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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: DOJ to appeal ruling over McGahn subpoena | Trump claims he is protecting future presidents by fighting testimony | GOP previews impeachment strategy | White House, Capitol briefly on lockdown after aircraft enters airspace | Pelosi says trade deal 'within range' | GOP braces for fundraising fight over Senate | Meet the turkeys Trump is pardoning | Trump to hold rally in Florida tonight | National Cake Day

LATEST WITH THE IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY

Don McGahn, step into our office:

A federal judge ruled yesterday that former White House counsel Don McGahn must comply with a House Judiciary Committee subpoena from April and testify before Congress. http://bit.ly/2Dkwgb8

Why this ruling is important: "Monday's decision was only the latest development in a series of court battles over separation of powers that have pit the Democratic-led House's oversight authority against claims of presidential immunity and privacy."

The question about McGahn's testimony: "The ultimate significance of McGahn's testimony remains an open question. While the impeachment inquiry so far has centered on Trump's dealings with Ukraine, Democrats have held open the possibility of pursuing issues investigated by former special counsel 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, including Trump's possible obstruction of justice."

^ Then this morning -- we will SEE about that:

The Justice Department is appealing the federal judge's ruling that Don McGahn must testify before Congress. http://bit.ly/33i76ol

Keep in mind: The federal judge is an Obama appointee.

From White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham Stephanie GrishamIvana Trump on Melania as first lady: 'She's very quiet, and she really doesn't go to too many places' The Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump uses White House as campaign backdrop Coronavirus tests not required for all Melania Trump speech attendees: report MORE: Grisham said the decision "contradicts longstanding legal precedent established by Administrations of both political parties ... We will appeal and are confident that the important constitutional principle advanced by the Administration will be vindicated."

REACTION FROM AN EX-BOLTON AIDE -- THE RULING ISN'T RELEVANT:

Chuck Cooper, who represents both former deputy national security adviser Charles Kupperman and former national security adviser John Bolton John BoltonJudge appears skeptical of Bolton's defense of publishing book without White House approval Maximum pressure is keeping US troops in Iraq and Syria Woodward book trails Bolton, Mary Trump in first-week sales MORE, said that the "court ruling compelling former White House counsel Don McGahn to testify before Congress does not apply to his client, who will continue to pursue his own lawsuit over whether he must comply with a congressional subpoena." http://bit.ly/35yX4k4

Happy Tuesday before Thanksgiving! T-minus 48 hours until the turkey. I repeat, t-minus 48 hours until the turkey. 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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PROGRAMMING NOTE: The Hill's 12:30 Report will be off tomorrow through Monday for the holiday. Enjoy the long weekend and eat all the pie for me! Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

This morning from Trump -- I'm being selfless here:

Late this morning, 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 said he was blocking current and former White House officials from testifying in the impeachment inquiry to protect future presidents. http://bit.ly/2OmZvAv

He tweeted: "The D.C. Wolves and Fake News Media are reading far too much into people being forced by Courts to testify before Congress. I am fighting for future Presidents and the Office of the President. Other than that, I would actually like people to testify."

On Don McGahn: "Don McGahn's respected ... lawyer has already stated that I did nothing wrong."

On John Bolton: "John Bolton is a patriot and may know that I held back the money from Ukraine because it is considered a corrupt country, & I wanted to know why nearby European countries weren't putting up money also."

On others: "Likewise, I would ... love to have Mike Pompeo, Rick Perry Rick PerryEnergy secretary questions consensus that humans cause climate change OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats push resolution to battle climate change, sluggish economy and racial injustice | Senators reach compromise on greenhouse gas amendment stalling energy bill | Trump courts Florida voters with offshore drilling moratorium OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Trump signs major conservation bill into law | Senate votes to confirm Energy's No. 2 official | Trump Jr. expresses opposition to Pebble Mine project MORE, Mick Mulvaney Mick MulvaneyOn The Money: House panel pulls Powell into partisan battles | New York considers hiking taxes on the rich | Treasury: Trump's payroll tax deferral won't hurt Social Security Blockchain trade group names Mick Mulvaney to board Mick Mulvaney to start hedge fund MORE and many others testify about the phony Impeachment Hoax. It is a Democrat Scam that is going nowhere but, future Presidents should in no way be compromised. What has happened to me should never happen to another President!"

Read his full series of tweets: http://bit.ly/35G9KWx

Inside how Republicans plan to defend President Trump:

Via The Hill's Olivia Beavers, Republicans are making the shift from a defensive strategy in the impeachment inquiry against President Trump to an offensive approach. http://bit.ly/2qOEVzX

The shift: Trump and his supporters are now more energized in the fight. "Trump's allies in the House and Senate are now taking his cue: Don't give an inch and return fire at those attacking you."



Why Republicans are feeling bolder: The party is carefully watching opinion polls, s and they are moving in the president's favor. Support for impeachment is shrinking, especially among independents (!)

Where the new, offensive strategy originated: "Trump gave shape to the GOP messaging strategy during a lengthy interview Friday on Fox News, in which he denied any and all allegations that he conditioned a White House visit and nearly $400 million in U.S. aid as leverage to get Zelensky to publicly commit to opening two investigations that would benefit him politically in 2020."

Details and how Senate Republicans trying to shift the narrative: http://bit.ly/2qOEVzX

IN WASHINGTON, D.C. THIS MORNING

The White House and Capitol were placed on lockdown:

An aircraft entered restricted airspace in Washington, D.C. this morning, prompting lockdowns at the U.S. Capitol and White House. http://bit.ly/2Om0Szh

When: Shortly before 9 a.m. The lockdown lasted for about 20 minutes.

From the Secret Service: "The White House was locked down this morning due to a potential violation of the restricted airspace in the National Capital Region. The lockdown has been lifted at this time." http://bit.ly/2DlcwUM

OH YIKES, HELLO THERE:

"Spotted during the lockdown: a missile battery in position atop a building across the street from the White House." Photo: http://bit.ly/2DuI4rH

IN CONGRESS

Let's make a deal:

Via The Hill's Niv Elis, House 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.) signaled last night that the White House and Democrats are "within range" of a trade deal with Canada and Mexico. http://bit.ly/2XLuQQw

Back story: "Democrats have been negotiating terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement with the White House for months, seeking to entrench strong enforcement mechanisms on issues such as labor, environment and pharmaceuticals. President Trump, who inked the deal with America's neighbors late last year, has accused Democrats of dragging their feet in talks."

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRIAL

Republicans brace for the money battle:

Via The Hill's Alexander Bolton, "National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Todd Young Todd Christopher YoungSenate GOP eyes early exit Why the US should rely more on strategy, not sanctions Davis: The Hall of Shame for GOP senators who remain silent on Donald Trump MORE (R-Ind.) is warning his colleagues to brace for a spending deluge from fired-up Democrats in what's becoming an increasingly competitive battle for the Senate."

What to expect: http://bit.ly/2OlADce

THIS YEAR'S LINE-UP

Check out these dashing fellas:

Today is the White House's turkey pardon! Would you pick "Bread" or "Butter?" Oh, come on. That's like making someone choose between their two children! https://politi.co/2R3G81l

Livestream of the 2 p.m. EST ceremony in the Rose Garden: http://bit.ly/2pRqZEW

"Butter" likes to snack on sweet potato fries and is currently training for a personal best in the turkey trot.



Don't forget to VOTE for the National Thanksgiving Turkey! Poll open NOW until Tuesday, November 26, at 11 a.m. ET! pic.twitter.com/UODVwpX0q8 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 25, 2019

GETTING TRACTION

No, Lewis!!:

Ellenborough Lewis, the koala who became internet-famous last week after being rescued from a massive Australian brushfire, died earlier today. https://cnn.it/2KWdxH6

Back story if you haven't been following: "Lewis' story went viral after video showed motorist Toni Doherty running from her car to help the koala near Port Macquarie as the catastrophic fires that have ravaged New South Wales burned all around them. Doherty named the koala after one of her seven grandchildren."

NOTABLE TWEETS

Lol, this is well done:

The "High Hopes" dance has big '96 DNC Macarena energy so I put them together pic.twitter.com/ZfHy9OYShB — Josh Billinson (@jbillinson) November 22, 2019

Watch: http://bit.ly/2rrq9iN

ON TAP

The House and Senate are out. President Trump is in Washington, D.C., and is leaving for Florida this afternoon. Vice President Pence is also in Washington, D.C., and is heading to Florida this afternoon.

11 a.m. EST: President Trump signed an executive order to establish a "task force on missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives."

Noon: Vice President Pence met with 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.

12:45 p.m. EST: President Trump has lunch with Vice President Pence.

1:50 p.m. EST: Vice President Pence leaves for Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

3:40 p.m. EST: President Trump and first lady Melania Trump Melania TrumpWatchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump Ginsburg becomes the first woman to lie in state in the Capitol Rabbi memorializes Ginsburg: Her dissents were 'blueprints for the future' MORE leave for Florida.

9:15 p.m. EST: President Trump gets to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla.

10:05 p.m. EST: Vice President Pence gets back to the White House.

WHAT TO WATCH

11 a.m. EST: First lady Melania Trump gave a speech on awareness of the opioid crisis. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2XQ8fCw

2 p.m. EST: President Trump and first lady Melania Trump present the National Thanksgiving Turkey in the Rose Garden. Livestream: http://bit.ly/2pRqZEW

7 p.m. EST: President Trump holds a campaign rally in Sunrise, Fla. Vice President Pence also speaks. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2DktxOW

Tonight: Presidential candidate 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 appears on "Jimmy Kimmel James (Jimmy) Christian KimmelFauci, Black Lives Matter founders included on Time's 100 Most Influential People list Kimmel-hosted Emmy Awards attract all-time low 6.1M viewers: 'Well, we set a record' Bubba Wallace to be driver of Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin NASCAR team MORE Live."

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Cake Day!

Yes, you should do this. I highly recommend:

Listen with the sound on... pic.twitter.com/Ct3mUdQHsy — Yashar Ali (@yashar) November 26, 2019

Watch: http://bit.ly/2rqAjjG

And to get your holiday week off to the right start, here's a donkey who truly believes he's actually a dog: http://bit.ly/2XN5mCl