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--> A midday take on what's happening in politics and how to have a sense of humor about it.*

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The Hill's 12:30 Report: Hunter Biden regrets opening father to attacks | Trump knocks him over 'really bad' interview | What to know for tonight's Democratic debate | Five things to watch | Top State official testifies | How Trump's impeachment firewall is holding up | Bolton called Giuliani a 'hand grenade' | Giuliani got $500K for work for indicted associate's firm | Disney+ touts streaming lineup

LATEST WITH THE IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY

Next up in the tank:

George Kent, a top State Department official, is testifying on Capitol Hill today in the inquiry about 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's dealings with Ukraine. http://bit.ly/35Derkw

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What to know about Kent: "George Kent, the deputy assistant secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, oversees administrative policy in a bloc of Eastern European countries, including Ukraine, which has emerged as the focal point of the growing investigation."

Video of Kent arriving: http://bit.ly/33wngL7

And here is George Kent walking down another hallway with his entourage: http://bit.ly/33yXQfS

Photo of Republicans walking to the hearing: http://bit.ly/2ITF6Qr

HOW TRUMP'S REPUBLICAN FIREWALL IN THE SENATE IS HOLDING STRONG:

http://bit.ly/2OQSQPC

It's Tuesday. 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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LATEST WITH THE UKRAINE CONTROVERSY

Hunter Biden speaks (!):

Hunter Biden, the son of presidential candidate 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, gave a rare interview this morning on ABC News. http://bit.ly/33q4mWm

THE HIGHLIGHTS:

Hunter Biden on what he regrets -- hurting his dad: "I gave a hook to some very unethical people to act in illegal ways to try to do some harm to my father. That's where I made the mistake. So I take full responsibility for that. Did I do anything improper? No, not in any way. Not in any way whatsoever."

He slammed President Trump and Rudy Giuliani Rudy GiulianiThe Hill's Campaign Report: GOP set to ask SCOTUS to limit mail-in voting CIA found Putin 'probably directing' campaign against Biden: report Democrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate MORE: "What I regret is not taking into account that there would be a Rudy Giuliani and a president of the United States that would be listening to this ridiculous conspiracy idea."

On his relationship with his dad: "My dad doesn't have to defend me. My dad only has to love me and my dad loves me unequivocally." http://bit.ly/2ozJwoP

On serving on the board of a Ukrainian gas company: Watch Hunter Biden's full explanation. http://bit.ly/2ITBYUB

LATE THIS MORNING -- PRESIDENT TRUMP REACTED TO HUNTER BIDEN'S INTERVIEW:

The president tweeted, "Hunter Biden was really bad on @GMA. Now Sleepy Joe has real problems! Reminds me of Crooked Hillary and her 33,000 deleted Emails, not recoverable!" So name nicknames in that one. http://bit.ly/33AnGAh

THROWBACK ON THE BIDENS:

Via C-SPAN's Howard Mortman, here's video of former Vice President Joe Biden introducing his children and grandchildren during a town hall in 2008. Watch: http://bit.ly/31ibXEI

Today in 'if this were a TV plotline, you'd think it was unrealistic':

President Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani said he was paid $500,000 for his work at Fraud Guarantee, the company co-founded by an associate who was recently arrested on campaign charges. http://bit.ly/2VJHqP3

New report -- 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 had thoughts about it all:

Via The New York Times's Peter Baker and Nicholas Fandos, "The effort to pressure Ukraine for political help provoked a heated confrontation inside the White House last summer that so alarmed John R. Bolton, then the national security adviser, that he told an aide to alert White House lawyers, House investigators were told on Monday."

What Bolton reportedly said about Rudy Giuliani: "'Giuliani's a hand grenade who's going to blow everybody up,' [Fiona Hill] quoted Mr. Bolton as saying during an earlier conversation."

Read the full report: https://nyti.ms/2VNvqvZ

NEW DETAIL ON FIONA HILL'S TESTIMONY:

Via NBC's Josh Lederman, Geoff Bennett and Phil Helsel, "The White House tried to limit what Fiona Hill, who until August served as President Donald Trump's top Russia analyst, could say to Congress in its impeachment inquiry, correspondence between her lawyers and a White House deputy counsel shows." https://nbcnews.to/2OMnxFL

HAPPENING TONIGHT

Throwdown, part four:

Twelve Democratic presidential candidates are debating tonight in Ohio.

WHO IS DEBATING:

In order of where they will stand on stage:

Rep. 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 (D-Hawaii)

Billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer Tom SteyerTV ads favored Biden 2-1 in past month Inslee calls Biden climate plan 'perfect for the moment' OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Trump administration finalizes plan to open up Alaska wildlife refuge to drilling | California finalizes fuel efficiency deal with five automakers, undercutting Trump | Democrats use vulnerable GOP senators to get rare win on environment MORE

Sen. Cory Booker Cory Anthony BookerThe movement to reform animal agriculture has reached a tipping point Watchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing MORE (D-N.J.)

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.)

Sen. 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.)

Former Vice President Joe Biden

Sen. 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.)

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)

Tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang Andrew YangBiden's latest small business outreach is just ... awful Doctor 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 MORE

Former Rep. 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 (D-Texas)

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.)

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro

LOGISTICS:

When: 8–11 p.m. EDT tonight

Where: Westerville, Ohio

Who is hosting: CNN and The New York Times

Who didn't make the cut: Sen. 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 (D-Colo.), Montana Gov. Steve Bullock Steve BullockCourt removes Pendley from role as public lands chief On The Trail: Making sense of this week's polling tsunami McConnell locks down key GOP votes in Supreme Court fight MORE (D), former Rep. 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 (D-Md.), 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 (D), Rep. 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 (D-Ohio), former Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pa.) and best-selling author 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.

How to watch: On CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español. It will also livestream on CNN.com and NYTimes.com.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH:

Will rivals go after Warren? Can Bernie reassure voters after his heart attack? How do Democrats handle Trump's attacks on Biden? Do Democrats give more momentum to impeachment push? Twelve candidates are on stage. Will some of them come back?

Context and details for each: http://bit.ly/2oIQqYN

IN OTHER NEWS

Congress is back and not happy about the Syria situation:

Via The Hill's Jordain Carney and Rebecca Kheel, "Democrats in Congress are vowing to quickly slap new sanctions on Ankara and formally oppose President Trump's decision to pull U.S. troops from northern Syria following Turkey's military offensive against Kurdish forces loyal to the United States." http://bit.ly/2IQANWc

What to expect in the Senate: "[Sen. 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 (R-S.C.)] and Sen. Chris Van Hollen Christopher (Chris) Van HollenCongress must finish work on popular conservation bill before time runs out Democrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate Mid-Atlantic states sue EPA over Chesapeake Bay pollution MORE (D-Md.) are expected to introduce a sanctions bill this week that would target Turkey's military and energy sector. It would also restrict any assets Turkish leadership, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have within U.S. jurisdiction and limit their ability to travel to the United States."

What to expect in the House: "Meanwhile, at least two groups of lawmakers -- one led by Rep. Liz Cheney Elizabeth (Liz) Lynn CheneyGOP lawmakers distance themselves from Trump comments on transfer of power Graham vows GOP will accept election results after Trump comments Liz Cheney promises peaceful transfer of power: 'Fundamental to the survival of our Republic' MORE (R-Wyo.) and another by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel Eliot Lance EngelHouse panel halts contempt proceedings against Pompeo after documents turned over Engel subpoenas US global media chief Michael Pack The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Pence lauds Harris as 'experienced debater'; Trump, Biden diverge over debate prep MORE (D-N.Y.) and the committee's top Republican, Rep. Michael McCaul Michael Thomas McCaulHouse passes legislation to crack down on business with companies that utilize China's forced labor House Republicans blame Chinese cover-up for coronavirus pandemic Engel subpoenas US global media chief Michael Pack MORE (Texas) -- are preparing their own sanctions legislation."

Oh and: "In addition to sanctions legislation, lawmakers are working on a joint resolution that would oppose Trump's strategy, urge Turkey to stop its military operations, and support military and humanitarian efforts for the Kurds."

NOTABLE TWEETS

Always a good decision:

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez Thomas Edward 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 had ice cream yesterday at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.



Not again!!!:

Which team are you on? https://t.co/phMNyJRJ7E — ABC News (@ABC) October 14, 2019

Here is Lizzo's tweet about the shoes: http://bit.ly/2MMDQjn

ON TAP

The House and Senate return from recess today. President Trump and Vice President Pence are both in Washington, D.C.

11 a.m. EDT: Vice President Pence met with the prime minister of Egypt.

11:45 a.m. EDT: President Trump received an intelligence briefing.

12:30 p.m. EDT: President Trump has lunch with Vice President Pence.

2 p.m. EDT: The House meets. The House's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2ozF6OM

3 p.m. EDT: The Senate meets. The Senate's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2oIEDcZn

3:10 p.m. EDT: President Trump meets with the 2019 Stanley Cup champions, the St. Louis Blues. Vice President Pence also attends.

5:30 p.m. EDT: The Senate holds a vote on a nomination.

6:30 p.m. EDT: Postponed votes in the House.

28 years ago today: The Senate confirmed Justice Clarence Thomas Clarence ThomasSCOTUS confirmation in the last month of a close election? Ugly GOP senator attacks Biden: 'I'm not sure what he recalls' Abortion, gun rights, ObamaCare at stake with Supreme Court pick MORE as a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Op-ed: http://bit.ly/2BbFOUL

WHAT TO WATCH

8­­–11 p.m. EDT: The next Democratic presidential primary debate. Details: http://bit.ly/2IQbXFX

Wednesday night: Fox News's Tucker Carlson Tucker CarlsonJudge tosses Karen McDougal's defamation suit against Tucker Carlson OVERNIGHT ENERGY: House passes sweeping clean energy bill | Pebble Mine CEO resigns over secretly recorded comments about government officials | Corporations roll out climate goals amid growing pressure to deliver Former Florida attorney general calls Kyle Rittenhouse 'a little boy out there trying to protect his community' MORE will interview Megyn Kelly, who left the network in 2017. Details and what to expect: http://bit.ly/2MisfJO

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Cheese Curd Day.

What a list:

Disney Plus has released a list of hundreds of movies and TV shows that will be on its new video streaming service. Here are the highlights: http://bit.ly/2ITb535

And because you made it this far, here's a cat who has seen some things: https://thedo.do/2q8ZZ3s