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--> A midday take on what's happening in politics and how to have a sense of humor about it.*
*Ha. Haha. Hahah. Sniff. Haha. Sniff. Ha--breaks down crying hysterically.
The Hill's 12:30 Report -- Presented by Johnson & Johnson -- All eyes on Sondland | Envoy testifies that quid pro quo was widely known | Sights and sounds from third day of public hearings | Trump says Pelosi putting trade deal at risk | 10 Dems to take debate stage in Atlanta tonight | Five things to watch for | Buttigieg set up for clash with Biden | Buttigieg surges to 10 point lead in NH poll | National Peanut Butter Fudge Day
HAPPENING THIS MORNING
Smile for the cameras:
U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland
Gordon SondlandWhite House withdraws nomination for Pentagon budget chief who questioned Ukraine aid hold Juan Williams: Will the GOP ever curb Trump? House wants documents on McEntee's security clearances MORE is testifying before the House Intelligence Committee this morning in the impeachment inquiry against President Trump
Donald John TrumpTrump orders US troops back to active duty for coronavirus response Trump asserts power to decide info inspector general for stimulus gives Congress Fighting a virus with the wrong tools MORE.
Why Sondland's testimony is important: Sondland first testified behind closed doors that he did not know why U.S. military aid to Ukraine was held up, but he later changed his testimony to say that he "presumed" it was conditioned on political investigations.
Keep in mind about Sondland: He is a Trump donor and appointee, so he is an important witness for both Republicans and Democrats.
Livestream of this morning's hearing: https://cs.pn/2XAJmdU
Live blog of updates: http://bit.ly/2r8ON7G
At 2:30 p.m. EST -- livestream of the second impeachment hearing: Laura Cooper, the deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Russian, Ukrainian and Eurasian affairs and diplomat David Hale are testifying. https://cs.pn/2OAPO0q
NEWS FROM THE HEARING:
This is key -- Sondland said the 'quid pro quo' was real and widely known: "I know that members of this Committee have frequently framed these complicated issues in the form of a simple question: Was there a 'quid pro quo?' As I testified previously, with regard to the requested White House call and White House meeting, the answer is yes," Sondland said. http://bit.ly/2pERai8
Schiff accused Trump, Pompeo of obstructing the inquiry: House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff
Adam Bennett SchiffTexas man arrested for allegedly threatening Democrats over coronavirus bill Schiff: Remote voting would not compromise national security Connecticut man accused of threatening to kill Schiff MORE (D-Calif.) accused President Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoHillicon Valley: Apple rolls out coronavirus screening app, website | Pompeo urged to crack down on coronavirus misinformation from China | Senators push FTC on price gouging | Instacart workers threaten strike COVID-19 intensifies the case for blacklisting Khalifa Haftar House Republican urges Pompeo to take steps to limit misinformation from China on coronavirus MORE of a "concerted" effort to obstruct in the impeachment inquiry. http://bit.ly/2Xy2s4f
Sondland said Ukraine just had to announce an investigation: "[Ukrainian President Zelensky] had to announce the investigations, he didn't actually have to do them as I understood it," Sondland, talking about his conversations with Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani
Rudy GiulianiCuomo steps into national spotlight with coronavirus fight Hannity offers to help Cuomo in coronavirus response with radio, television shows The Hill's Campaign Report: Officials in spotlight over coronavirus response MORE.
Read Sondland's opening statement: http://bit.ly/2pEFXhy
It's Wednesday! I'm Cate Martel with a quick recap of the morning and what's coming up. Send comments, story ideas and events for our radar to cmartel@thehill.com -- and follow along on Twitter @CateMartel and Facebook.
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SIGHTS AND SOUNDS:
I hope they're getting his good side: Here are the dozens of cameras getting close-up shots of Sondland. Smile! Photo of what Sondland was seeing in that moment: http://bit.ly/2r7GGrU
Photo of the committee seated and ready to go: http://bit.ly/2QzGEUo
Photo of Sondland walking to his seat: http://bit.ly/2CXf4sf
This is worth watching -- check out Devin Nunes
Devin Gerald NunesTrump steps up intensity in battle with media Nunes urges Americans to 'stop panicking': 'It's a great time to just go out' if you're healthy Sunday shows preview: Lawmakers gear up for another week fighting the coronavirus, seek to curb fallout MORE's body language at the break:
I’m not gonna read into looks too much, but after the first two hours of Sondland testimony, Devin Nunes doesn’t seem...ecstatic. pic.twitter.com/QXXirs04ix
— Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) November 20, 2019
Watch: http://bit.ly/2O80Ye5
I love the behind-the-scenes photos: http://bit.ly/2CXsSTs
Photo of Republicans huddling during the break: http://bit.ly/345Ey2n
Interesting tidbit -- length of the opening statements: Via C-SPAN's Jeremy Art:
Adam Schiff: 12:32
Devin Nunes: 8:33
Gordon Sondland: 42:37 http://bit.ly/37nZBPT
TO RECAP TUESDAY'S HEARINGS:
Actual *eyewitnesses* testified for the first time -- Republicans had been arguing for weeks that the witnesses testifying have been too far removed to know anything. But that changed on Tuesday when three of the four witnesses listened to the actual July 25 call in question.
Volker, Morrison raised stakes for Sondland -- "Volker testified that Gordon Sondland ... spoke of 'investigations' during a July 10 meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials at the White House ... That was a break from Volker's Oct. 3 closed-door deposition where he replied 'no' when asked whether anything about the two investigations was raised at that July meeting." And Morrison's testimony adds to the pressure.
GOP attacked the media -- "Facing witnesses with years of military and national security experience, Rep. Devin Nunes (Calif.), the top Intelligence Committee Republican, turned to a favorite GOP punching bag: the media."
The two sides fought over 'bribery' -- "Democrats have dropped references to a 'quid pro quo' in favor of allegations of 'bribery,' a term adopted by Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiDC argues it is shortchanged by coronavirus relief bill Overnight Health Care — Presented by PCMA — US coronavirus cases hit 100,000 | Trump signs T stimulus package | Trump employs defense powers to force GM to make ventilators | New concerns over virus testing Hillicon Valley: Apple rolls out coronavirus screening app, website | Pompeo urged to crack down on coronavirus misinformation from China | Senators push FTC on price gouging | Instacart workers threaten strike MORE (D-Calif.) last week -- and one cited explicitly in the Constitution's impeachment clause. That shift was not overlooked by Republicans, and it sparked one of the most notable exchanges Tuesday."
Republicans tried to out the whistleblower -- Republicans tried to get one of the witnesses to out the whistleblower, accusing the official of being partisan.
Context and details for each from The Hill's Scott Wong and Mike Lillis: http://bit.ly/2QBIW5x
Quick catch-up on Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman
Alexander VindmanAmerica's diplomats deserve our respect White House withdraws nomination for Pentagon budget chief who questioned Ukraine aid hold Juan Williams: Will the GOP ever curb Trump? MORE's testimony yesterday: http://bit.ly/35lLTv3
IN THE WHITE HOUSE
Just now — Trump reacts to Gordon Sondland’s testimony:
Speaking to reporters, President Trump said he does not know U.S. ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland. https://politi.co/2DdhfIp
In Trump’s words: "I don’t know him very well. I have not spoken to him much," Trump told reporters. "This is not a man I know well. He seems like a nice guy though."
What else is on Trump’s mind:
This morning, President Trump went after Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), accusing her of putting a trade deal with Canada and Mexico at risk. http://bit.ly/2O5S6pd
He tweeted: "Nancy Pelosi will go down as the least productive Speaker of the House in history. She is dominated by AOC Plus 3 and the Radical Left. Mexico and Canada, after waiting for 6 months to be approved, are ready to flee - and who can blame them? Too bad!" http://bit.ly/2D2JU2u
HAPPENING TONIGHT
Don't forget about the debate!:
10 Democratic presidential candidates will debate tonight in Atlanta, Ga. http://bit.ly/2XGr0Ix
WHO MADE THE CUT:
Former Vice President Joe Biden
Joe BidenFighting a virus with the wrong tools Trump bucks business on Defense Production Act Overnight Health Care — Presented by PCMA — US coronavirus cases hit 100,000 | Trump signs T stimulus package | Trump employs defense powers to force GM to make ventilators | New concerns over virus testing MORE
South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg
Pete ButtigiegReuters poll finds Sanders cutting Biden national lead to single digits Biden says he'll adopt plans from Sanders, Warren Buttigieg guest-hosts for Jimmy Kimmel: 'I've got nothing else going on' MORE
Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth WarrenHillicon Valley: Apple rolls out coronavirus screening app, website | Pompeo urged to crack down on coronavirus misinformation from China | Senators push FTC on price gouging | Instacart workers threaten strike Democratic Senators urge FTC to prevent coronavirus price gouging Democratic senators call on FDA to drop restrictions on blood donations from men who have sex with men MORE (D-Mass.)
Sen. Bernie Sanders
Bernie SandersHillicon Valley: Apple rolls out coronavirus screening app, website | Pompeo urged to crack down on coronavirus misinformation from China | Senators push FTC on price gouging | Instacart workers threaten strike Overnight Energy: Court upholds Trump repeal of Obama fracking rule | Oil price drop threatens fracking boom | EPA eases rules on gasoline sales amid coronavirus The Hill's Campaign Report: Sanders pushes on in 2020 race MORE (I-Vt.)
Sen. Kamala Harris
Kamala Devi HarrisHillicon Valley: Apple rolls out coronavirus screening app, website | Pompeo urged to crack down on coronavirus misinformation from China | Senators push FTC on price gouging | Instacart workers threaten strike Democratic Senators urge FTC to prevent coronavirus price gouging Democratic senators call on FDA to drop restrictions on blood donations from men who have sex with men MORE (D-Calif.)
Sen. Amy Klobuchar
Amy KlobucharHillicon Valley: Apple rolls out coronavirus screening app, website | Pompeo urged to crack down on coronavirus misinformation from China | Senators push FTC on price gouging | Instacart workers threaten strike Democratic Senators urge FTC to prevent coronavirus price gouging Democratic senators call on FDA to drop restrictions on blood donations from men who have sex with men MORE (D-Minn.)
Sen. Cory Booker
Cory Anthony BookerLawmakers, labor leaders ramp up calls to use Defense Production Act Democratic senators call on FDA to drop restrictions on blood donations from men who have sex with men Amazon doubling overtime pay for warehouse workers MORE (D-N.J.)
Former tech executive Andrew Yang
Andrew YangSolving the coronavirus economic downturn — good psychology makes for good politics and policy Andrew Yang nonprofit to dole out checks to 500 households Senate GOP mulls forgivable loans to businesses to halt layoffs, bankruptcies MORE
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard20 House Dems call on Trump to issue two-week, nationwide shelter-in-place order The Hill's Morning Report — ,000,000,000,000: GOP unveils historic US rescue effort Gillibrand endorses Biden for president MORE (D-Hawaii)
Billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer
Tom SteyerProgressive advocates propose T 'green stimulus' plan Candidates want data privacy rules, except for their own campaigns Budowsky: Biden should pull together a 'dream team of rivals' MORE
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH:
- Can Warren quell concerns about her candidacy?
- Will rivals go after Buttigieg?
- Will moderates have their moment?
- Do the progressives fight back?
- Do the 2020 newcomers weigh on the debate?
Context and details for each from The Hill's Max Greenwood: http://bit.ly/2XGr0Ix
WHAT TO EXPECT -- EVERYONE'S WATCHING YOU, PETE:
Via The Hill's Amie Parnes, "South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg is rising in polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire, putting himself in position to surpass former Vice President Joe Biden as the leading centrist in the Democratic race." http://bit.ly/2CYTumX
Op-ed: http://bit.ly/335Txbt
NEW POLL -- BUTTIGIEG SURGES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE:
South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg surged to a 10-point lead for the first time in New Hampshire, according to a new Saint Anselm College poll. http://bit.ly/2rczaMg
The numbers: Twenty-five percent of likely Democratic primary voters polled said they support Buttigieg. Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) are tied with 15 percent, followed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) with 9 percent.
The full poll: http://bit.ly/2XvgovG
WHICH CANDIDATE IS FOR YOU?:
The Washington Post has a quiz to find out which Democratic presidential candidate aligns best with your views. Take the quiz: https://wapo.st/333F1kk
NOTABLE TWEETS
Amazing:
ＰＥＴＥ ᵇᵘᵗᵗᶦᵍᶦᵉᵍ
— christmas cheer liz bruenig (@ebruenig) November 19, 2019
to the tune of 'whoomp! there it is'
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ON TAP
The House and Senate are in. President Trump is in Texas this afternoon. Vice President Pence is in Wisconsin, then heads to Indiana.
9 a.m. EST: Vice President Pence leaves for Green Bay, Wis.
10:45 a.m. EST: President Trump left for Austin, Texas.
11:30 a.m. EST: Votes in the Senate. The Senate's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2OnJIjy
12:30 p.m. EST: Vice President Pence tours the USS Cooperstown.
3:20 p.m. EST: President Trump tours the Apple Manufacturing Plant in Austin, Texas.
4:15 p.m. EST: Vice President Pence leaves for Indianapolis.
5 – 6 p.m. EST: The House votes. The House's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2KEUIrY
7:50 p.m. EST: President Trump arrives at the White House.
9:05 p.m. EST: Vice President Pence gets back to Washington, D.C.
WHAT TO WATCH
1:10 p.m. EST: Vice President Pence speaks at Fincantieri Marinette Marine. Livestream: http://bit.ly/3303Jlz
6:30 p.m. EST: Vice President Pence speaks at Strada Education Network's National Symposium in Indianapolis. Livestream: http://bit.ly/334clYz
NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...
Today is National Peanut Butter Fudge Day.
And because you made it this far, here's a husky mom teaching her puppies how to howl: http://bit.ly/2QyWj6e
