| | | | |  | | By Rachael Bade , Eugene Daniels and Ryan Lizza | | | With help from Eli Okun and Garrett Ross
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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell talks with members of his leadership team at the end of a meeting with Senate Republicans at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 16. | Win McNamee/Getty Images | | | | |  | DRIVING THE DAY | | ELECTION DAY IN GEORGIA — Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. in the Senate runoff between incumbent Democrat RAPHAEL WARNOCK and Republican HERSCHEL WALKER. Join POLITICO this evening for wall-to-wall coverage as results come in. Final reads: "Warnock parties at a brewery and Walker at a gun range in Georgia runoff's final hours," by Natalie Allison and Brittany Gibson in Kennesaw, Ga. … "Democrats maintain massive ad spending edge in Georgia Senate runoff," NBC … "'A Bunch of Vultures and Hyenas' Have Hamstrung the Herschel Walker Campaign," by Mediaite's Isaac Schorr McCARTHY'S OMNIBUS WARNING — Six days after top congressional leaders emerged from the White House suggesting they would work together to pass an omnibus government funding bill before the holidays, KEVIN McCARTHY went on Fox News last night and sent a very different message. "We're 28 days away from Republicans having the gavel. We would be stronger in every negotiation. So any Republican that's out there trying to work with [Democrats] is wrong," he said to host LAURA INGRAHAM, who used her monologue last night to rail against Democrats trying to "take advantage of the few weeks remaining to ram through as much sweeping change as possible." McCarthy extended his warning to Senate GOP leader MITCH McCONNELL: "Wait till we're in charge," he said. A few thoughts on this: (1) McCarthy's comments suggest no matter what a year-end spending deal looks like, Democrats shouldn't expect many GOP votes in the House (not that they were ever expecting a ton). The GOP leader is trying to win the speaker's gavel and is clearly feeling pressure to stick it to the Democrats. (2) This foreshadows a complicated McConnell-McCarthy relationship over the next two years. Will McConnell, who has long been unpopular with the GOP base, now regularly become McCarthy's punching bag? (3) After years of privately railing against the so-called "vote no, hope yes" crowd — Republicans who vote against must-pass fiscal bills to avoid personal blowback at home while privately praying they pass to avoid national blowback against the GOP — McCarthy is officially joining the club. The reality is that no member of House Republican leadership right now wants to deal with a spending fight in the beginning of the next Congress, which they know would likely lead to a shutdown. But they are more concerned about being seen working with Democrats.
| | | | A message from BlackRock: People are working hard to build a better future all across the country. So we're hard at work to help them achieve financial freedom, and we're proud to manage the retirement plan assets of over 35 million Americans.
Throughout the U.S., we help people invest for retirement, offer greater access to markets with low-cost investment options, and help communities thrive. BlackRock is invested in the future of Americans. Learn more. | | | TRUMP OFF THE RAILS — Days after former President DONALD TRUMP suggested the "termination" of the Constitution in order to nullify the 2020 election, we're finally starting to see some Republicans push back — to a point. GOP senators — who have the benefit of only facing election every six years — came out strong against the idea yesterday after the party was largely silent on the matter this weekend. Burgess Everett gathered some of the more notable responses during Monday evening's fly-in vote:
- Sen. CHUCK GRASSLEY (R-Iowa): "Pretty simple, it's unconstitutional."
- Sen. SHELLEY CAPITO (R-W.Va.): "Ridiculous ... sounded like a little crazy talk to me"
- Sen. ROY BLUNT (R-Mo.): "No emergency clause not to follow the Constitution."
- Sen. PAT TOOMEY (R-Pa.): "It's pretty clear that he's become a toxic force and that's going to diminish his influence a lot."
- Sen. BEN SASSE (R-Neb.): Do Republicans "want to keep giving oxygen to somebody who is trying to sell tickets to his own proprietary circus, or do they want to be a constitutional party?"
But even in condemning Trump's suggestion, Republicans highlighted the former president's staying power. Why? Because few were willing to say calls to suspend the Constitution should be disqualifying for a future presidential candidate. We should have seen this coming Sunday, when even Rep. DAVID JOYCE (R-Ohio), the leader of a coalition of moderate Republicans in the House, refused to make a clean break. "You have to take him in context," he told ABC's "This Week." "And I can't be really chasing every one of these crazy statements that come out." That trend has mostly held. Case in point: While Senate Minority Whip JOHN THUNE and senior Republican JOHN CORNYN (R-Texas) both rebuked the idea of canceling the Constitution, they both dodged on whether that meant Trump shouldn't hold office again. "He's going to say what he's going to say," Thune told CNN . "I don't think anybody's going to control that, but I do think if you're one of the other candidates, this is a golden opportunity" to present a contrast in the primary. Sen. MIKE ROUNDS (R-S.D.) came closest. In a statement on Trump's comments, he said "anyone who desires to lead our country must commit to protecting the Constitution." But most others ducked — or completely dismissed the idea that Republicans who don't want to honor the Constitution should step aside. "I know you don't want him to be in the mix, but he'll be in the mix," Sen. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-S.C.) said. "I think the voters get to decide those things," Sen. RICK SCOTT (R-Fla.) added. There's one key Republican who has yet to weigh in: McConnell. The Senate GOP leader, of course, is no fan of Trump and has been desperate for him to just fade into obscurity. But his consistent M.O. — even after blasting Trump following the Jan. 6 insurrection — has been to occasionally rebuke the former president's statements without rebuking the man himself. Could this time be different? It's very unlikely. But given the gravity of Trump's suggestion and his newly wobbly standing in the GOP, it's not unthinkable. McConnell will surely be asked about the comment at his weekly post-luncheon news conference this afternoon. Related reads: "Senate Republicans turn on Trump over suspend-the-Constitution talk," by Burgess and Marianne LeVine … "GOP slowly begins to condemn Trump's call to terminate Constitution, but many remain silent," by CNN's Clare Foran, Manu Raju and Ted Barrett … "With his call to 'terminate' the Constitution, Trump is spinning out of control," by WaPo's Marc Thiessen
| | | | A message from BlackRock:   BlackRock is proud to support U.S. roads and infrastructure, with over $20 billion invested on behalf of our clients. Learn more. | | | Good Tuesday morning. Thanks for reading Playbook this morning, where we hope you left out your shoes for St. Nick to fill with candy. You'll need the sugar to power through the year-end drama. Drop us a line: Rachael Bade , Eugene Daniels , Ryan Lizza . NDAA UPDATE — We still haven't seen the promised compromise National Defense Reauthorization Act, which was supposed to come out Monday and is slated for a vote in the House this week. Around town last night, some House Democrats were privately balking at a last-minute push to add Sen. JOE MANCHIN's permitting reform package to the must-pass bill. Democrats, however, are concerned about environmental issues — and party leaders, we were told last night, know they could have a math problem if they include the provision. More on the dynamics from Congress Minutes Democrats also appear to still be haggling over the idea of rolling back Covid vaccination requirements in the military, which would be a win for the GOP. President JOE BIDEN and the Defense Department signaled yesterday they don't support that idea, which Democrats had been prepared to offer as an olive branch to Republicans.
| | BIDEN'S TUESDAY (all times Eastern):
8:45 a.m.: President Joe Biden will receive the President's Daily Brief
9:25 a.m.: The president will depart the White House en route to Phoenix, Ariz.
3:30 p.m. : The president will tour the TSMC facility, where he is scheduled to deliver remarks on the economy at 4 p.m.
6:05 p.m.: The president will depart Maricopa County, Ariz., to return to the White House.
Press secretary KARINE JEAN-PIERRE will gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Phoenix.
VP KAMALA HARRIS' TUESDAY: The VP has nothing on her public schedule.
THE HOUSE will meet at 9 a.m. The chamber will recess at 11 a.m. for the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the Capitol Police and other Jan. 6 Capitol protectors. Last votes are predicted between 2-4 p.m.
THE SENATE is in. | | | | | | POLITICO APP USERS: UPGRADE YOUR APP BY DECEMBER 19! We recently upgraded the POLITICO app with a fresh look and improved features for easier access to POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Starting December 19, users will no longer have access to the previous version of the app. Update your app today to stay on top of essential political news, insights, and analysis from the best journalists in the business. UPDATE iOS APP – UPDATE ANDROID APP . | | | | | PHOTO OF THE DAY
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Bono, the lead singer of U2, speaks with Cathedral Canon historian Jon Meacham at the Washington National Cathedral on Monday, Dec. 5. | Nathan Howard/AP Photo | | | PLAYBOOK READS | | ALL POLITICS 2024 WATCH — "Georgia official doubts Democratic plan for 2024 presidential primary," by WaPo's Michael Scherer and Amy Gardner: "The office of Georgia's secretary of state has all but closed the door on a plan by President Biden and the Democratic Party to make the southern swing state an early nominating contest in the 2024 presidential election. Deputy secretary of state JORDAN FUCHS told The Washington Post on Monday that Georgia would not change its historic primary schedule if it cost either party delegates and would not hold different primary dates for Democrats and Republicans in 2024." DeSANTIS DOWNLOAD — "DeSantis to offer VIP access to his inauguration — for $50K to $1M," by Gary Fineout in Tallahassee FOR THOSE KEEPING TRACK — "Michael Avenatti sentenced to 14 years in prison for stealing millions of dollars from clients," by CNN's Devan Cole CONGRESS HOW FAR WILL THEY GO? — "GOP senators tune out House conservatives' impeachment calls," by Jordain Carney: "House Republicans look to ding Biden's administration after six years trapped in the minority, [but] the party's senators are picking battles more carefully. A big reason behind the different strategies: House Republicans will hold the party's biggest megaphone on Capitol Hill heading into 2024, with some of their own GOP centrists already feeling heartburn — and hearing Democratic warnings — that pursuing impeachment will backfire in the next election." THE ART OF THE DEALMAKING — "Congress working to strike last-minute immigration deals," by WaPo's Marianna Sotomayor, Liz Goodwin, Maria Sacchetti and Camila DeChalus: "Sens. KYRSTEN SINEMA (D-Ariz.) and THOM TILLIS (R-N.C.) have outlined a potential immigration proposal that would provide a path to legalization for 2 million undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, known as 'dreamers,' in exchange for at least $25 billion in increased funding for the Border Patrol and border security." Meanwhile, Sens. MICHAEL BENNET (D-Colo.) and MIKE CRAPO (R-Idaho) are pushing a separate, narrower deal focused on farm workers. Cold water from a key Republican, via Bloomberg's @ellengilmer : "I think until the Biden administration owns up to its responsibilities on the border it's not possible to pass an immigration bill," Cornyn said. WATCH THIS SPACE — "Bipartisan coalition pushes for national strategy on antisemitism," by Axios' Sophia Cai: "The group of more than 100 members of Congress is calling for closer interagency cooperation to share best practices, data, and intelligence, and to identify gaps in efforts to address antisemitism." TRUMP CARDS FAILURE TO LAUNCH — "Trump's slow 2024 start worries allies," by CNN's Gabby Orr and Kristen Holmes: "Trump's disengaged posture has baffled former and current allies, many of whom experienced firsthand the frenetic pace of his two previous White House bids, and who now say he's missed the window to make a splash with his 2024 rollout. The uninspiring launch of his supposed political comeback comes as his campaign appears to be operating on auto pilot, with few signs of momentum or enthusiastic support from donors or party heavyweights. 'I don't know why he rushed this. It doesn't make sense,' one Trump adviser said of his lackluster announcement speech last month." FOLLOW THE MONEY — "Trump's committee paying for lawyers of key Mar-a-Lago witnesses," by WaPo's Devlin Barrett, Josh Dawsey and Isaac Stanley-Becker: "The witnesses include KASH PATEL, who has testified in front of the grand jury and is key to Trump's defense, along with WALT NAUTA, a potentially critical prosecution witness, according to these people, who like others interviewed spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing criminal probe." PERSONNEL IS POLICY — "Manhattan D.A. Hires Ex-Justice Official to Help Lead Trump Inquiry," by NYT's Jonah Bromwich: "The official, MATTHEW COLANGELO, who before he became a top official at the Justice Department led the New York attorney general's civil inquiry into Mr. Trump, is likely to become one of the leaders of the district attorney's criminal inquiry into the former president." JAN. 6 AND ITS AFTERMATH THE NEXT SEDITION TRIAL — "A Disputed Witness at the Proud Boys Sedition Trial: A Police Officer," by NYT's Alan Feuer: "As the sedition case of five members of the Proud Boys moves toward trial, the defense and the prosecution are squabbling over an unusual law enforcement witness: a Washington, D.C., police officer who has been asked to take the stand by the defendants." JUDICIARY SQUARE SCOTUS WATCH — "Conservative SCOTUS majority under scrutiny in major 'independent legislature' elections case," by Zach Montellaro: "Conservative attorneys hope to advance a legal idea in front of the Supreme Court on Wednesday that would give state legislatures more control over elections. … But it is unclear if the court will embrace the 'independent state legislature' theory underpinning the case — and it will likely come down to divisions within the court's conservative majority when they hear arguments in Moore v. Harper." — "Hypotheticals gone wild: Takeaways from the LGBTQ Supreme Court arguments," by Josh Gerstein
| | | | A message from BlackRock:   Invested in the future of education. Learn more about BlackRock. | | | WAR IN UKRAINE SAGGING SUPPORT — "Support slipping for indefinite U.S. aid to Ukraine, poll finds," by WaPo's Claire Parker: "With Russia's war in Ukraine in its 10th month, and no end in sight, Americans are split over whether Washington should urge Ukraine to reach a peace settlement with Russia imminently, the survey found. A plurality — 40 percent — said the United States should continue its current levels of support to Ukraine indefinitely." SO MUCH FOR 2 PERCENT — "Germany backtracks on defense spending promises made after Ukraine invasion," by POLITICO's Hans von der Burchard and Gabriel Rinaldi in Berlin ON THE GROUND — "Russia claims Kyiv hit its air bases, fires more missiles," by AP's Jamey Keaten in Kyiv … "Ecstasy Gives Way to Despair in a Liberated Ukrainian City," by NYT's Jeffrey Gettleman AMERICA AND THE WORLD EXPLAINER — "What Does Disbanding the Morality Police Mean for Iran?" by NYT's Cora Engelbrecht and Farnaz Fassihi: "The unit responsible for enforcing the country's strict Islamic dress code for women has been shut down, a concession to protesters. But the hijab law remains in place." Related: "Uncertainty over Iran's morality police after official's 'disbanded' remarks," BBC FOR YOUR RADAR — "U.S., EU agree to intensify talks on 'green subsidies' dispute," by AP's Matthew Lee: "Although no deal was reached at a meeting of the bilateral bilateral Trade and Technology Council, the two sides pledged to continue work on preliminary progress and said they would push for a solution that benefits both U.S. and European firms, workers and consumers as well as the climate." THE ECONOMY FED UP — "Fed to Weigh Higher Interest Rates Next Year While Slowing Rises This Month," by WSJ's Nick Timiraos: "A smaller 0.5-point increase would mark a new phase of policy tightening as they calibrate how much higher to lift rates. Policy makers expect price pressures to ease meaningfully next year, but brisk wage growth or higher inflation in labor-intensive service sectors of the economy could lead more of them to support raising their benchmark rate next year above the 5% currently anticipated by investors." CRYPTO CRISIS FALLOUT — "Ordinary Investors Who Jumped Into Crypto Are Saying: Now What?" by NYT's Matthew Goldstein … "FTX Effort to Save Itself Failed on Questionable Assets," by WSJ's Shane Shifflett, Rob Barry and Coulter Jones "'Innovation Hubs' Aim to Lift Distressed Areas. Congress Just Has to Fund Them," by NYT's Jim Tankersley BEYOND THE BELTWAY REMEMBER HIM? — "Ex-Miami US Rep. David Rivera arrested in Venezuela probe," by AP's Joshua Goodman and Terry Spencer: "DAVID RIVERA, a Republican who served from 2011 to 2013, was arrested at Atlanta's airport, said MARLENE RODRIGUEZ, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami. The eight-count indictment alleges he was part of a conspiracy to lobby on behalf of Venezuela to improve U.S.-Venezuela relations, resolve an oil company legal dispute and end U.S. economic sanctions against the South American nation — without registering as a foreign agent." RAIL DEAL AFTERMATH — "Railroads Focus on Stabilizing Workforce After Strike Is Averted," by WSJ's Esther Fung … "Investors press railroads to add sick time for workers," by AP's Josh Funk "North Carolina blackouts caused by shootings could last days," by AP's Hannah Schoenbaum in Carthage, N.C. MEDIAWATCH META NARRATIVE — "Facebook threatens to ban news in the U.S. over journalism bill," by The Verge's Emma Roth: "Introduced last year with bipartisan support, the JCPA would allow publishers to negotiate with platforms like Facebook and Google over the distribution of their content. It's supposed to give news publishers leverage against Big Tech and could require Facebook to pay for including news on its platform, something that Facebook has fiercely fought in the past in other countries." Read Meta's full statement "'GMA3' anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes taken off the air following report of romantic relationship," by CNN's Oliver Darcy
| | | | JOIN WEDNESDAY FOR A POLITICO DISCUSSION ON THE NEW TRAVEL EXPERIENCE : Americans are now traveling in record numbers — but the travel experience has changed drastically in recent years, not always for the better. What lessons can we learn from the pandemic and different responses around the globe? And in the face of a possible recession, what will help the travel industry remain vibrant and deliver jobs? Join POLITICO on Dec. 7 for "The Travel Experience Redefined" to discuss these questions and more. Breakfast and coffee will be provided. REGISTER HERE . | | | | | | | PLAYBOOKERS | | OUT AND ABOUT — SPOTTED at a party commemorating the 75th anniversary of NBC's "Meet the Press" with more than 300 journalists, bipartisan lawmakers, Washingtonians, and administration officials at the Renwick Gallery on Monday night: Anthony Fauci, Anita Dunn, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Gina Ortiz Jones, Mitch Landrieu, Neera Tanden, Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Blake Moore (R-Utah), Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), Marc Short, Cesar Conde, Noah Oppenheim, Rashida Jones, KC Sullivan, Carrie Budoff Brown, David Gelles, Tom Reid, Jennifer Khoury, Chuck Todd, Lester Holt, Andrea Mitchell, Jen Psaki, Kristen Welker, Symone Sanders, Hallie Jackson, Barbara Cochran, Betsy Fischer Martin, Luke Russert, Maureen Orth, Sena Fitzmaurice, Peter Baker, Ashley Parker, Ruth Marcus, Mark Leibovich, Anna Palmer, Jake Sherman, Amna Nawaz and Susan Page. Pic — SPOTTED at an event for Tammy Sun and Carrot Fertility at The Jefferson organized by Adrienne Elrod and FGS Global on Monday: Tammy Haddad, Heather Podesta, Jen Psaki, Jamie Radice, Rachel Pearson, Jackie Alemany, Kylie Atwood, Ali Vitali, Katie Benner, Ali Rubin, Liz Allen, Stewart Jones, Erika Gudmundson, Joel Johnson, Rufus Gifford, Nick Schmit, Rachel Levitan, Talley Sergent, Steph Berhane, Cat Rakowski and Kimball Stroud. FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — Everytown for Gun Safety and its grassroots networks Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action are launching the Everytown Implementation Center, a "first-of-its-kind effort to provide comprehensive support and guidance to state and local leaders on the effective implementation of lifesaving gun laws," according to a release . The launch is backed by an initial $2 million investment, and the early focus will center on red-flag laws. — Sarah Kendrick is now senior adviser for digital for VP Kamala Harris. Kendrick, a Bully Pulpit Interactive alum, most recently was a freelance comms and creative strategist and oversaw creative for Priorities USA's 2020 advertising campaigns. — Dan Ziegler is joining Williams & Jensen as a principal. He previously was the staff director for the Republican Study Committee and is a Heritage Action and Heritage Foundation alum. — Lindsey Williams Drath is now managing director for engagement at The Forward Party. She previously was SVP of investor relations at Unite America. MEDIA MOVES — Jonathan Reid is now politics editor at Morning Consult. He previously was senior content editor at Bloomberg Law. STAFFING UP — Republican Study Committee Chair-Elect Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) has added Jay Fields as executive director, Joe Barry as policy director and Miranda Dabney as comms director. Fields most recently was policy director for current RSC chairman Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.). Barry most recently was legislative director for Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.). Dabney most recently was comms director in Hern's personal office. TRANSITIONS — Megan Garcia is now chief of staff for Rep.-elect Becca Balint (D-Vt.). She most recently was deputy chief of staff and legislative director for Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.). … Matt Orr is now chief of staff for Rep.-elect Russell Fry (R-S.C.). He previously was senior adviser to Fry's campaign and VP of public affairs for First Tuesday Strategies. … … Charlotte Kaye is now a health policy adviser to Sen. Mike Crapo's (R-Idaho) Finance Committee team. She previously was on Sen. Richard Burr's (R-N.C.) HELP Committee team, and is a David Perdue alum. … Bret Manley is now EVP at Elevate Government Affairs. He most recently was chief of staff for Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.). HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood … Washington Examiner's Hugo Gurdon … Julian Zelizer (53), celebrating with friends at a piano bar in NYC … Dave Lugar … Brian Mosteller … POLITICO's Maggie Gall and Jamie Dettmer … Glenn Rushing … Maria Stainer … Nickie Titus … Michael Beresik of Sen. Mark Warner's (D-Va.) office … Rachel Skaar of Sen. Michael Bennet's (D-Colo.) office … Justin Melvin of Rep. David Kustoff's (R-Tenn.) office (36) … Julie Katzman … Robert S. Rivkin … Larry Rosenthal of Spirit Rock Consulting (6-0) … former Sen. Don Nickles (R-Okla.) … former Rep. Mia Love (R-Utah) … Matt Chilliak … Robert Cresanti … SEC's Angelica Annino … Bill Greene … Francis Brennan … Kimberlin Love … Evelyn Farkas … South Carolina Dem Chair Trav Robertson … Nancy Brinker… Jerad Reimers … Sharon Eliza Nichols of Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton's (D-D.C.) office … Joe Florio … Amy Call Well … Jeff Parcher Did someone forward this email to you? Sign up here. Send Playbookers tips to playbook@politico.com or text us at 202-556-3307. Playbook couldn't happen without our editor Mike DeBonis, deputy editor Zack Stanton and producers Setota Hailemariam and Bethany Irvine.
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