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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 Turkish offensive 'not our problem' | GOP to move on Turkey sanctions | Takeaways from Dem debate | Warren draws fire | A rough night for Biden | Sights and sounds from debate | Ex-Pompeo aide testifying in impeachment inquiry | Fourth man arrested in probe of Giuliani associates | Nationals make the World Series (!) | Caps' team dog celebrates

HAPPENING ON CAPITOL HILL

Next up in the conveyer belt of impeachment depositions:

Michael McKinley, a former top adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoWatchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump Trump's push for win with Sudan amps up pressure on Congress Putin nominated for Nobel Peace Prize MORE who resigned last week, is on Capitol Hill today to testify in House Democrats' impeachment inquiry. http://bit.ly/2MOIblM

What to expect from McKinley's testimony: McKinley "is slated to discuss issues surrounding Pompeo's role in the administration's pressure campaign to get Ukrainian leaders to investigate one of Trump's leading political opponents, former Vice President 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."

What to know about McKinley: "McKinley, a career diplomat who resigned last week, had been serving as U.S. ambassador to Brazil in 2018 when Pompeo brought him back to Washington to serve as an informal liaison between the agency brass and the department's career diplomats. His resignation was reportedly in protest of Pompeo's failure, as perceived by a growing number of State Department employees, to protect diplomats from the administration's Ukraine operations amid allegations that they were politically motivated."

Keep in mind about Pompeo: Mike Pompeo was reportedly on the July 25 call when 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 asked the president of Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden.

Photo of Michael McKinley arriving: http://bit.ly/2ORHdbe

And here is video of McKinley walking through the rain with his entourage: http://bit.ly/2VMaMMM

It's a dreary Wednesday in Washington. 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

Biggest takeaway from last night: three hours is wayyyy too long for a debate:

Twelve Democratic presidential candidates debated last night in Ohio.

FIVE TAKEAWAYS:

Explanation for each from The Hill's Niall Stanage: http://bit.ly/2IVBFsG

HOW THE CANDIDATES PERFORMED:

South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg: "Buttigieg had a strong night and might have emerged as the winner of the debate. The performance is well-timed for Buttigieg, who burst out of the gate but has stagnated in recent months."

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.): Warren "faced a barrage of attacks from several of her rivals over some of the most defining issues of her presidential campaign. And she came out largely unscathed."

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: "For a candidate who was once seen as a longer-than-long shot for the Democratic nomination, former tech executive Andrew Yang scored a handful of wins on Tuesday night."

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.): "Klobuchar has at times struggled to stand out in the crowded field of big personalities, but on Tuesday night she left a mark with a string of surprise attacks against Warren."

Former Vice President Joe Biden: "The longtime front-runner was not a winner or a loser on Tuesday night, largely melting into the background of a debate that centered around Warren. That might not be a bad place for Biden to be, considering his poll numbers dipped after previous debates in which he was the focus of attacks."

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.): "Two weeks after suffering a heart attack that raised new questions about his health and age, Sanders needed a debate performance that showcased his vigor and vitality. For the most part, he appeared to rise to the challenge."

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): Gabbard had a few strong moments, but "it's unclear whether there's a big enough cross-section of Democrats to propel her into the next debate, particularly in a field that is flush with outsiders, including Yang and Sanders."

Full reasoning for each: http://bit.ly/33BCYVg

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS:

The line to get into the debate: This was 45 minutes before the debate started. http://bit.ly/2MiwwwL

Photo of 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 kissing his girlfriend Rosario Dawson for good luck: Aw. http://bit.ly/2VMwe4h

The view for reporters at the debate: http://bit.ly/2Bjerse

More importantly, here's the candy situation for reporters: http://bit.ly/2Mk9F3X

Lol: Bloomberg's Sahil Kapur tweeted, "Spotted at the hotel in Ohio last night: @rosariodawson and some random people." The photo of the 'random people': http://bit.ly/32jj1lW

Does anyone else think 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 looks like 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?: One off the debate stage, another on. Photo comparison: http://bit.ly/32kCzGN

IN CONGRESS

Pelosi has said no:

During a last-minute press conference last night at the Capitol, Speaker Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiDemocratic senator to party: 'A little message discipline wouldn't kill us' Overnight Health Care: New wave of COVID-19 cases builds in US | Florida to lift all coronavirus restrictions on restaurants, bars | Trump stirs questions with 0 drug coupon plan Overnight 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 MORE (D-Calif.) said she will not hold a House vote to officially launch an impeachment inquiry. http://bit.ly/31md32k

Why Republicans want a formal vote to begin the investigation: "They believe it would grant the GOP more power and influence in the process, including the ability to call and subpoena their own witnesses." The absence of a floor vote has been a key talking point for Republicans to defend President Trump.

For example -- from 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 (R-Texas), the ranking member on the Foreign Affairs Committee: "The minority has been shut out of the process. It is being done in a ... classified briefing room behind closed doors when it should be in front of the American people so that all can see in a very transparent way the testimony of these witnesses."

MEANWHILE -- WHAT SENATE DEMOCRATS WANT THE FOCUS TO BE ON:

Health care. http://bit.ly/2BmGF53

Calm it down now:

Via The Hill's Jordain Carney, "Congressional Republicans are moving forward with a plan to slap additional sanctions on Turkey amid bipartisan outrage over Ankara's invasion of northern Syria." http://bit.ly/2OScfzS

Timing: "The push for legislation comes even as the Trump administration unveiled its own plan to penalize Turkey and try to find an offramp to the current military incursion after days of high-profile criticism from Republican allies."

This morning from President Trump -- ¯\_(ツ)_/¯:

"President Trump said Wednesday that Turkey's offensive against U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in northern Syria is 'not our problem,' defending his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from the region amid criticism." http://bit.ly/2OZdEop

Trump told reporters: "If Turkey goes into Syria, it is between Turkey and Syria. It's not our problem ... the Kurds are much safer right now, but the Kurds know how to fight, and as I said, they're not angels. They're not angels. You take a look ... but they fought with us. We paid a lot of money for them to fight with us, and that's OK."

On Russia: "If Russia wants to get involved with Syria, that's really up to them. They have a problem with Turkey. They have a problem at a border. It's not our border, we shouldn't be losing lives over it."

NEW -- HAPPENING TOMORROW:

"There will be an all House classified briefing tomorrow at 3:45 pm on Turkey and Syria per sources. Briefers TBD." (Via NBC's Alex Moe) http://bit.ly/2VL1lNE

Op-ed: http://bit.ly/2BsYXC5

IN OTHER NEWS THIS MORNING

Aha! They found him!:

Via The Washington Post's Devlin Barrett, the fourth defendant in the case around business associates of 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 has been arrested at an airport in New York City airport. https://wapo.st/2VNDZXy

The charge: David Correia "has been charged with participating in a scheme to use foreign money to build political support for a fledgling recreational marijuana business in Nevada and other states, according to an indictment unsealed last week that also charged Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman with making false statements to election regulators and conspiracy.

Keep in mind: "The other three defendants were quickly arrested by the FBI, but Correia's whereabouts have been unclear until Wednesday morning."

IN LOCAL NEWS

World Series, here they come!:

"Fifty years after the franchise was founded and 15 after it moved to Washington, the Nationals are headed to their first World Series." http://bit.ly/31gsZDv

Video of "Baby Shark" playing at Nats Park: http://bit.ly/32kO2G1

^ HAHA -- If you zoom in on the crowd...: http://bit.ly/2BiVNk9

^ Oh and there is literally a shark: http://bit.ly/2MnYIOV

The Washington Capitals' dog is especially excited:

gooooob morning to everyone especially the @Nationals. how does this jersey look ? pic.twitter.com/Ar3tAPhu3b — Captain (@CapsPup) October 16, 2019

NOTABLE TWEETS

Amazing.:

ON TAP

The House and Senate are in.

10:15 a.m. EDT: President Trump meets with the president of Italy.

12:30 p.m. EDT: The Senate breaks for weekly caucus luncheons.

12:45 p.m. EDT: President Trump has lunch with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

2-3 p.m. EDT: The House votes. The House's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/31gm6SF

3 p.m. EDT: President Trump meets with congressional leadership in the Cabinet Room of the White House.

4:15 p.m. EDT: The Senate votes on nominations. The Senate's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2VQcFIj

6 p.m. EDT: Vice President Pence leaves for Ankara, Turkey. https://cnb.cx/2OSLRG7

October 23: The Hill is hosting an event, "Innovation Runway: The Cutting Edge of Aviation." Details and how to RSVP: http://bit.ly/2pY8qi0

WHAT TO WATCH

Noon: President Trump holds a joint press conference with the president of Italy. Livestream: http://bit.ly/32kTgll

6:30 p.m. EDT: President Trump speaks at a reception in honor of Italy. Livestream: http://bit.ly/2MnQINT

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Liqueur Day.

And because this made me smile, here's a dog with a rather impressive Halloween costume: http://bit.ly/2qjGQMu