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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: Trump hits back: 'I don't have a racist bone in my body' | Urges Republicans not to back Dem resolution criticizing him | Dems head to Tuesday evening vote to condemn 'racist' comments | How Trump's tweet sets the stage for a toxic 2020 | AOC's top aid becomes lightning rod | Second quarter fundraising winners | Five 2020 Dems pull away from the pack | Mark Sanford Mark SanfordOn The Money: Business world braces for blue sweep | Federal Reserve chief to outline plans for inflation, economy | Meadows 'not optimistic' about stalemate on coronavirus deal Trump critic Sanford forms anti-debt advocacy group Republicans officially renominate Trump for president MORE weighs Trump challenge | Pence unveils Neil Armstrong's spacesuit at Smithsonian | Day 2 of Prime Day deals

NEWS OF THE MORNING

'I don't have a racist bone in my body!':

This morning, 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 insisted that his comments toward a group of progressive minority congresswomen were not racist. http://bit.ly/2lK9jsw

Trump tweeted: "Those Tweets were NOT Racist. I don't have a Racist bone in my body! The so-called vote to be taken is a Democrat con game. Republicans should not show 'weakness' and fall into their trap. This should be a vote on the filthy language, statements and lies told by the Democrat Congresswomen, who I truly believe, based on their actions, hate our Country. Get a list of the HORRIBLE things they have said. Omar is polling at 8%, Cortez at 21%. Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' 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 Trump signs largely symbolic pre-existing conditions order amid lawsuit MORE tried to push them away, but now they are forever wedded to the Democrat Party. See you in 2020!" http://bit.ly/2lK8rEg

THIS FIGHT SURE HAS ESCALATED:

This morning, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Alexandria Ocasio-CortezOn 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 McCarthy says there will be a peaceful transition if Biden wins Anxious Democrats amp up pressure for vote on COVID-19 aid MORE (D-N.Y.) slammed President Trump for having "bragged about sexually assaulting women." http://bit.ly/2lLas35

She tweeted: "Hey Mr. President, remember when you bragged about sexually assaulting women, talking about feeling their breasts and genitals, because 'when you're a star they let you do it?' And then you imposed DOE policies to make it harder for sexual assault survivors to report assault?" http://bit.ly/2lLas35

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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TALK OF THE MORNING

Sorry, I can't comment. I have to wash my hair today:

Via The Hill's Alexander Bolton and Jordain Carney, Republicans have been put in an awkward spot after President Trump started a feud with four congresswomen who he told to "go back" to where they came from. http://bit.ly/2lJ5W58

How Republicans are handling the firestorm: "Most are seeking to steer clear of the firestorm, but a few GOP lawmakers came out against Trump's suggestion."

FOR EXAMPLE:

A Republican from Texas: "One of the strongest denunciations came from Rep. Will Hurd William Ballard HurdHillicon Valley: Oracle confirms deal with TikTok to be 'trusted technology provider' | QAnon spreads across globe, shadowing COVID-19 | VA hit by data breach impacting 46,000 veterans House approves bill to secure internet-connected federal devices against cyber threats House Democrats' campaign arm reserves .6M in ads in competitive districts MORE (Texas), the only African American House Republican, whose district has a large number of Hispanic residents. He blasted Trump's tweets as 'racist' and 'xenophobic' in a CNN interview."

Sen. Tim Scott Timothy (Tim) Eugene ScottAuthor Ryan Girdusky: RNC worked best when highlighting 'regular people' as opposed to 'standard Republicans' Now is the time to renew our focus on students and their futures GOP lobbyists pleasantly surprised by Republican convention MORE (S.C.), the only African American Republican in the Senate: Scott called Trump's language "unacceptable" and "racially offensive."

Sen. Susan Collins Susan Margaret CollinsThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power Billionaire who donated to Trump in 2016 donates to Biden Credit union group to spend million on Senate, House races MORE (R-Maine), who is up for reelection: "I disagree strongly with many of the views and comments of some of the far-left members of the House Democratic Caucus ... but the President's tweet that some Members of Congress should go back to the 'places from which they came' was way over the line, and he should take that down."

From Trump's ally 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.): "We don't need to know anything about them personally. Talk about their policies."

^How Trump reacted to Graham's rebuke: "Trump appeared not to take such pushback as much of a rebuke. In a Rose Garden ceremony Monday afternoon, he argued that Graham was in some ways harsher on the minority Democratic lawmakers criticized by the president because Graham called them 'a bunch of communists.'"

Other reactions: http://bit.ly/2lJ5W58

HOW AOC'S CHIEF OF STAFF HAS BECOME A LIGHTNING ROD IN THIS FEUD:

http://bit.ly/2lcyRhE

The takeaway here? Go back to bed and I'll wake you up in 2021:

Via The Hill's Niall Stanage, "The 2020 election will likely be the most toxic in living memory. That's the unavoidable conclusion after President Trump on Monday defended his tweets the previous day in which he urged four non-white congresswomen to 'go back' to where they came from."

What to expect in the 2020 presidential election -- it doesn't look pretty: http://bit.ly/2lJRkm0

HAPPENING TODAY

Making their disagreement official:

The House is voting on a resolution to condemn President Trump's remarks about four progressive congresswomen whom he told to "go back" to other countries as "racist."

From the resolution: The House "believes that immigrants and their descendants have made America stronger, and that those who take the oath of citizenship are every bit as American as those whose families have lived in the United States for many generations" and "is committed to keeping America open to those lawfully seeking refuge and asylum from violence and oppression, and those who are willing to work hard to live the American Dream, no matter their race, ethnicity, faith, or country of origin."

Read the resolution obtained by The Hill: http://bit.ly/2lLvU85

The bill's sponsor: Freshman Rep. Tom Malinowski Thomas (Tom) MalinowskiDCCC reserves new ad buys in competitive districts, adds new members to 'Red to Blue' program The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - First lady casts Trump as fighter for the 'forgotten' Hillicon Valley: Lawmakers introduce resolution condemning QAnon | US Cyber Command leader vows to 'defend forward' in protecting nation from cyberattacks MORE (D-N.J.) was born in Poland.

SOME DEMOCRATS WANTED TO GO A STEP FURTHER -- CENSURE > CONDEMN:

During a closed-door Democratic meeting this morning, Rep. Steve Cohen Stephen (Steve) Ira CohenTennessee Rep. Steve Cohen wins Democratic primary Democrats exit briefing saying they fear elections under foreign threat Texas Democrat proposes legislation requiring masks in federal facilities MORE (D-Tenn.) pushed to censure President Trump for his remarks, a step past condemning the comment. Yeah, but: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) argued that the bill to condemn the remarks may receive some Republican support. Malinowski's resolution is expected to get unanimous support from Democrats later today. http://bit.ly/2lMd3d5

JUST NOW

Trump defends the migrant detention centers:

Speaking to reporters during a Cabinet meeting, President Trump just hit back at Democrats who compared migrant detention centers to “concentration camps.” Trump's full comments: http://bit.ly/2lKOr4q

In Trump’s words: “They’re not concentration camps. They’re really well run.”

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Five candidates are pulling away from the pack:

Democratic presidential hopefuls released their second quarter fundraising totals, giving a glimpse into which candidates are beginning to pull away as front-runners. http://bit.ly/2lJFF6K

The top five candidates: 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, Sens. 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 (I-Vt.), 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 (D-Mass.) and 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 (D-Calif.), and 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.

The top five fundraising totals for Q2:

Buttigieg: $24.9 million

Biden: $21.5 million

Warren: $19.1 million

Sanders: $18 million

Harris: $12 million

Compared to:

Sen. 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 (D-N.J.): $4.5 million

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.): $4 million

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): $3.6 million

Sen. 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 (D-N.Y.): $2.3 million

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.): $2.8 million

Former Colorado Gov. 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 (D): $1.1 million

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 (D): $2 million

Washington Gov. 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 (D): $3 million

Trump may get a new challenger:

Via The Post and Courier's Caitlin Byrd, former South Carolina governor and congressman Mark Sanford is considering running for president in the Republican primary. http://bit.ly/2lKZ0EB

Keep in mind: The only Republican challenging President Trump so far is former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld William (Bill) WeldRalph Gants, chief justice of Massachusetts supreme court, dies at 65 The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden visits Kenosha | Trump's double-voting suggestion draws fire | Facebook clamps down on election ads Biden picks up endorsements from nearly 100 Republicans MORE.

IN CONGRESS

It's grilling day:

Via The Hill's Rebecca Kheel and Ellen Mitchell, "Defense secretary nominee Mark Esper will face senators Tuesday in a confirmation hearing that comes as lawmakers are eager to fill a leadership vacuum at the Pentagon that has languished for months." http://bit.ly/2lJzPCj

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH:

1. How big of a concern is his lobbying?

2. Will he be asked to stand up to Trump?

3. What's the plan for Iran?

4. What will he do to combat military sexual assault?

5. Can he maintain a balancing act on the border?

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

NOTABLE TWEETS

Trending -- this is why we can't have nice things!:

My friend who doesn’t have twitter sent this from her flight. It belongs on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/qG6d54V5Dd — Alafair Burke (@alafairburke) July 15, 2019

Hahahha, this is incredible:

ON TAP

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

11:30 a.m. EDT: President Trump has a Cabinet meeting.

12:30 p.m. EDT: The Senate breaks for weekly caucus luncheons. The Senate's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2lKlbuD

12:45 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.

1:30 p.m. EDT: First votes in the House. The House's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2lJHAIs

3 p.m. EDT: The Senate has two roll call votes.

3:15 p.m. EDT: Vice President Pence meets with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

3:45 p.m. EDT: Vice President Pence meets with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.

4 p.m. EDT: President Trump meets with Republican Congressional leadership. Oh to be a fly on that wall...

7 p.m. EDT: Last votes in the House.

July 20: The 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

July 24: The Hill is hosting the third annual "Latino Leaders Summit." Details and how to RSVP: http://bit.ly/2lKv6jR

WHAT TO WATCH

This morning: The unveiling of Neil Armstrong's spacesuit. Vice President Pence and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine James (Jim) Frederick BridenstineNASA publishes Artemis plan to land first woman, next man on moon NASA is in the market for moon rocks Overnight Defense: Trump hosts Israel, UAE, Bahrain for historic signing l Air Force reveals it secretly built and flew new fighter jet l Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' MORE deliver remarks. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2lcNWjc

2 p.m. EDT: Senate Republican leaders hold a press conference. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2lL36MZ

2:30 p.m. EDT: Senate Democratic leaders hold a press conference. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2lL36MZ

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Corn Fritters Day.

It's still Prime Day!:

Here's a list of the best deals on the last day of Amazon's Prime Day: http://bit.ly/2lKV4Uk

And because this made me laugh, here's an incredible dog voiceover: http://bit.ly/2lcDo3E