Current observations...

---In looking at the candidacies of Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer for the Democratic nomination, with their extensive television advertising, their rationales for running as clear long shots are worth a look.  The first thought that comes to mind is that if Trump could win the Republican nomination in 2016 and then the Presidency, anything is possible. Well, why not?  The second thought, as always in these situations, is that the purpose is to gain national recognition and exposure as an opportunity to be appointed to a cabinet post of consequence in the event that the eventual nominated Democrat defeats Trump.  The third thought is simple and, especially in Bloomberg's case, that this is the best opportunity to influence the national debate.  Bloomberg's advertisements directly attack Trump, with clips of Trump's overt lies when speaking to his adoration rallies.  Bloomberg's proposals, as depicted, could make sense to moderates, liberals, and libertarians, but certainly not to today's core Republicans. If the country can elect a narrow minded billionaire from New York with no knowledge of history to be President(I did not say racist), why not a smart Jewish one?  Bloomberg and Trump know each other well, not as friends but as successful New York City businessmen who have interacted with each other by necessity.  Bloomberg has no illusions about Trump, and has no interest in a balanced approach.  His unequivocal rationale for running is that he views Trump as dangerous.

---Speaking of dangerous, the current Middle East situation is tenuous at best. Trump somehow managed to get through the period of betraying the Kurds in Syria. That led to the destruction of border cities by the Turks and the loss of life has not clearly been determined, 40,000, 100,000, no worry they were not American and some of them were "bad people", Trump quoted.  Now the situation with Iran is heating up, getting hotter, and one can wonder who is advising Trump.  Even John Bolton, supreme Iran hawk now gone, is concerned when interviewed.  Soleimani was a dangerous person, but killing an Iranian general in Iraq may bring Iran and Iraq closer together, not the objective one could hope.  Is Putin pulling the strings?  Ha, but this far from a laughing matter.

---The impeachment process moves along.  It is minimally important.  McConnell can deliver the votes in the Senate.  As an aside, Adam Schiff is not exactly a likeable spokesperson for the Democrats.  He always takes his comments a step too far, giving Trump an edge to use with his base and with the limited amount of those on the fence in this country.

---Can the NFL playoffs be mentioned?   Go Titans, goodbye Patriots for once.