SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:52 P.M. ET: 

CARLY SPEAKS OUT – Carly Fiorina is getting more and more attention, and she isn't afraid of tough issues.  From the Daily Signal:  "Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard and likely presidential candidate Carly Fiorina criticized the Democratic Party’s platform of abortion on demand during a recent speech.  Serving as the mistress of ceremonies at the Susan B. Anthony List’s Campaign for Life Gala in Washington, D.C. last week, Fiorina praised the organization and its supporters for their contributions to the pro-life movement.  Fiorina said that while some call the Republican Party’s pro-life platform 'extreme,' the Democratic Party’s platform of abortion on demand is hardly mainstream:  'Here is what it says: Any abortion, anytime, at any point in a woman’s pregnancy, for any reason, to be paid for by taxpayers. Now, there are Democrats who want to add, "to be performed by a non-doctor."  And this policy has been succinctly summarized by Democrats, such as Barbara Boxer, as "it isn’t a life until it leaves the hospital." Do you agree with that? Nobody agrees with that! Even people who think they’re pro-choice don’t agree with that.'"  Republicans are now trying to use the abortion issue against the Democrats, who've owned it for decades.

LOVING OBAMACARE?  BETTER READ THIS – From Fox:  "Both health-care consumers and providers felt the squeeze of rising health-care costs in 2014 – with out-of-pocket costs for patients rising 11% -- according to a TransUnion Healthcare report released Wednesday.  'Our latest report demonstrates that consumers continue to feel the pressure of rising health-care costs,' said Gerry McCarthy, president of TransUnion Healthcare. 'Despite a slowly improving economy, many consumers are finding they have less money to make these payments.'"  Another triumph for federal planning.  Thank the guy from Chicago.

WE CAN'T WAIT – From The Hill:  "Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s attorney is pressing the head of the House panel investigating the Benghazi attacks to schedule her testimony 'without delay.'  Clinton lawyer David Kendall said there was 'no reason' to delay her appearance or have her testify in a private interview.  'In November, I informed your staff of Secretary Clinton’s willingness to testify publicly before the Select Committee on Benghazi. In the succeeding months, she has reiterated her willingness, and I do so again on her behalf,' Kendall said in a letter to panel chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.).  'There is no reason to delay her appearance or to have her testify in a private interview,' he added."  Clearly, the Clinton camp wants to get her testimony, which will unquestionably be only her version of the truth, out of the way early, before it hits too close to the 2016 campaign. 

April 22,  2015