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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: Beto O'Rourke Beto O'RourkeJimmy Carter says his son smoked pot with Willie Nelson on White House roof O'Rourke endorses Kennedy for Senate: 'A champion for the values we're most proud of' 2020 Democrats do convention Zoom call MORE jumps into 2020 race | Trump mocks O'Rourke's 'crazy' hand moves | Trump braces for Senate rebuke | Last-ditch effort to sway GOP senators | Trump threatens veto on emergency resolution | Top Mueller aide leaving post | Speculation grows probe may be winding down | House votes for Mueller report to be public | Dems critical of Omar seek primary challenger | Pi Day pizza and pie deals

TALK OF THE MORNING

You Beto believe it!:

Former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who ran against Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in 2018, has jumped into the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. http://bit.ly/2FbJJnw

Why Beto's unsuccessful Senate bid is important: "While he ultimately lost to Cruz in November, O'Rourke managed to come within less than 3 points of a win in Texas, a state with a reputation as a Republican stronghold. Voters in the Lone Star State haven't elected a Democrat to the Senate in roughly three decades." http://bit.ly/2FbJJnw



Watch Beto's 2020 announcement video: http://bit.ly/2UBG5bG



Photo of Beto's Vanity Fair cover -- what a glamour shot!: Tyra Banks would have nice things to say about this. Photo: http://bit.ly/2HtoRd3

Cable networks are pumped: All three major cable networks aired Beto's campaign event in Iowa. Screenshots: http://bit.ly/2J8Ytrc

Want a quick taste of Beto's campaign style?: Here's a clip from his first campaign event in Iowa. Watch: http://bit.ly/2u79AGL

Something to notice about Beto's speaking style: He uses a lot of hand motions when he speaks. A few examples of his animated speaking style: http://bit.ly/2JqG1L5

REACTION FROM President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE:

President Trump noticed Beto O'Rourke's animated hand movements and questioned whether O'Rourke "is crazy." (Via Reuters' Jeff Mason) http://bit.ly/2HlLH6T

HOW PRIMARY COMPETITOR KAMALA HARRIS IS FUNDRAISING OFF BETO'S ANNOUNCEMENT:

Here's a photo of a fundraising email the California senator's campaign sent out: http://bit.ly/2O1WXGj

THAT WAS FAST -- BETO'S FIRST CONGRESSIONAL ENDORSEMENT:

Rep. Kathleen Rice Kathleen Maura RiceHillicon Valley: Simulated cyberattack success | New bill for election security funding | Amazon could be liable for defective products Lawmakers introduce bill to help election officials address cyber vulnerabilities House lawmakers to launch probe into DHS excluding NY from Trusted Traveler Program MORE (D-N.Y.) almost immediately endorsed Beto O'Rourke. She tweeted: "He's honest, authentic and has the courage of his convictions and a bold vision for our future. Most importantly, he'll build a movement that will rise above the toxic division in our politics and unite this country." http://bit.ly/2W1nJRY

^Context from The Washington Post's Matt Viser: "Perhaps it's true that few may rival Beto's hand movement. But Trump is certainly one who would." http://bit.ly/2TRutEg

KEEP UP!:

Here's a list of 2020 presidential candidates -- and who still may run: https://nyti.ms/2IKvzxA

It's a warm, beautiful Thursday in D.C. -- oh and Happy Pi Day! Keep reading for celebratory deals on pie and pizza. ;) 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 .

Did someone forward this to you? Want your own copy? Sign up here to receive The Hill's 12:30 Report in your inbox daily: http://bit.ly/2kjMNnn

HAPPENING TODAY IN CONGRESS

We've been talking about this vote for so long, I'm running out of material!:

The Republican-controlled Senate is set to pass a resolution rebuking President Trump's national emergency declaration to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. http://bit.ly/2W125wT

Weren't Republicans trying to avoid this vote?: Well yes, but talks within the Republican conference fell apart yesterday.

Which Republican senators are voting with Democrats: GOP Sens. Susan Collins Susan Margaret CollinsSenate GOP aims to confirm Trump court pick by Oct. 29: report The Hill's Campaign Report: GOP set to ask SCOTUS to limit mail-in voting Senate GOP sees early Supreme Court vote as political booster shot MORE (Maine), Lisa Murkowski Lisa Ann MurkowskiSenate GOP aims to confirm Trump court pick by Oct. 29: report Senate GOP sees early Supreme Court vote as political booster shot Pence defends Trump's 'obligation' to nominate new Supreme Court justice MORE (Alaska), Thom Tillis Thomas (Thom) Roland TillisThe Hill's Campaign Report: GOP set to ask SCOTUS to limit mail-in voting OVERNIGHT ENERGY: EPA head questions connection of climate change to natural disasters | Pebble Mine executives eye future expansion in recorded conversations | EPA questions science linking widely used pesticide to brain damage in children Liberal super PAC launches ads targeting vulnerable GOP senators over SCOTUS fight MORE (N.C.) and Rand Paul Randal (Rand) Howard PaulSecond GOP senator to quarantine after exposure to coronavirus GOP senator to quarantine after coronavirus exposure The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by National Industries for the Blind - Trump seeks to flip 'Rage' narrative; Dems block COVID-19 bill MORE (Ky.) had said before today that they would back the resolution.

^^New additions to the motley crew: GOP Sens. Lamar Alexander Andrew (Lamar) Lamar AlexanderGraham: GOP has votes to confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee before the election The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Washington on edge amid SCOTUS vacancy This week: Supreme Court fight over Ginsburg's seat upends Congress's agenda MORE (Tenn.), Mike Lee Michael (Mike) Shumway LeeMcConnell shores up GOP support for coronavirus package McConnell tries to unify GOP Davis: The Hall of Shame for GOP senators who remain silent on Donald Trump MORE (Utah) and Mitt Romney (Utah) have also decided to vote with Democrats. http://bit.ly/2HE7kPx

Which other Republican senators could join this camp: Sens. Marco Rubio Marco Antonio RubioOvernight Defense: Pentagon redirects pandemic funding to defense contractors | US planning for full Afghanistan withdrawal by May | Anti-Trump GOP group puts ads in military papers Democrats step up hardball tactics as Supreme Court fight heats up Press: Notorious RBG vs Notorious GOP MORE (Fla.), Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), Johnny Isakson Johnny IsaksonLoeffler paints herself as 'more conservative than Attila the Hun' in new campaign ad Georgia GOP Senate candidates cite abortion in pushing Ginsburg replacement Loeffler: Trump 'has every right' to fill Ginsburg vacancy before election MORE (Ga.), Ron Johnson Ronald (Ron) Harold Johnson CIA found Putin 'probably directing' campaign against Biden: report This week: Supreme Court fight over Ginsburg's seat upends Congress's agenda GOP set to release controversial Biden report MORE (Wis.), Ben Sasse Benjamin (Ben) Eric SasseGovernment watchdog recommends creation of White House cyber director position Chamber of Commerce endorses McSally for reelection Ben Sasse is mistaken with idea for the election of senators in America MORE (Neb.) and Jerry Moran Gerald (Jerry) MoranLobbying world This World Suicide Prevention Day, let's recommit to protecting the lives of our veterans Hillicon Valley: Zuckerberg acknowledges failure to take down Kenosha military group despite warnings | Election officials push back against concerns over mail-in voting, drop boxes MORE (Kan.) are undecided.

Spoiler alert -- we know what happens next:

President Trump vowed to veto the resolution. http://bit.ly/2O2PXsC

He tweeted: "A big National Emergency vote today by The United States Senate on Border Security & the Wall (which is already under major construction). I am prepared to veto, if necessary. The Southern Border is a National Security and Humanitarian Nightmare, but it can be easily fixed!" http://bit.ly/2HlxqaB

He also defended the legality of the national emergency: "Prominent legal scholars agree that our actions to address the National Emergency at the Southern Border and to protect the American people are both CONSTITUTIONAL and EXPRESSLY authorized by Congress," Trump tweeted. "If, at a later date, Congress wants to update the law, I will support those efforts, but today's issue is BORDER SECURITY and Crime!!! Don't vote with Pelosi!" http://bit.ly/2HknhuE

OTHER NEWS THIS MORNING

A special counsel retiree:

Via NPR's Carrie Johnson, Andrew Weissmann, a top prosecutor in special counsel Robert Mueller Robert (Bob) MuellerCNN's Toobin warns McCabe is in 'perilous condition' with emboldened Trump CNN anchor rips Trump over Stone while evoking Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting The Hill's 12:30 Report: New Hampshire fallout MORE's investigation, is leaving his position. https://n.pr/2T5eBK0

What this may mean: It's leading to speculation that the special counsel investigation is wrapping up.

Weissmann's position: He was a key figure in the case against President Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort Paul John ManafortOur Constitution is under attack by Attorney General William Barr Bannon trial date set in alleged border wall scam Conspicuous by their absence from the Republican Convention MORE.

Where Weissmann is headed: To teach and study at New York University.

SPEAKING OF THE MUELLER INVESTIGATION:

This morning, the House voted for special counsel Robert Mueller's report to be made public. The vote: 420-0, plus four Republicans voted "present." Yeah, but: The resolution is non-binding. Details: http://bit.ly/2XZWp8b

This is the congressional equivalent of 'you can't sit with us':

Via The Hill's Reid Wilson, "Some Minnesota Democrats, aghast at controversial comments made by Rep. Ilhan Omar Ilhan OmarOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Trump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' Democrats scramble on COVID-19 relief amid division, Trump surprise MORE (D), are taking initial steps to recruit a candidate to run against her in next year's primary election, seeking to buck history in one of the nation's most progressive legislative districts."

Tidbit from the Capitol -- cue everyone telling Sen. Murphy, 'you should be flattered!':

"Capitol police are in the basement checking IDs because of Irish lunch ... They just stopped [Sen. Chris Murphy Christopher (Chris) Scott MurphyDemocratic senator calls for 'more flexible' medical supply chain to counter pandemics The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Don't expect a government check anytime soon GOP chairman to release interim report on Biden probe 'in about a week' MORE(D-Conn.)] to ask for his ID. (Young-ish senator problems?)" (Via The Hill's Jordain Carney) http://bit.ly/2T3jP93

NOTABLE TWEETS

OK, fine. We'll give you this one, WMATA:

We are currently single tracking on the Blue/Silver lines as appropriate animal resources respond to an apparently injured bald eagle on the tracks near Morgan Boulevard. Our apologies for delays as we work to get him/her to care. #wmata pic.twitter.com/PpACF06cjv — Metro (@wmata) March 13, 2019

Details on the bald eagle incident: https://wapo.st/2Ck6svM

Oh hello there, McDreamy:

Personal news: I saw Patrick Dempsey today in person pic.twitter.com/mDOUkalzTs — Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) March 13, 2019

Earlier on Wednesday: ABC's Meridith McGraw tweeted that Patrick Dempsey was touring Georgetown University with his daughter. http://bit.ly/2O232CF

ON TAP

The House and Senate are in. President Trump and Vice President Pence are in Washington, D.C.

8:30 a.m. EST: Vice President Pence hosts a St. Patrick's Day breakfast with the prime minister of Ireland.

10–11 a.m. EDT: First and last votes in the House.

10:45 a.m. EDT: President Trump meets with the prime minister of Ireland and holds an expanded bilateral meeting.

Noon: President Trump participates in a friends of Ireland luncheon at the U.S. Capitol.

March: U.S. Military Caregivers Month. Op-ed: http://bit.ly/2Hylz8i

WHAT TO WATCH

This morning: Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Wilbur Louis RossTrump admin asks Supreme Court to fast-track excluding people in U.S. illegally from census Trump 'very happy' to allow TikTok to operate in US if security concerns resolved TikTok, WeChat to be banned Sunday from US app stores MORE testifies on preparation for the 2020 census. Livestream of the hearing: https://cs.pn/2Cj70SL

6 p.m. EDT: President Trump, first lady Melania Trump Melania TrumpMelania Trump: Ginsburg's 'spirit will live on in all she has inspired' The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - You might want to download TikTok now Warning label added to Trump tweet over potential mail-in voting disinformation MORE and Vice President Pence participate in the Shamrock Bowl presentation by the prime minister of Ireland. Livestream: http://bit.ly/2FaYE1b

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Potato Chip Day! It's also National Pi Day.

Nationally: Here's where you can find pizza deals today: http://bit.ly/2CuDnxZ

Locally: Here's where to celebrate Pi Day in Washington, D.C.: http://bit.ly/2Co2zG9

Elsa looks so different without the smokey eye!:

Via BuzzFeed's Loryn Brantz, here is what Disney princesses look like without their makeup: https://bzfd.it/2TzF9s5