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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 says media trying to blame him for New Zealand shootings | Trump knocks Biden as 'low I.Q.' for almost announcing 2020 bid early | O'Rourke nets $6.1M in first day | Trump keeps tight grip on GOP | Republicans look to rein in emergency powers | Shark crashes first underwater news broadcast | Cow runs to a Chick-fil-A

NEWS THIS MORNING

OK, who had 'low I.Q.' for Trump's Biden nickname:

This morning, President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE insulted former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate Trump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' MORE for almost slipping up and announcing a presidential run. http://bit.ly/2FjnlZy

Trump tweeted: "Joe Biden got tongue tied over the weekend when he was unable to properly deliver a very simple line about his decision to run for President. Get used to it, another low I.Q. individual!" http://bit.ly/2TSkjU6

WHAT SPARKED THIS -- OH WOW, YUP HE DID:

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During a speech to Delaware Democrats over the weekend, Joe Biden said, "I'm told I get criticized by the 'New Left.' I have the most progressive record of anybody running for the ... anybody who would run." Realizing his mishap, he chuckled and did the sign of the cross. http://bit.ly/2Fe4IEU

Watch -- it's both funny and awkward: http://bit.ly/2UD8TAJ

WHY BIDEN'S 'MIDDLE-CLASS JOE' REPUTATION IS ON THE LINE:

https://politi.co/2TelHMz

Trump criticizes the media for New Zealand coverage:

President Trump accused the news media of blaming him for the mosque shootings in New Zealand last week.

He tweeted: "The Fake News Media is working overtime to blame me for the horrible attack in New Zealand. They will have to work very hard to prove that one. So Ridiculous!"

What sparked Trump's tweet: "Some U.S. media coverage has focused on the suspected gunman's manifesto, which called Trump a 'symbol of renewed white identity,' and some pundits have argued he has stoked white nationalist fervor worldwide." http://bit.ly/2TSUfIt

It's Monday. 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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ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Beto Bucks:

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) raised $6.1 million in the first 24 of his campaign, topping all other Democratic contenders. http://bit.ly/2OaDJ1e

HOW THAT COMPARES:

Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Bernie Sanders warns of 'nightmare scenario' if Trump refuses election results Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (I-Vt.) raised $5.9 million in the first day.

Sen. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice First presidential debate to cover coronavirus, Supreme Court Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (D-Calif.) raised $1.5 million in the first day.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar Amy KlobucharSocial media platforms put muscle into National Voter Registration Day Battle lines drawn on precedent in Supreme Court fight Sunday shows - Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death dominates MORE (D-Minn.) and former Gov. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) both raised $1 million each in the first two days.

The numbers: http://bit.ly/2TedtnE

The presidential announcement that'll make you think, 'Wait, didn't we already know that?':

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.) officially entered the race for the 2020 Democratic nomination. Why you probably thought she was in: Gillibrand announced an exploratory committee in January. https://nyti.ms/2UHUyTB

Meanwhile on the red team:

Via The Hill's Scott Wong, "President Trump has suffered a handful of high-profile legislative defeats in recent days. But you'd be mistaken to think Trump has lost his grip on the Grand Old Party." The numbers…: "Recent polls show that the president is still enormously popular among likely GOP voters -- a fact GOP officeholders and those contemplating political bids in 2020 are well aware of." How this could play out: http://bit.ly/2Y25IVf

NEW POLLING:

According to a new Emerson College survey, President Trump trails former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenHarris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda Judd Gregg: The Kamala threat — the Californiaization of America GOP set to release controversial Biden report MORE (D-Mass.) in Wisconsin. The numbers: http://bit.ly/2FaeCrl

A LIGHTER, INTERESTNG READ:

"Why We're So Obsessed With How Politicians Eat" Via Politico's Sara Dickerman: https://politi.co/2TgKpMa

IN OTHER NEWS

We will get to see redacted Michael Cohen Michael Dean CohenA huge deal for campaign disclosure: Trump's tax records for Biden's medical records Our Constitution is under attack by Attorney General William Barr Eric Trump says he will comply with New York AG's subpoena only after Election Day MORE documents:

“A federal judge in Manhattan has ordered prosecutors to publicly release redacted copies of search warrants and other documents tied to last year’s FBI raid on former Trump attorney Michael Cohen’s properties.” http://bit.ly/2Td2ivq

When the documents will be publicly filed: Tuesday.

What we may learn from the documents: “The order means that the public is likely to soon learn more about the April 2018 FBI raid on Cohen’s home, office and hotel room that eventually led to the former Trump confidante pleading guilty to a series of federal charges last year.” http://bit.ly/2Td2ivq

Rest in peace:

Economist Alan Krueger, who served in the Clinton and Obama administrations, passed away over the weekend at the age of 58. His New York Times obituary: https://nyti.ms/2TOyxGf

Getting traction -- Khashoggi's death was part of a bigger operation:

Via The New York Times's Mark Mazzetti and Ben Hubbard, "Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia authorized a secret campaign to silence dissenters -- which included the surveillance, kidnapping, detention and torture of Saudi citizens -- over a year before the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, according to American officials who have read classified intelligence reports about the campaign." The full story: https://nyti.ms/2OaMV5M

Rein it in, cowboy:

Via The Hill's Jordain Carney, Republicans are already thinking about limiting presidential powers for future national emergencies. http://bit.ly/2W2waw4

How so: "Roughly a third of the Republican conference, including members of leadership, is already backing legislation from Sen. Mike Lee Michael (Mike) Shumway LeeMcConnell shores up GOP support for coronavirus package McConnell tries to unify GOP Davis: The Hall of Shame for GOP senators who remain silent on Donald Trump MORE (R-Utah) that would require Congress to pass a resolution approving future national emergency declarations within 30 days. Without the approval, the resolution would be terminated."

Keep in mind: Trump vetoed the resolution to block his national emergency, but neither chamber of Congress has enough votes to override his veto. I.e.: He won round one.

IN LOCAL NEWS

Free tacos in Farragut!:

Via PoPville, Taqueria Local in the Farragut Square neighborhood of Washington, D.C., is giving away free tacos to celebrate the store's first anniversary. http://bit.ly/2CsBEJe

NOTABLE TWEETS

Trending -- I'm not crying, you're crying:

Everybody needs a friend like No. 50 pic.twitter.com/lkmEugvGWb — ESPN (@espn) March 16, 2019

From presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg's husband:

ON TAP

The House and Senate are out for the week.

11:30 a.m. EDT: President Trump received a briefing on the economic report of the president.

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

1:45 p.m. EDT: President Trump receives an intelligence briefing.

2:10 p.m. EDT: Vice President Pence leaves for Monterey, Calif.

WHAT TO WATCH

5:45 p.m. EDT: President Trump attends the Greek Independence Day celebration in the White House. Livestream: http://bit.ly/2F9Nw3B

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Sloppy Joe Day.

Point one for Sky News:

Sky News made history by delivering the news headlines while 300 meters below sea in the Indian Ocean. The cool part: The broadcasters spotted a shark. Watch: http://bit.ly/2F8SUns

The news we deserve -- Eat Mor Chikin:

A cow on the loose ran in the direction of a Chick-fil-A in Indiana. Watch: http://bit.ly/2TNqE3h