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 -- From New Hampshire -- Democrats race to Granite State finish line | Sanders leads in new poll | Sights and sounds from the trail | Candidates make pitch at raucous dinner | Protesters brave 18 degree temperatures | Dem anxiety grows over contested convention | Trump knocks Dem primary as 'really boring' | President to hold rally in state tonight | Buttigieg takes lead in Iowa delegates | Budget Day in Washington

ON THE GROUND IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Democrats held a dinner and let me tell you -- It. Was. A. Wild. Ride.:

https://thehill.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumb_small_article/publi...

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- The Hill's Jonathan Easley, Julia Manchester and I attended the rowdy McIntyre-Shaheen Hundred Club Event on Saturday night where presidential candidates made their final pitches to supporters and party elites. http://bit.ly/2ScCgv6

WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SAY 'ROWDY':

First of all, it was in a giant arena: Each campaign had a section or two or supporters with signs, matching shirts, noisemakers and glowsticks. Video to give you a sense: http://bit.ly/2OGrfjt

While supporters in the arena had beer, wine and nachos from concession vendors, a plated dinner was happening on the floor of the venue: So basically, thousands of people watched a lavish dinner happening before them. Photo: http://bit.ly/2w5N5X7

The Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersMcConnell accuses Democrats of sowing division by 'downplaying progress' on election security The Hill's Campaign Report: Arizona shifts towards Biden | Biden prepares for drive-in town hall | New Biden ad targets Latino voters Why Democrats must confront extreme left wing incitement to violence MORE section was fired up: Watch: http://bit.ly/2SxbqN9

The Warren campaign had arguably the biggest section of supporters: They are in green. Photo: http://bit.ly/2w5N5X7

Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenWarren, Schumer introduce plan for next president to cancel ,000 in student debt The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Don't expect a government check anytime soon No new taxes for the ultra rich — fix bad tax policy instead MORE made a surprise appearance from an arena suite: Here is video of her section's reaction. Watch: http://bit.ly/2H7yE7c

Meanwhile -- the protesters outside were just as rowdy: It was a very cold night to be outside, by the way. Here is my video walking around the protests. Watch: http://bit.ly/2UEkJgT

Yikes -- including this protest of Warren: http://bit.ly/2St5F2V

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 joked: "I know it may not feel like, but I did the math, New Hampshire, do you know how many Californians you all are worth?" http://bit.ly/2SbqK36

Hi Bernie people!: When Sanders supporters started booing Amy Klobuchar Amy KlobucharEPA delivers win for ethanol industry angered by waivers to refiners It's time for newspapers to stop endorsing presidential candidates Biden marks anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, knocks Trump and McConnell MORE, Klobuchar looked over and said, "Hey, Bernie people!"

It's a chaotic Monday in New Hampshire. I'm Cate Martel, filing from the media hub in downtown Manchester, 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

STORY LINES AHEAD OF TOMORROW'S VOTE:

Sanders expands his lead: According to a new UMass Lowell Center for Public Opinion poll released this morning, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is leading with 25 percent. The others...

Former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegBogeymen of the far left deserve a place in any Biden administration Overnight Defense: Woodward book causes new firestorm | Book says Trump lashed out at generals, told Woodward about secret weapons system | US withdrawing thousands of troops from Iraq A socially and environmentally just way to fight climate change MORE: 17 percent

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.): 15 percent

Former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenCast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response Biden tells CNN town hall that he has benefited from white privilege MORE: 14 percent. http://bit.ly/2tJucIA

Even for Democrats, it's the Trump show: Via The Hill's Jonathan Easley and Julia Manchester, who are also in N.H. for the primary, "New Hampshire Democrats are on edge ahead of Tuesday's primary and feeling immense pressure to pick the candidate with the best chance of defeating President Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE." How the issue of electability keeps coming up across the state: http://bit.ly/38g6Mtw

Sanders is feeling pretty good: "Sanders glides toward primary day as moderates brawl." (Via Politico's Holly Otterbein and Stephanie Murray: https://politi.co/2Swjq0U

The chances of a brokered Democratic convention have increased: From The Hill's Jonathan Easley. How so: http://bit.ly/2vkws9E

Buttigieg officially won the most delegates in Iowa: After a recanvass of 55 precincts in Iowa, former Buttigieg was officially awarded the most delegates. http://bit.ly/2tPZMVi

Trump called the Democratic New Hampshire primary a 'really boring deal': The president, who is holding a campaign rally in Manchester tonight, tweeted, "Will be in Manchester, New Hampshire, tonight for a big Rally. Want to shake up the Dems a little bit - they have a really boring deal going on. Still waiting for the Iowa results, votes were fried. Big crowds in Manchester!" http://bit.ly/38dfqcg

FROM JOE BIDEN'S WEEKEND:

Biden met a little boy named Beau: "I have a Beau, too," Biden told the little boy. Watch: http://bit.ly/2vo78iV

Reporters had a hard time finding New Hampshire voters at Biden's Manchester event: "Reporters are looking for New Hampshire voters in the Biden event. Many people are here are political tourists from out of the state." (From Mother Jones's David Corn) http://bit.ly/37dprVv

^Throwback: The Washington Post's Dave Weigel tweeted, "One of my treasured #fitn memories is John Kasich getting fake-annoyed then real-annoyed by every single voter at one town hall being from Maryland." http://bit.ly/2w6mKrY

It's never a bad time for ice cream:

Cone of chocolate chip in hand, Biden says it’s “never too cold for ice cream or too dark for sunglasses.” pic.twitter.com/1Ew3eTDvuZ — Jennifer Epstein (@jeneps) February 8, 2020

Watch: http://bit.ly/38gUlgP

Shorter Biden -- the fat lady hasn't sung yet on my campaign: "Look, the reports of our death are premature," Biden told supporters at his Manchester field office. Photo: http://bit.ly/31GQnM4

Biden handed out food in the cold: Here's a photo of Biden giving out bread at the food distribution center in Manchester. Photo: http://bit.ly/2S9lHQm

FROM THE BUTTIGIEG TRAIL:

Omg -- I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often, tbh: Buttigieg accidentally burped while giving remarks in Lebanon. "I'd get detention for that," he joked. Video: http://bit.ly/37dqfcZ

Here's the line outside Buttigieg's Nashua event yesterday -- yikes: http://bit.ly/2UBeQRD

^ And there was even a line for press to get in: http://bit.ly/2UM8miC

Photo from his Saturday morning event in Keene: http://bit.ly/37dpZL3

FROM TEAM WARREN:

Warren brought her dog Bailey on the campaign trail: Bailey! Photo: http://bit.ly/2H9vlfw

Imagine answering your door and it's Warren: The woman's reaction is so pure.

Elizabeth Warren knocks on a supporter’s door pic.twitter.com/RikdgbfyER — Shane Goldmacher (@ShaneGoldmacher) February 8, 2020

Watch: http://bit.ly/31ITUta

FROM SANDERS'S CAMPAIGN STOPS:

46 is the new 78: "Nina Turner at a Bernie rally in [Rochester']: 'Our Senator may be 78 but baby we're about to make him 46' " http://bit.ly/2Hf0Jcw

The vibe at Sanders's Claremont stop: "This crowd for Bernie in working-class Claremont, NH is quite different from the crowds I've seen for other candidates, to say the least (see bottom right). There is true passion/belief here." (Via The Cook Political Report's Dave Wasserman) http://bit.ly/2tOClvw

FROM KLOBUCHAR'S WEEKEND:

Klobuchar's Manchester event was so packed that people ditched the chairs: A few minutes before Klobuchar came out, the campaign asked the crowd to give up their chairs so they can fit more people, who were waiting outside, in the venue. Photo of them removing the chairs: http://bit.ly/2SwBiZr

^ And it was successful!: A few minutes later a staffer announced, "We did it, everyone! Everyone made it inside!" People cheered.

Klobuchar had a selfie line: I sped up the video. It's pretty entertaining to watch. Video: http://bit.ly/2UFYTcY

Video of a homemade "Amy is our Orange Crush" sign, a swipe at Trump:

http://bit.ly/3bqZwNn

MORE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:

Presidential candidate Vermin Supreme and his supporters swarmed the DoubleTree -- and brought real ponies:

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 MaDe ThE cUt: I'll see myself out now.

HAPPENING RIGHT NOW:

In a Manchester NH barber shop, C-SPAN crew captures ⁦@MichaelBennet⁩ getting his hair cut... #FITN pic.twitter.com/OGltreWMJr — Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) February 7, 2020

The famous Red Arrow Diner was so busy, it ran out of forks: http://bit.ly/2SvOXjh

James Carville campaigned with Bennet: Here's a photo: http://bit.ly/31Jn0IV And more importantly, here's a photo of Carville decked out for Mardi Gras. http://bit.ly/2voqvbC

Deval Patrick Deval PatrickRalph Gants, chief justice of Massachusetts supreme court, dies at 65 It's as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process Top Democratic super PACs team up to boost Biden MORE got the short end of the stick: "Most of the crowd has left before Deval Patrick started speaking. He got kind of screwed after Sanders belatedly agreed to come and took his prime spot" http://bit.ly/2ScZBN6

FROM FRIDAY'S DEBATE AT SAINT ANSELM COLLEGE

Let's debate this in a friendly manner:

GOFFSTOWN, N.H. -- The seven Democratic presidential candidates swapped jabs in Friday's presidential debate. Here are some of the highlights:

TAKEAWAYS:

Fear of Trump casts long shadow Electability is (still) the big question Buttigieg and Sanders stay the course Second-tier candidates struggle to make an impact A good night for moderators

Explanations for each from The Hill's Niall Stanage: http://bit.ly/3buWNme

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS:

This is pretty entertaining: "The Daily Show" made a music video with clips of candidates dancing. Watch: http://bit.ly/2UxTQes

The Hill's debate snack stash was pretty respectable, if I do say so myself: http://bit.ly/39jgT0M

By the way, reporters watched from another building across campus: Here's a photo of the view for journalists covering the debate: http://bit.ly/2H5CHB2

Behind the scenes photos: From The New Hampshire Institute of Politics's Neil Levesque: http://bit.ly/39oK16Q

The moderators really did their homework: "Pretty impressed with the moderators for clearly doing their homework on these questions and pushing back when candidates dodge." (Via The Daily Beast's Lachlan Markay) http://bit.ly/2Ssm2N9

Throwback to Jeb Bush and Donald Trump during a 2016 debate: http://bit.ly/3blvRoU

Lol, 'The Daily Show' had some Bloomberg jokes: "BREAKING: Mike Bloomberg didn't qualify for this #DemDebate so he bought ABC and is now the sole moderator" Photoshopped pic: http://bit.ly/2S9EvPJ

The tie situation: "Yang: No tie

Steyer: Same tie

Pete & Bernie: Tied in Iowa" (Tweet from NBC's Mike Memoli) http://bit.ly/39o4t7L

FROM THE SPIN ROOM:

How to find each campaign: http://bit.ly/38aWlXY

^ And here are all the journalists taking that same photo: http://bit.ly/2HaXbrL

What it looked like in the spin room post-debate: http://bit.ly/2vgwsrf

Spotted in the spin room: Rahm Emanuel. Photo: http://bit.ly/2Ssm7Ar

How a Warren adviser felt about the time each candidate got to speak: Warren's chief strategist Joe Rospars tweeted about halfway through the debate: "Current status: guy who came 4th in Iowa has gotten to speak for more than 50% more time in the debate than the woman who finished above above him" http://bit.ly/2vcBlBC

Several news stations broadcasted live from the spin room: Here's a photo of the WMUR team on set in the spin room: http://bit.ly/2UB8MIS

Oh mannn, this photo: "Not at all awkward moment as Warren is asked about her criticism of Mayor Pete as he's looming over @DanaBashCNN's shoulder." (Via Tommy Vietor) http://bit.ly/2HdsPoN

That's an adorable lapel pin: Steyer's spokesperson wore a lapel pin of Steyer's signature red plaid tie. Photo: http://bit.ly/2tOqTju

Interesting tidbit: The Hill's Julia Manchester captured Warren shrugging when asked about her debate performance. Watch: http://bit.ly/37bQnVp

There are 500+ reporters in the spin room: http://bit.ly/2Hd0QWk

MEANWHILE IN WASHINGTON

Let's chant now -- 'Bud-get! But-get! Bud-get!':

President Trump just released his fiscal year 2021 budget. http://bit.ly/39oV5AU

Keep in mind: "Trump's budget is more than a political wishlist and is likely to land with a thud on Capitol Hill, given the divided nature of government. Both the House and Senate expected to craft their own spending bills."

Read the budget: http://bit.ly/2UFtZBq

LOL:

The Hill's Peter Sullivan tweeted, "Just heard someone say 'It's budget day!' with apparent unironic excitement to a passerby in the Longworth hallway" http://bit.ly/38h0rht

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING ON CAPITOL HILL THIS WEEK:

Equal Rights Amendment: "The House is slated to take up legislation introduced by Rep. Jackie Speier Karen (Jackie) Lorraine Jacqueline SpeierOvernight Defense: House to vote on military justice bill spurred by Vanessa Guillén death | Biden courts veterans after Trump's military controversies House to vote on 'I Am Vanessa Guillén' bill Overnight Defense: Trump's battle with Pentagon poses risks in November | Lawmakers launch Fort Hood probe | Military members can't opt out of tax deferral MORE (D-Calif.) that would remove the deadline to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)."

War powers: The Senate could take up a resolution this week to limit Trump's ability to take military action against Iran without congressional approval after tensions spiked earlier this year.

Nominations: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellMcConnell focuses on confirming judicial nominees with COVID-19 talks stalled McConnell accuses Democrats of sowing division by 'downplaying progress' on election security Warren, Schumer introduce plan for next president to cancel ,000 in student debt MORE (R-Ky.) is setting up votes for five judicial nominations this week.

Context and details for each via The Hill's Jordain Carney and Juliegrace Brufke: http://bit.ly/39oV5AU

NOTABLE TWEETS

Ahh, New Englanders:

Good morning from Hampton, NH.



Where are you from?

Voter 1: Mass

Voter 2: Maine

Voter 3: NH



--whom are you supporting?

"it's none of your business"



Not in Iowa anymore! — Katie Glueck (@katieglueck) February 9, 2020

ON TAP

The House is in. The Senate meets later this afternoon. President Trump and Vice President Pence are in New Hampshire today.

10:45 a.m. EST: Vice President Pence spoke at the National Governors' Winter Meeting.

11 a.m. EST: President Trump spoke at the "White House Business Session with our Nation's Governors."

11:55 a.m. EST: Vice President Pence leaves for Portsmouth, N.H.

Noon: The House meets. The House's full schedule: http://bit.ly/2SekOWL

12:30 p.m. EST: President Trump has lunch with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoHillicon Valley: FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden | Treasury Dept. sanctions Iranian government-backed hackers Treasury Dept. sanctions Iranian government-backed hackers 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.

1 p.m. EST: Acting Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought gives an off-camera press briefing.

2:15 p.m. EST: Vice President Pence speaks at a Cops for Trump event in Portsmouth, N.H.

3 p.m. EST: The Senate meets. The Senate's full schedule: http://bit.ly/2H1goMA

3:30 p.m. EST: President Trump meets with Parkland families.

4:20 p.m. EST: President Trump leaves for Manchester, N.H.

5:30 p.m. EST: The Senate votes.

6:30 p.m. EST: Votes in the House.

9:25 p.m. EST: Vice President Pence gets back to Washington, D.C.

10:45 p.m. EST: President Trump arrives at the White House.

WHAT TO WATCH

7 p.m. EST: President Trump holds a campaign rally at the Southern New Hampshire University arena in Manchester, N.H. Vice President Pence also gives remarks. Livestream: https://cs.pn/39tAH1D

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Cream Cheese Brownie Day.

And because you made it this far, here is a cat snoring through an echo machine. It's incredible: http://bit.ly/2HbEOTM