The moment of the day in my view was Bob Woodward, on Meet the Press, saying that any prognostication about Obama’s political future was “crap”. He based it on a book written by well known Reagan biographer, Lou Cannon, who wrote an obscure book about Reagan after his first year. Cannon, who came to be a great admirer and “official” biographer of the late President, had written Reagan off after his first year as a failed one-termer.

But the earthquake in Haiti is the biggest item in the news. McLaughlin asked on a 0 - 10 scale, what was the probability that within 10 years the U.S. would have a major military base in Haiti. The answers ranged from less than 0 (Page) to 10 (McLaughlin and Crowley). I’d say that maybe Haiti will be the 51st state. On second thought, the republicans would never allow that - Haitians are too poor and would like be mostly democrats. But the democrats will probably not allow a base. No doubt, we are going to spend a lot of money there. But in 10 years it may be China that is building a base there.

To the Contrary had an interesting discussion about Michelle Obama’s announcement of her “major initiative” in reducing childhood obesity. It was pretty much consensus that it was a good initiative for Michelle Obama. But Kristi and I both didn’t like the first lady referred to as “thin” because really, she isn’t thin. She’s just about right, and looks to be in excellent condition.

Linda Chavez, Fox News, one of the regular panelists, made more than average outrageous comments. I know the show likes to balance further ends of the scale, but can’t they do better than Ms. Chavez?

The race in Massachusetts was next on the agenda. So much hangs on that election. I already wrote about this, and I haven’t changed my opinion. Obama is speaking today in Boston, and seeing if he can “fire up the base.” This is where his ignoring the more left wing of the Democratic party could come back to haunt him. He needs a decent turnout, and if people think that there isn’t much difference in policies, they will choose the personality. And, from all accounts, Coakley isn’t charismatic.

You can bet that the news will be all around the results starting Tuesday night and on into Wednesday. I have my doubts about the polls, considering the Massachusetts is such a Democratic state, but the Republicans are setting this up as a good chance for an upset, therefore, upping significantly the expectations game. If they lose by anything but the most razor thin margin, it is going to intensify the loss.