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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 — From snowy New Hampshire — Trump takes victory lap after impeachment acquittal | Shows off acquittal headlines | Trump, Pelosi take off the gloves | DNC calls for recanvass of caucus results | Latest results show Buttigieg, Sanders virtual tie | Sights and sounds from the New Hampshire trail | Pressure on Buttigieg | 'Antenna guy' follows Biden | Gabbard backers protest CNN
ON THE GROUND IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
T-minus 5 days:
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- It's a snowy morning in southern New Hampshire, slowing down journalists, supporters and politicos who are trying to get to campaign stops in the final stretch. I'm filing from Sen. Amy Klobuchar
Amy KlobucharHillicon Valley: China implicated in Microsoft breach | White House adds Big Tech critic | QAnon unfazed after false prediction FDA signals plan to address toxic elements in baby food Sen. Tina Smith calls for eliminating filibuster MORE's (D-Minn.) campaign stop in Manchester, where she is speaking at the World Affairs Council.
And when I say snow: It snowed overnight and has slowly shifted to a gross wintry mix this morning.
Livestream of Klobuchar's remarks: https://cs.pn/2H0uDkT
Photo of the media at the event: I’d say there are as many media members as there are attendees: http://bit.ly/2Utciom
And here’s a photo of Klobuchar as she begins her remarks: http://bit.ly/39c4uLP
Lol: "Can't believe it's New Hampshire already. I'm still writing 'caucuses' on all my checks." (From NBC's Alex Seitz-Wald) http://bit.ly/3bgejdF
Happy Thursday! Filing with my snow boots, hand warmers and a coffee, 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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FROM TEAM WARREN:
The Warren campaign has this down to an exact science:
Speed selfie line with @SenWarren pic.twitter.com/DPE0hWQ3rA
— Cate Martel (@CateMartel) February 5, 2020
Watch: http://bit.ly/2vdoG17
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS FROM Joe Biden
Joe BidenSenate holds longest vote in history as Democrats scramble to save relief bill Ex-Trump appointee arrested in Capitol riot complains he won't be able to sleep in jail Biden helps broker Senate deal on unemployment benefits MORE'S CAMPAIGN STOPS:
Biden defended climate change protesters who interrupted him: "These guys are OK. They want to do the same thing I want to do. They want to phase out fossil fuels and we're going to phase out fossil fuels." (Via Fox News's Paul Steinhauser) Watch: http://bit.ly/2UtyH4X
This is good campaign trail content: Here's an antenna guy shouting at Biden. Do you have a better way to describe hm other than 'antenna guy?' Watch: http://bit.ly/2OxmBUN
Antenna guy got around: "This antenna guy followed @joebiden out of the venue and then tried to jump in [NBC's Mike Memoli's] liveshot. Fun times in New Hampshire!" (Via The Daily Mail's Nikki Schwab) Photo: http://bit.ly/3bf0wUE
What Biden had to say about Iowa: "I'm not going to sugar coat it, we took a gut punch in Iowa." Watch his full comments: http://bit.ly/2Uv1m9L
Biden, who has struggled with stuttering, showed a 12-year-old how he marks up speeches: "Joe Biden invited 12-year-old Brayden Harrington backstage Tuesday in Concord to talk about his stutter, and showed him how he marks up speeches. 'He was basically showing him a strategy. He normalized it,' Brayden's father Owen said." (Via CNN's Kate Sullivan and Eric Bradner) Photos: http://bit.ly/2vVJfQi
Finding the perfect pose: Biden posed for a photo with a group of attendees in AARP jackets. Photo of Biden crouched over: http://bit.ly/2ufVIxT
FROM Bernie Sanders
Bernie SandersMcConnell makes failed bid to adjourn Senate after hours-long delay Senate holds longest vote in history as Democrats scramble to save relief bill Democrats break COVID-19 impasse with deal on jobless benefits MORE:
Sanders on why he wore a tie on Wednesday: "[Sen. Sanders (I-Vt.)] notes he's wearing a tie today because he's going to D.C. after this to vote to remove Trump for office. His comments about impeachment are going on longer than usual, he's talking about he learned a lot about the constitution during the impeachment trial." (Via The Wall Street Journal's Eliza Collins) Photo: http://bit.ly/39aJpBB
The Airport Diner does have excellent omelets ;)
At the Airport Diner w/ Jane, Bernie is asked by a fan what he had for breakfast. “An omelet,” he answered, sans smile. “Excellent.” pic.twitter.com/A4wiMhUMKK
— Christopher Cadelago (@ccadelago) February 6, 2020
TIDBITS FROM Andrew Yang
Andrew YangAndrew Yang condemns attacks against Asian Americans Dozens of famous men support ,400 monthly payments for mothers for 'unpaid labor at home' Yang intervenes after man threatened with metal pole on Staten Island Ferry MORE'S CAMPAIGN:
Here's a photo of Yang speaking to climate activists in Concord: http://bit.ly/383Yg0F
When Yang arrived in New Hampshire at 4 a.m. on Tuesday: Here's a photo: http://bit.ly/386gwq1
One of Yang's big applause lines: "when he said he doesn't dislike Trump supporters. He loves them and wants to help improve their lives." (Via WHDH's Brandon Gunnoe) http://bit.ly/2S4axN6
FROM Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi GabbardTulsi Gabbard blasts new House rules on gender neutral language as 'height of hypocrisy' A vaccine, a Burrito and more: 7 lighter, memorable moments from 2020 Growing number of House Republicans warm to proxy voting MORE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Gabbard's campaign protested outside of Saint Anselm College: CNN is hosting eight Democratic presidential candidates for televised town halls this week, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) was notably missing from the lineup. So, a group of more than 100 supporters held signs and protested CNN. (Via Boston.com's Nik DeCosta-Klipa) Watch: http://bit.ly/2S3cVDt
Aw, look at the dog who backs Gabbard!: http://bit.ly/2H1Hrre
A woman asking Gabbard a question was filming, so Gabbard grabbed her phone and recorded her: Here is video: http://bit.ly/2H5VQ5v
HOW IOWA HAS RAISED THE STAKES FOR Pete Buttigieg
Pete ButtigiegThe Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by ExxonMobil - Senate begins marathon vote-a-rama before .9T COVID-19 relief passage The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Virus relief bill headed for weekend vote Biden turns focus to next priority with infrastructure talks MORE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Via The Hill's Amie Parnes and Jonathan Easley: http://bit.ly/2tyGhQM
WHERE TO FIND THE CANDIDATES TODAY:
Michael Bennet
Michael Farrand BennetSenators introduce bill creating technology partnerships to compete with China Democrats push Biden to include recurring payments in recovery package Democrats: Minimum wage isn't the only issue facing parliamentarian MORE: Brentwood
Pete Buttigieg: Merrimack
Tulsi Gabbard: Claremont and Lebanon
Amy Klobuchar: Manchester
Deval Patrick
Deval PatrickTo unite America, Biden administration must brace for hate Biden faces pressure to take action on racial justice issues Biden selects Susan Rice to lead Domestic Policy Council, McDonough for Veterans Affairs MORE: Laconia, Durham and Manchester
Bernie Sanders: Manchester
Tom Steyer
Tom SteyerGOP targets ballot initiatives after progressive wins On The Trail: The political losers of 2020 Biden Cabinet picks largely unify Democrats — so far MORE: Keene and Manchester
Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth WarrenSenate rejects Sanders minimum wage hike Philly city council calls on Biden to 'cancel all student loan debt' in first 100 days Hillicon Valley: High alert as new QAnon date approaches Thursday | Biden signals another reversal from Trump with national security guidance | Parler files a new case MORE: Derry
Bill Weld
William (Bill) WeldRalph Gants, chief justice of Massachusetts supreme court, dies at 65 The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden visits Kenosha | Trump's double-voting suggestion draws fire | Facebook clamps down on election ads Biden picks up endorsements from nearly 100 Republicans MORE: Hudson and Durham
Andrew Yang: Plymouth, Dover and Exeter
What about Biden?:
Five days from the New Hampshire primary — and one day from a high-stakes debate — Joe Biden has no events in the state. And a charter plane last night flew from Manchester, NH, to Wilmington, Delaware. pic.twitter.com/byoobThTpB
— Matt Viser (@mviser) February 6, 2020
THE LATEST RESULTS IN IOWA
We are up to 97 percent of precincts reporting!
Former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sanders nearly tied in the Iowa Democratic caucuses, according to results that were released overnight. http://bit.ly/384f5IR
The numbers:
Buttigieg: 26.2 percent
Sanders: 26.1 percent -- a difference of 3 out of 1,097 votes (!)
Warren: 18.2 percent.
Biden: 15.8 percent
Klobuchar: 12.2 percent.
Live results: http://bit.ly/2S4KQM5
Breaking from DNC Chair Tom Perez
Thomas PerezClinton’s top five vice presidential picks Government social programs: Triumph of hope over evidence Labor’s 'wasteful spending and mismanagement” at Workers’ Comp MORE:
Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez just called for a recanvass in Iowa after the blunder with its caucus results. http://bit.ly/2S22iRw
Perez tweeted: “Enough is enough. In light of the problems that have emerged in the implementation of the delegate selection plan and in order to assure public confidence in the results, I am calling on the Iowa Democratic Party to immediately begin a recanvass.”
MEANWHILE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Breaking from President Trump
Donald TrumpTrump announces new tranche of endorsements DeSantis, Pence tied in 2024 Republican poll Lawmakers demand changes after National Guard troops at Capitol sickened from tainted food MORE -- I'm a free man:
President Trump is holding a press conference in the White House to discuss his acquittal of the two impeachment articles. Here are a few highlights:
On the impeachment trial: "It was all bullshit," Trump says. http://bit.ly/2OwBgzF
On whether he did anything wrong -- Oh.: "'I've done things wrong in my life I will admit ...' says Pres. Trump but he insists not in this matter." http://bit.ly/2OxKoUy
On Russia: "We ended up winning on Russia, Russia, Russia. They kept it going forever because they wanted to inflict political pain on somebody who had just won an election to a lot of people who were surprised." http://bit.ly/39bdYaj
Photo from the room: http://bit.ly/2vYPeUB
Livestream: Watch Trump's press conference. It's pretty wild. http://bit.ly/2S43ioc
'Acquitted and it feels so good!':
The morning after his acquittal of impeachment articles, President Trump showed off newspaper headlines from USA Today and The Washington Post at the National Prayer Breakfast. http://bit.ly/36X7IS4
Video of Trump showing off the headlines: http://bit.ly/31CmTPt
In Trump's words: "Weeks ago, and again yesterday, courageous Republican politicians and leaders had the wisdom, fortitude and strength to do what everyone knows was right," Trump said. "I don't like people who use their faith as justification for doing what they know is wrong. Nor do I like people who say 'I pray for you' when they know that's not so."
Guys, I think President Trump and Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiLawmakers demand changes after National Guard troops at Capitol sickened from tainted food Andrew Yang condemns attacks against Asian Americans Congress in lockdown: Will we just 'get used to it'? MORE may legitimately brawl soon:
Trump said at the National Prayer Breakfast this morning -- (you can't make this up): President Trump took swipes at Pelosi and Romney this morning. "President Trump on Thursday swiped at Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Sen. Mitt Romney
Willard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyDemocratic centrists flex power on Biden legislation Ron Johnson grinds Senate to halt, irritating many Romney's TRUST Act is a Trojan Horse to cut seniors' benefits MORE (R-Utah) for invoking religion during the impeachment proceedings while speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast." http://bit.ly/375IcKu
Followed by Pelosi’s press conference: Pelosi accused President Trump of looking “a bit sedated” when she extended her hand at the State of the Union address for a handshake. In her words: "It was also an act of kindness, because he looked to me like he was a little bit sedated,” Pelosi said. “He looked that way last year too. But that was that. He didn’t want to shake hands? That meant nothing to me.” http://bit.ly/380DbEa
Pelosi was asked if tearing up Trump’s address stepped on her own message to take the high road: "I did not. I tore up a manifesto of mistruth," Pelosi responded.
Pelosi on Romney's vote to convict the president: "God bless him for his courage," she said. http://bit.ly/31uM1I1
Livestream of Pelosi's press conference: http://bit.ly/31xxFqe
TIDBITS FROM THE CAPTIOL:
The Senate subway was a madhouse post-acquittal: Notice Sanders in the background! Photo: http://bit.ly/31CgqEb
Mitch McConnell
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellMcConnell makes failed bid to adjourn Senate after hours-long delay Paul Ryan to host fundraiser for Cheney amid GOP tensions Senate Democrats near deal to reduce jobless boost to 0 MORE's runway walk: Work it. Photo: http://bit.ly/2S3v5Fh
Capitol Hill protesters after dark: http://bit.ly/38aUfHS
Tidbit -- Pelosi pre-ripped Trump's speech: Via The New York post, Pelosi reportedly made small tears in the pages before dramatically ripping her copy. http://bit.ly/31vWOS4
Video of Romney's viral speech: http://bit.ly/2H0Jeg5
NOTABLE TWEETS
Marianne Williamson
Marianne WilliamsonRush Limbaugh dead at 70 Marianne Williamson discusses America's "soulless ethos" Marianne Williamson discusses speaking at People's Party Convention MORE is trying to raise money:
Update: Ticket prices have been dropped as low at $50 and livestream as low as $29
— Daniel Newhauser (@dnewhauser) February 6, 2020
Generally not a sign of great sales https://t.co/SGv9USUaOi
ON TAP
The House is in. The Senate is out. President Trump and Vice President Pence are in Washington, D.C.
This morning: President Trump and Vice President Pence attended the 68th annual National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton.
11 a.m. EST: President Trump holds a credentialing ceremony for newly appointed ambassadors to Washington, D.C.
1 p.m. EST: First votes in the House. The House's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2S42zU0
2 p.m. EST: President Trump and Vice President Pence meet with the president of Kenya.
4:30 p.m. EST: President Trump received a Coronavirus Task Force update in the Oval Office.
6:30 p.m. EST: Last votes in the House.
3 p.m. EST Monday: The Senate meets. The Senate's full schedule: http://bit.ly/2H1goMA
WHAT TO WATCH
Noon: President Trump delivered remarks. Livestream: http://bit.ly/2S43ioc
11:35 p.m. EST: Buttigieg will appear on CBS's "The Late Show." http://bit.ly/3bhsDCI
NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...
Today is National Frozen Yogurt Day.
And because you made it this far, here's a puppy who waited for Sen. Ted Cruz
Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzDeSantis, Pence tied in 2024 Republican poll Democrats under pressure to deliver on labor's 'litmus test' bill Crenshaw pours cold water on 2024 White House bid: 'Something will emerge' MORE (R-Texas) to finish speaking before he walked past: http://bit.ly/2S1pMGr
(From journalist Matt Laslo)
