I’m now on a train traveling from Montreal to Quebec City, which features a stable internet connection but not a very stable table. So forgive the occasional typo.

Here are some midday news/views snacks from the cart:

* Some interesting spin from Senate Democratic staffers who claim Obama’s preparing a big betrayal of progressives over tax policy next year.

* At TNR Danny Vinik looks at the possibility an improving economy will provide a boost to HRC in 2016.

* Ashton Carter emerging as most likely appointee to succeed Chuck Hagel.

* David Frum argues that falling abortion rates are attributable to greater acceptance of out-of-wedlock child-bearing.

* Congressional “censure” of Obama probably not constitutional if it includes punishment.

And in non-political news:

* Another barrier falls as first openly gay MLB umpire comes out.

As we break for lunch–well, the Wifi on this train prohibits downloading of YouTube videos, so I’ll just have to make it up to you later.

Ed Kilgore

Ed Kilgore is a political columnist for New York and managing editor at the Democratic Strategist website. He was a contributing writer at the Washington Monthly from January 2012 until November 2015, and was the principal contributor to the Political Animal blog.