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

HILLARY – It's all Hillary all the time now.  The medical setback will play out this week.  It confirms that her health (and Trump's) is a legitimate item of concern.  I've noticed, in all the news coverage, a growing skepticism that we're being told everything.  I've also noticed questions about the legalities that would be involved if Hillary had to be replaced on the Democratic ticket.  I suspect that within 24 hours we'll see the whitewashing begin at The New York Times, with rosy predictions of an early recovery.  But here's the question:  If she really does have pneumonia, at her age, and even if she recovers somewhat with relative speed, how can she then bounce right back to a full-time campaign?  Running for president is grueling.  It's sometimes called the hardest political job in the world.  If Hillary cannot run a full-time campaign, her reduced schedule will simply call attention to her medical state.  Would that cost her the election?  Maybe not, especially if Trump stumbles.  But even if she wins, she'd be considered hobbled, and temporary.

CLINTON CANCELS COAST TRIP – FROM THE HILL:  She was supposed to campaign in San Francisco and Los Angeles to start this week, and tape an appearance for the “Ellen” show.  Clinton has been ill with pneumonia, her doctor revealed in a Sunday evening statement.  Dr. Lisa R. Bardack released a statement via the campaign revealing the diagnosis on Sunday evening, hours after the Democratic presidential nominee was seen stumbling on video after exiting a 9/11 memorial event early.  Bardack said Clinton had an examination at her home in Chappaqua after the incident, which was a result of dehydration and overheating.  She said the candidate is "re-hydrated and recovering nicely."  The statement also said that Clinton's regular coughing fits have been the result of an allergy.  Oh, really?  Then why isn't she under the care of an allergist?  Allergies can be treated.  It's all very curious.

TRUMP'S ROLE – Probably acting on good advice, Trump has been quiet about Hillary Clinton's latest health crisis.  That's good form and good politics.  There's nothing for him to say except to wish her well.  However, the Trump campaign has some very critical decisions to make.  The first debate is two weeks away and, presumably, Clinton will be well enough to be there.  But you may be sure that she'll not only play the gender card, she'll also play the illness card. "I'm well enough to run, well enough to be president, but how can you ask tough questions of a woman who's just had pneumonia?"  That will be the psychology, and the Trumpers will have to figure out a way to defeat her in debate while not seeming to trample on a woman in a weakened state.  Trump is a rough guy.  It won't be easy for him to strike a balance.

September 11,  2016