to her predecessor, Michelle Obama.  During then-President Barack Obama’s first year in office, 16 people were listed working for Michelle Obama, earning a combined $1.24 million a year.  This year, just four people were listed working for Melania Trump as of June. Their salaries totaled $486,700.  Strange.  No one ever criticized the bloated first lady's office when Obama was in the White House.  And the media will give the current first lady no credit for her efficiency.

October 20, 2017