To view past editions of The Hill's 12:30 Report, click here: http://bit.ly/1M1mIfw

To receive The Hill's 12:30 Report in your inbox, please sign up here: http://bit.ly/1Tt4hqN

--> 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: Trump, Graham clash over Iran policy | Trump to 'substantially' increase Iran sanctions | Trump taps fourth national security adviser | Dems, Lewandowski tangle at hearing | Dem senators hope Biden wins over rivals | New Iowa poll shows Biden, Warren in virtual tie | 'Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza' at Pizza Hut | Disney bedtime hotline | National Cheeseburger Day

NEWS THIS MORNING

Robert O'Brien, will you accept this rose?:

President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE announced that he will name Robert O'Brien as his next national security adviser, replacing John Bolton John BoltonJudge appears skeptical of Bolton's defense of publishing book without White House approval Maximum pressure is keeping US troops in Iraq and Syria Woodward book trails Bolton, Mary Trump in first-week sales MORE, whom Trump fired last week over policy differences. http://bit.ly/30x5sOl

What to know about Robert O'Brien: O'Brien has been Trump's special envoy for hostage affairs. "O'Brien had been perhaps best known for his efforts to win the release of American rapper A$AP Rocky, who was held in a Swedish jail after being arrested for his involvement in a Stockholm brawl. Before that, O'Brien has worked in other State Department roles including as a member of Bolton's team during the administration of President George W. Bush." https://n.pr/30tGO0R

ADVERTISEMENT

Keep in mind about the job: O'Brien will be Trump's fourth (!) national security adviser.

Trump tweeted: "I am pleased to announce that I will name Robert C. O'Brien, currently serving as the very successful Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the State Department, as our new National Security Advisor. I have worked long & hard with Robert. He will do a great job!" http://bit.ly/2mo2Bc0

This is important context from a CNN White House reporter:

Trump liked that Robert O'Brien was effusive in his praise. Speaking to reporters on AF1 yesterday, Trump said: "Robert O'Brien said, 'Trump is the greatest hostage negotiator in history.' He happens to be right." He named him national security adviser a day later. — Kevin Liptak (@Kevinliptakcnn) September 18, 2019

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.

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

IN THE WHITE HOUSE

Sanctions, comin' your way!:

This morning, President Trump announced that he instructed Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin Steven Terner MnuchinThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election 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 Vulnerable Democrats tell Pelosi COVID-19 compromise 'essential' MORE to increase economic sanctions on Iran following the attacks on two Saudi oil sites last weekend. http://bit.ly/30scaFh

Trump tweeted: "I have just instructed the Secretary of the Treasury to substantially increase Sanctions on the country of Iran!" http://bit.ly/30scaFh

TRUMP AND HIS BUDDY, Lindsey Graham Lindsey Olin GrahamLincoln Project mocks Lindsey Graham's fundraising lag with Sarah McLachlan-themed video The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election Trump dumbfounds GOP with latest unforced error MORE, DON'T AGREE:

Following a briefing from Vice President Pence on the oil site attacks, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) criticized the administration's response. "The measured response by President Trump regarding the shooting down of an American drone was clearly seen by the Iranian regime as a sign of weakness," Graham said, calling for Trump to take decisive action. http://bit.ly/2IclIh3

^ President Trump tweeted back: "No Lindsey, it was a sign of strength that some people just don't understand!" http://bit.ly/2Idb4a2

And Graham then warned Trump about the new Iran sanctions: Graham told reporters this morning: "The maximum pressure campaign has worked in the sense it's crippled the regime's economy, it's made life difficult for the regime, but it has not changed their behavior ... The only conclusion I think you can reach is that the Iranians, while having been hurt by the maximum pressure campaign, have not been deterred in terms of their provocative behavior. And it's going to take something, I think, beyond sanctions to achieve that deterrence." http://bit.ly/2I9sZy7

Op-ed: http://bit.ly/30xarP3

TIDBIT -- THIS IS A COOL PHOTO:

Here's a photo of the Los Angeles Police Department getting ready for President Trump's motorcade today: http://bit.ly/2Ie2APR

Just now -- Trump revoked California's tailpipe emissions waiver:

Via The Hill's Miranda Green, "President Trump announced on Wednesday that his administration will be removing California's tailpipe emissions waiver under the Clean Air Act.." http://bit.ly/30nzGDa

Trump tweeted: "The Trump Administration is revoking California's Federal Waiver on emissions in order to produce far less expensive cars for the consumer, while at the same time making the cars substantially SAFER."



Timing: Trump made the announcement on Twitter while visiting California for private fundraisers and a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border.

What to expect: This decision will likely face fierce court challenges.

IN CONGRESS

It ... will always ... be ... 2016

*insert haunted mansion laugh*:

President Trump's former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski Corey R. LewandowskiTrump faces tricky choice on Supreme Court pick How Trump can win reelection: Focus on Democrats, not himself Trump Jr. distances from Bannon group, says he attended 'single' event MORE testified on Capitol Hill yesterday and it quickly devolved into chaos as he tangled with House Democrats. http://bit.ly/30y0JvO

Why: Lewandowski wouldn't answer any questions about his meetings with President Trump that were mentioned in former 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 report.

OH WHAT FUNNY TIMING!:

In an appearance on Fox News this morning, Corey Lewandowski said he is "very, very close" to announcing his decision on whether to run for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire. How Lewandowski is leaning: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ http://bit.ly/30sywWQ

Also in 'Oh, what funny timing!': Lewandowski launched a new campaign-style website yesterday and tweeted about it during his chaotic hearing. http://bit.ly/2IeHTmV

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

This is what 'We're not picking sides, we love everyone equally!' actually means:

Via The Hill's Alexander Bolton, most Democratic senators are staying neutral in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination because they have six colleagues competing. http://bit.ly/2I9bDl6

Yes, but: "A number of Democrats privately acknowledge that if [Sens. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenOvernight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon's use of COVID-19 funds On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump's 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package Warren, Khanna request IG investigation into Pentagon's use of coronavirus funds MORE (D-Mass.) or Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersSirota reacts to report of harassment, doxing by Harris supporters Republicans not immune to the malady that hobbled Democrats The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election MORE (I-Vt.)] wins the nomination, it will create immediate tension within the party."

Why that would be the case: "If Warren or Sanders wins the party's presidential nomination, there will be pressure in the Senate to adopt their proposals. And there could be tensions between a nominee and senators who do not back their proposals."

NEW POLL -- BIDEN AND WARREN TIED IN IOWA:

A new poll conducted for Focus on Rural America shows former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenFormer Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick Bloomberg rolls out M ad buy to boost Biden in Florida MORE and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in a virtual tie.

The numbers: 25 percent support Biden, 23 percent support Warren, 12 percent support South Bend, Ind., Mayor 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 (D), 9 percent for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), 8 percent support Sen. 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 (D-Minn.) and 5 percent for Sen. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisTexas Democratic official urges Biden to visit state: 'I thought he had his own plane' The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden on Trump: 'He'll leave' l GOP laywers brush off Trump's election remarks l Obama's endorsements A game theorist's advice to President Trump on filling the Supreme Court seat MORE (D-Calif.). Details: http://bit.ly/30onodD

HOW TRUMP IS FACING A DIFFICULT BALANCING ACT IN HIS REELECTION CAMPAIGN:

http://bit.ly/30sxRoH

NOTABLE TWEETS

Brutal:

Just another Wednesday:

Typical day on Capitol Hill... pic.twitter.com/LZURnO1Mor — Natalie Fertig (@natsfert) September 18, 2019

Watch: http://bit.ly/30tL6W7

ON TAP

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

11 a.m. EDT: Three roll call votes in the Senate. The Senate's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2IcNjPv

11:50 a.m. EDT: President Trump spoke to a joint fundraising committee breakfast in Los Angeles.

1:15 -- 2:15 p.m. EDT: The House votes. The House's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2Ieo2UO

2 p.m. EDT: Vice President Pence meets with the prime minister of Moldova.

3:10 p.m. EDT: President Trump participates in a roundtable with supporters in San Diego.

3:45 p.m. EDT: President Trump speaks at a joint fundraising committee luncheon in San Diego.

5:35 p.m. EDT: President Trump visits the border wall in Otay Mesa, Calif.

12:20 a.m. EDT Thursday: President Trump gets back to the White House.

Sept. 26: The Hill is hosting "The Future of Mobility Summit" in Washington, D.C. Details and how to RSVP: http://bit.ly/2ZXafvW

WHAT TO WATCH

2:30 p.m. EDT: Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell holds a press conference. Livestream: https://cs.pn/30qtwCc

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Cheeseburger Day.

For all of the little ones in your lives:

Disney fans can call the "Disney Bedtime Hotline" for a special message from a character. When: Now through Sept. 30. The number: 1-877-7-MICKEY. Details: http://bit.ly/30pr8eT

I'm sorry, did you say 'Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza'?!:

Pizza Hut and Cheez-It have teamed up to create the "Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza." "Each pizza has four jumbo squares stuffed with your choice of either cheese or pepperoni and cheese. Customers will also receive a side of marinara dipping sauce." You MUST see the photo: http://bit.ly/2IcJ1ro

And because this made me laugh, check out this surveillance footage of two dogs left alone at home: http://bit.ly/2Icj1vU