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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: Breaking - Trump says Moore withdrawing from Fed consideration | Pelosi accuses Barr of committing a crime by lying to Congress | DOJ fires back at 'baseless attack' | House Dems blast Barr for skipping hearing | Dem brings fried chicken to mock AG | Rift opens between Mueller, Barr | Bennet jumps into 2020 race | Buttigieg gets 'First Family' Time cover | Japan's PM installs beaver door knocker | Wendy's introduces Frosty cookie sundae

NOT HAPPENING TODAY

Barr. William Barr Bill BarrHarris faces pivotal moment with Supreme Court battle Hillicon Valley: DOJ proposes tech liability shield reform to Congress | Treasury sanctions individuals, groups tied to Russian malign influence activities | House Republican introduces bill to set standards for self-driving cars McCarthy threatens motion to oust Pelosi if she moves forward with impeachment MORE.

Do we have a William Barr?

That's 'William Barr':

Attorney General William Barr refused to testify for his planned House Judiciary Committee hearing today, arguing that Democrats have put "unprecedented" conditions on his appearance. Barr's refusal sets up a major clash between Barr and House Democrats on the Judiciary Committee. http://bit.ly/2GPj7s6

To call attention to his absence: The House Judiciary Committee left an empty chair in the committee room to highlight Barr's absence. http://bit.ly/2PKK7wP

Funny tidbit -- this is all of us: "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.) just arrived to the Judiciary hearing with a bucket of KFC fried chicken. He is eating the chicken. It is not even 9am yet." (Via Politico's Andrew Desiderio) http://bit.ly/2IVjaGl

HOW HOUSE DEMOCRATS RESPONDED:

Democrats blasted Barr for skipping his testimony. "Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) tore into Barr, accusing him of failing to check President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE's 'worst instincts' and misrepresenting Mueller's findings." How other Dems reacted: http://bit.ly/2GXKamk

WHAT DEMOCRATS ARE HOPING TO GET OUT OF THE BARR BACK AND FORTH:

Via The Hill's Alexander Bolton, Democrats are hoping the criticisms of Attorney General William Barr will sideline him from future decisions about investigating President Trump. http://bit.ly/2vxM6eD

THE RIFT MIGHT EXTEND TO BARR'S LONGTIME FRIEND, 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:

William Barr and special counsel Robert Mueller are good friends, but the public disagreements over the handling of the Russia investigation report is causing some strain on their relationship. How that could play out: http://bit.ly/2VHoIu2

It's Thursday. 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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IN CONGRESS

Now let's talk about the hearing that ~did~ happen:

Attorney General William Barr appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday to answer questions about his handling of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia report. http://bit.ly/2vASBNL

FIVE TAKEAWAYS FROM BARR'S SENATE HEARING:

Democrats found new impetus -- "Democrats have new wind in their sails following the revelation that Mueller had written in protest to Barr in March, soon after the attorney general released a four-page document outlining the special counsel's principal conclusions."

Barr's credibility took more hits -- "It wasn't only the contacts with Mueller that caused the attorney general problems. His own answers at times undercut his credibility."

The GOP is circling wagons on Barr-- "The attorney general can take solace from the fact there is no sign at all that Republicans are weakening in their support for him."

All eyes are on Mueller-- "Democrats no longer believe -- if they ever did -- that Barr's word can be trusted. That means they are ardent about hearing from Mueller himself."

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

Just now -- Pelosi accuses Barr of committing a crime:

Speaker Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiHoyer: House should vote on COVID-19 aid — with or without a bipartisan deal Ruth Bader Ginsburg lies in repose at Supreme Court McCarthy threatens motion to oust Pelosi if she moves forward with impeachment MORE (D-Calif.) accused Attorney General William Barr of committing a crime by lying to lawmakers. http://bit.ly/2V8lb8u

Pelosi said during her press conference this morning: "What is deadly serious about it is the attorney general of the United States of America was not telling the truth to the Congress of the United States. That's a crime."

Immediate reaction from the Department of Justice: "Speaker Pelosi's baseless attack on the Attorney General is reckless, irresponsible, and false."

Watch Pelosi's reasoning: http://bit.ly/2V8lb8u

Breaking -- For the first time in nearly a decade:

House Democrats just passed the first climate bill in nearly a decade. http://bit.ly/2PExYte

The vote: 231-190 -- three Republicans supported the bill.

What the bill would do: The bill "seeks to block the Trump administration from exiting the Obama-era Paris climate agreement, among other actions. Three Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the measure." http://bit.ly/2PExYte

What's next: The bill heads to the Senate where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellFEC flags McConnell campaign over suspected accounting errors Poll: 59 percent think president elected in November should name next Supreme Court justice Mark Kelly: Arizona Senate race winner should be sworn in 'promptly' MORE (R-Ky.) says the bill "will go nowhere."

Tidbit: "that was a very long vote series and there will be a lot of 'hold the plane!' action happening at DCA today" (Tweet from Politico's Sarah Ferris) http://bit.ly/2GQJmOR

IN THE WHITE HOUSE

Breaking -- Stephen Moore Stephen MooreTrump economist touts nation's low poverty rate Sunday shows - Trump team defends coronavirus response Economist Moore calls on Pelosi, Schumer to 'get a deal done' amid stimulus stalemate MORE withdraws:

President Trump just tweeted, "Steve Moore, a great pro-growth economist and a truly fine person, has decided to withdraw from the Fed process. Steve won the battle of ideas including Tax Cuts and deregulation which have produced non-inflationary prosperity for all Americans. I've asked Steve to work with me toward future economic growth in our Country." http://bit.ly/2Y45Nad



TIMING:

Just a half hour ago, Stephen Moore told The Wall Street Journal that he is not withdrawing from consideration to be on the Federal Reserve Board. https://on.wsj.com/2H1uIWt



OH AND:

Earlier today, Moore told Bloomberg News, "I'm all in." He said: "I talked to the White House yesterday. They're all in." Photo of Moore this morning via Bloomberg's Jennifer Jacobs: http://bit.ly/2Y4T2wi

Started from the bottom, now we're here:

President Trump's approval rating on the economy is at an all-time high, according to a new CNN poll. http://bit.ly/2LrXu6S

The numbers: 56 percent of respondents said they approve of Trump's handling of the economy; 41 percent disapproved.

Trump's last record high: In March 2017, 55 percent approved of his handling of the economy.

Read the full CNN poll: https://cnn.it/2WoCIpK

IN CAMPAIGN NEWS

OK, seriously guys. Not everyone can run for president:

Colorado 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) announced he is seeking the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. http://bit.ly/2VA8Qtj

Bennet's reasoning: "My plan is to run for president ... I think this country faces two enormous challenges. One is a lack of economic mobility and opportunity for most Americans, and the other is the need to restore integrity to our government ... We cannot be the first generation to leave less to our kids, not more. That's why I'm running for President."

Photo of Bennet's campaign logo: Yep, that's a standard campaign logo. http://bit.ly/2GQY08U

Speaking of Buttimentum:

South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegThe 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 Hillicon Valley: FBI, DHS warn that foreign hackers will likely spread disinformation around election results | Social media platforms put muscle into National Voter Registration Day | Trump to meet with Republican state officials on tech liability shield MORE and his husband Chasten Buttigieg made this week's cover of Time Magazine: http://bit.ly/2WiWanx

Photo of the cover: "First Family: Mayor Pete Buttigieg's Unlikely, Untested, Unprecedented Presidential Campaign." http://bit.ly/2Wqw4iN

He hasn't changed much:

TIME publishes a photo of a young @PeteButtigieg playing Nintendo https://t.co/1JpNJliq18 pic.twitter.com/3sRsVjpVgZ — Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) May 2, 2019

IN OTHER NEWS

You get as many calls as you want:

New York City is becoming the first major city in the United States to make phone calls from jail free. http://bit.ly/2PH7abN

New York City Mayor 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 said in a statement: "For too long have people in custody faced barriers to basic aspects of everyday life that can help create more humane jails."

NOTABLE TWEETS

Just what my doorway needs -- an adorable beaver door knocker!:

The prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, installed the door knocker.

Shinzo Abe has installed the beaver door-knocker he brought back from Canada pic.twitter.com/y7kZE3Bgik — Mike Bird (@Birdyword) May 2, 2019

For context: "The Japanese really are the world's most polite people. Almost any other world leader would have 'forgotten' the gift in the hotel room." (Tweet from The Atlantic's David Frum) http://bit.ly/2VEaM3U

ON TAP

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

2:30 p.m. EDT: President Trump and Vice President Pence meet with Republican members of the Senate.

5 p.m. EDT: Vice President Pence and second lady Karen Pence Karen Sue PenceHow fast population growth made Arizona a swing state The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Biden, Pence elbow bump at NYC Sept. 11 ceremony The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by National Industries for the Blind - Trump seeks to flip 'Rage' narrative; Dems block COVID-19 bill MORE participate in a Young America Foundation event.

Sunday: Cinco de Mayo.

Monday: Golfer Tiger Woods will visit the White House and receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, according to reports. https://es.pn/2DJwCbQ

WHAT TO WATCH

This morning: The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia report. Attorney General William Barr did not show up. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2GRhF8u

10:45 a.m. EDT: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) held a press briefing. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2PK4hr2

11 a.m. EDT: President Trump, first lady Melania Trump Melania TrumpTrump privately blamed Black Americans for lacking initiative: report The Hill's 12:30 Report: Ginsburg lies in repose Melania Trump: Ginsburg's 'spirit will live on in all she has inspired' MORE, Vice President Pence and second lady Karen Pence participated in the National Day of Prayer Service in the Rose Garden. Livestream: http://bit.ly/2IVdYlQ

12:30 p.m. EDT: House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy Kevin Owen McCarthyMcCarthy threatens motion to oust Pelosi if she moves forward with impeachment Kate Schroder in Ohio among Democratic challengers squelching GOP hopes for the House McCarthy's Democratic challenger to launch first TV ad highlighting Air Force service as single mother MORE (R-Calif.) holds a press briefing. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2GXyyzx

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Chocolate Truffle Day.

A D.C. summer lawn without the humidity:

Via DCist, the National Building Museum is creating a summer exhibit, "The Lawn." http://bit.ly/2DLEWIq

What to expect: "The experience starts at the entrance with a two-story mural of the sky, which can be climbed for dramatic views of the interior. An indoor trail then leads visitors to a sloping lawn with lounging areas. Hammocks suspended from the ceiling of the vast Great Hall will feature hidden speakers with audio tales of summertime memories from 'prominent American storytellers.' Kids will be able to chase augmented reality fireflies. You better believe there will be yoga on the lawn (which is actually a recyclable surface made out of sugarcane), along with movie nights and other summer-y events."

Okayyyyy, Wendy's. I'm picking up what you're putting down:

Wendy's just debuted a new Frosty cookie sundae with Ghirardelli chocolate sauce. Photo -- yuuuuup: http://bit.ly/2WfbyBo

And because you made it this far, here's a viral seagull auditioning to be a traffic reporter: http://bit.ly/2GQfbYb