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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 MAPRx — Breaking: DNC debate lineups | Biden, Sanders, Harris to share stage | Warren to appear other night | Trump does damage control on election interference remarks | GOP in tough spot | Dems skeptical of polls showing Biden landslide | Trump says he won’t fire Conway despite Hatch Act | Why Centrist Dems are wary of $15 minimum wage | New outdoor DC food market | National Strawberry Shortcake Day

TALK OF THE MORNING

When you’ve dug yourself into a hole...

Just keep digging, digging, digging:

In an attempt to do damage control, President Trump Donald John TrumpSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Pelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Trump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance MORE clarified his comments about not committing to contacting the FBI if a foreign power offered damaging information on a political opponent. http://bit.ly/2MK1uQy

Trump’s latest comments — he was asked what he would do if he were given that information: “If I was, and of course you have to look at it because if you don’t look at it you’re not going to know if it’s bad. How are you going to know if it’s bad? But, of course, you give it to the FBI or report it to the attorney general or somebody like that. But of course you do that, you couldn’t have that happen with our country and everybody understands that.” https://washex.am/2KjmjR0

WHY THIS PUTS TRUMP IN A TOUGH SPOT WITH REPUBLICANS:

“Republicans were left shaking their heads Thursday over what many of them saw as a sloppy gaffe by the president, who didn’t appear to understand that what he was suggesting was against the law. Several GOP lawmakers quickly denounced Trump’s comments, hoping to bury them and allow the controversy to blow over as soon as possible.” https://washex.am/2KjmjR0

Including Sen. Lindsey Graham Lindsey Olin GrahamSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Hillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Key Democrat opposes GOP Section 230 subpoena for Facebook, Twitter, Google MORE (R-S.C.), a frequent defender of the president: Graham said he had to explain to Trump over the phone that accepting campaign help from a foreign country is a violation of the law.

In Graham’s words: “What the president is saying is, ‘I didn’t say I’d take it.’ I said, ‘Well, Mr. President, here’s what the law is.’ You’ll have a conversation with somebody that’s pulling for you or wants to help you, you can say, ‘No you can’t, you’re not an American citizen.’ ... If somebody is trying to give you documents from a foreign government, you can’t take them.” https://washex.am/2KjmjR0

MORE REACTIONS:

From former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Hillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Fox News poll: Biden ahead of Trump in Nevada, Pennsylvania and Ohio MORE: "President Trump is once again welcoming foreign interference in our elections. This isn’t about politics. It is a threat to our national security. An American President should not seek their aid and abet those who seek to undermine democracy.” http://bit.ly/2MNtaEi

From Sen. Mitt Romney Willard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyTrump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance GOP lawmakers distance themselves from Trump comments on transfer of power McConnell pushes back on Trump: 'There will be an orderly transition' MORE (R-Utah): Romney said it would “be wrong and unthinkable that any candidate for president would accept such information” that might influence an election from foreign sources. http://bit.ly/2ZjcDt8

It’s Friday! Today is President Trump’s 73rd birthday. Happy Birthday, Mr. President! 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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BREAKING

The lineup for the first DNC debate:

Yesterday, the Democratic National Committee announced the 20 presidential candidates who have qualified for the first primary debate. NBC just did a random selection to split the top tier candidates int two nights. https://cnn.it/2ZvR74x

Night one: Cory Booker Cory Anthony Booker3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Bipartisan praise pours in after Ginsburg's death DHS opens probe into allegations at Georgia ICE facility MORE, Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenHillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns On The Money: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline Democratic senators ask inspector general to investigate IRS use of location tracking service MORE, Beto O’Rourke, Amy Klobuchar Amy Klobuchar3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Social media platforms put muscle into National Voter Registration Day Battle lines drawn on precedent in Supreme Court fight MORE, John Delaney John DelaneyCoronavirus Report: The Hill's Steve Clemons interviews Rep. Rodney Davis Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer says Trump right on China but wrong on WHO; CDC issues new guidance for large gatherings The Hill's Coronavirus Report: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says country needs to rethink what 'policing' means; US cases surpass 2 million with no end to pandemic in sight MORE, Tulsi Gabbard Tulsi GabbardRepublicans call on DOJ to investigate Netflix over 'Cuties' film Hispanic Caucus campaign arm endorses slate of non-Hispanic candidates Gabbard says she 'was not invited to participate in any way' in Democratic convention MORE, Julian Castro Julian CastroSanders says Democrats should have given more speaking time to progressives Castro says DNC should have put more Latino speakers on stage from beginning Jill Biden defends husband's cognitive ability from Trump attacks: 'It's ridiculous' MORE, Tim Ryan Timothy (Tim) RyanNow's the time to make 'Social Emotional Learning' a national priority Mourners gather outside Supreme Court after passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Lincoln Project hits Trump for criticizing Goodyear, 'an American company' MORE, Bill de Blasio Bill de BlasioOVERNIGHT ENERGY: California seeks to sell only electric cars by 2035 | EPA threatens to close New York City office after Trump threats to 'anarchist' cities | House energy package sparks criticism from left and right EPA threatens to close New York City office after Trump threats to 'anarchist' cities New Year's Eve in Times Square to be largely virtual amid pandemic MORE and Jay Inslee Jay Robert InsleeBarr asked prosecutors to explore charging Seattle mayor over protest zone: report Bottom line Oregon senator says Trump's blame on 'forest management' for wildfires is 'just a big and devastating lie' MORE. http://bit.ly/2IePhz3

Night two: Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power Bernie Sanders: 'This is an election between Donald Trump and democracy' The Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump stokes fears over November election outcome MORE, Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisHundreds of lawyers from nation's oldest African American sorority join effort to fight voter suppression Biden picks up endorsement from progressive climate group 350 Action 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing MORE, Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegBillionaire who donated to Trump in 2016 donates to Biden The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - GOP closes ranks to fill SCOTUS vacancy by November Buttigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice MORE, Michael Bennet Michael Farrand BennetOVERNIGHT ENERGY: House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week | EPA reappoints controversial leader to air quality advisory committee | Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' Senate Democrats demand White House fire controversial head of public lands agency Next crisis, keep people working and give them raises MORE, Marianne Williamson Marianne WilliamsonMarianne Williamson discusses speaking at People's Party Convention Fewer people watched opening night of Democratic convention compared to 2016 Marianne Williamson: Democratic convention 'like binge watching a Marriott commercial' MORE, Eric Swalwell Eric Michael SwalwellSwalwell calls for creation of presidential crimes commission to investigate Trump when he leaves office 'This already exists': Democrats seize on potential Trump executive order on preexisting conditions Swalwell: Barr has taken Michael Cohen's job as Trump's fixer MORE, Kirsten Gillibrand Kirsten GillibrandSunday shows preview: Justice Ginsburg dies, sparking partisan battle over vacancy before election Suburban moms are going to decide the 2020 election Jon Stewart urges Congress to help veterans exposed to burn pits MORE, Andrew Yang Andrew YangDoctor who allegedly assaulted Evelyn Yang arrested on federal charges The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden weighs in on police shootings | Who's moderating the debates | Trump trails in post-convention polls Buttigieg launches his own podcast MORE and John Hickenlooper John HickenlooperThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' Cook Political Report shifts Colorado Senate race toward Democrat Willie Nelson playing at virtual fundraiser for Hickenlooper MORE. http://bit.ly/2IePhz3

The candidates who did not qualify: Montana Gov. Steve Bullock Steve BullockMcConnell locks down key GOP votes in Supreme Court fight Senate Democrats demand White House fire controversial head of public lands agency Pence seeks to boost Daines in critical Montana Senate race MORE, Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton Seth MoultonOvernight Defense: Nearly 500 former national security officials formally back Biden | 40 groups call on House panel to investigate Pentagon's use of coronavirus funds The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Markey defeats Kennedy; Trump lauds America's enforcers in Wisconsin Moulton fends off primary challenges in Massachusetts MORE and Miramar, Fla. Mayor Wayne Messam Wayne Martin MessamKey moments in the 2020 Democratic presidential race so far Wayne Messam suspends Democratic presidential campaign 2020 primary debate guide: Everything you need to know ahead of the November forum MORE.

IN THE WHITE HOUSE

She stays.:

During an interview on “Fox & Friends” this morning, President Trump said he is not firing White House counselor Kellyanne Conway Kellyanne Elizabeth ConwaySpecial counsel investigating DeVos for potential Hatch Act violation: report George and Kellyanne Conway honor Ginsburg Trump carries on with rally, unaware of Ginsburg's death MORE for violating the Hatch Act. http://bit.ly/2Zns3wj

In Trump’s words: “No, I’m not going to fire her. I think she’s a terrific person.”

Trump also said: “It looks to me they’re trying to take away her right from free speech and that’s just not fair.”

BACK STORY:

Yesterday, the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) submitted a 17-page report to the White House with findings that Kellyanne Conway repeatedly violated the Hatch Act. http://bit.ly/2IdOCxJ

What is the Hatch Act?: It bans federal employees from using their official role to help or hurt political campaigns.

How she violated the Hatch Act: By “disparaging Democratic presidential candidates while speaking in her official capacity” in more than half a dozen television interviews and tweets, according to the report.

How the White House is defending Conway: The White House argues that the OSC applied the law too broadly and that her actions are within her First Amendment rights.

IN CONGRESS

$15 may not be the magic number everywhere:

Via The Hill’s Cristina Marcos and Niv Elis, as House Democrats move forward with a bill to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $15 an hour, 29 Democrats — mostly centrist — have concerns about the measure. http://bit.ly/2RgnuRI

Their concerns: The major boost in a short period of time could have negative effects in rural areas.

For example — from Rep. Dean Phillips Dean PhillipsVulnerable Democrats tell Pelosi COVID-19 compromise 'essential' Shakespeare Theatre Company goes virtual for 'Will on the Hill...or Won't They?' US Chamber of Commerce set to endorse 23 House freshman Democrats MORE (D-Minn.): “I am concerned about the fact that $15 is an arbitrary number that means a lot more in certain parts of the country than it does another. I believe there are better mechanisms by which we can ensure that by providing incentives to enterprises who take better care of people.”

Timing of the bill: House Democrats are hoping to bring the bill to the floor in July and say they are close to the 218 votes needed.

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Whoa, Republicans and Democrats agree on something

Did we not learn anything about the polls in 2016?!:

Via The Hill’s Jonathan Easley, “Democrats and Republicans alike are skeptical of early polls predicting a landslide victory for Democrat Joe Biden over President Trump on Election Day 2020.” http://bit.ly/2F6xojR

Both sides have come to the same conclusion: “Both sides think a close race in 2020 is likely and that surveys showing Biden and other Democrats with huge leads aren’t likely to reflect Election Day’s reality.”

From a Democratic pollster: “Anyone who believes that the Democratic candidate is headed for a landslide victory right now is doomed to repeat the tragic history of 2016. It’s a fundamental mistake for anyone to believe that reality can be projected or predicted based on these polls this far out from the general election.”

Yeah but not all pollsters agree — from another Democratic pollster: “We are beyond the ‘grain of salt’ phase on these polls. These are not just small leads for Biden against Trump. They are substantial and confirmed in key states. While polls may move around they are relevant in that it shows Trump’s weakness in getting reelected. He has lost key support that he had at the end of 2016 and there is no denying that.”

How this could play out: http://bit.ly/2F6xojR

NOTABLE TWEETS

Lol:

ON TAP

The House and Senate are out.

12:30 p.m. EDT: President Trump has lunch with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoPutin nominated for Nobel Peace Prize The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' Pompeo accused of stumping for Trump ahead of election MORE.

1:45 p.m. EDT: President Trump and Vice President Pence meet with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos Elizabeth (Betsy) Dee DeVosSpecial counsel investigating DeVos for potential Hatch Act violation: report NEA president says Azar and DeVos should resign over school reopening guidance The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - You might want to download TikTok now MORE.

Today: The 244th birthday of the U.S. Army. Op-ed: http://bit.ly/2X6ca03

June 25: The Hill is hosting an event at the Newseum to discuss "Cost, Quality and Care: The Medicare Equation." Featured speakers: Reps. Brett Guthrie Steven (Brett) Brett GuthrieIgnore the misinformation: The FDA will ensure the safety of any COVID-19 vaccine House Republicans introduce legislation to give states 0 million for elections Hillicon Valley: Tech giants poised to weather coronavirus damage | Record Facebook-FTC deal approved | Bipartisan 5G bill introduced MORE (R-Ky.) and Doris Matsui Doris Okada MatsuiDemocratic lawmaker calls telehealth expansion the 'silver lining' of pandemic The Hill's 12:30 Report: Delegates stage state-centric videos for the roll call Overnight Health Care: Obama leans into Trump criticism on coronavirus | CDC gives 3-month window for COVID-19 immunity MORE (D-Calif.). Details and how to RSVP: http://bit.ly/2WJsnYC

SPONSORED CONTENT - PRESENTED BY MAPRx

President Trump and Congress have an opportunity to help strengthen the popular Medicare Part D program by placing an affordable cap on the out-of-pocket costs people on Medicare pay for prescriptions. Click for more on capping Part D.

WHAT TO WATCH

3:30 p.m. EDT: President Trump gives a speech on health care for small businesses. Livestream: http://bit.ly/2MLprHe

6:30 p.m. EDT: "NBC Nightly News" interviews former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro for the series "My Big Idea."

Sunday morning: Sound Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D) and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise Stephen (Steve) Joseph ScaliseHouse GOP slated to unveil agenda ahead of election House panel details 'serious' concerns around Florida, Georgia, Texas, Wisconsin elections Scalise hit with ethics complaint over doctored Barkan video MORE (R-La.) will appear on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Strawberry Shortcake Day. And for planning purposes, tomorrow is National Lobster Day!

Filming in D.C. this weekend:

Expect road closures in downtown Washington, D.C., this weekend for the filming of a TV miniseries. Sooo, what’s the show?: The name of the project has not been released yet. Details and a list of road closures: http://bit.ly/2KjPEe8

Opening tomorrow:

Via DCist, “Smorgasburg, an outdoor food market billing itself as the world’s largest, opens in D.C.’s Navy Yard on Saturday, offering a weekly platform to a swath of food entrepreneurs. More than 30 food entrepreneurs have signed on to prepare their meals in booths onsite at the free, family friendly Smorgasburg DC running every Saturday at least through October.” Details and a list of food vendors: http://bit.ly/2IKiDEm