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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: Pelosi says impeachment articles coming 'soon' | Trump, Republicans attack Pelosi for delay | Trump calls articles 'fraudulently produced' | Dems, Trump to clash over Iran war powers | House voting today to restrict Trump on Iran | GOP Sens. Lee, Paul rip Iran briefing | Is 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 2020's Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonHillicon Valley: FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden | Treasury Dept. sanctions Iranian government-backed hackers The Hill's Campaign Report: Arizona shifts towards Biden | Biden prepares for drive-in town hall | New Biden ad targets Latino voters FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden MORE? | 2020's five most vulnerable senators | Celebrities react to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Meghan MarkleDoes Kamala Harris's music matter? Prince Harry and Meghan sign Netflix production deal 'The West Wing' cast to reunite for Michelle Obama's voter registration initiative MORE news

NEWS THIS MORNING

Soon, young grasshopper:

Speaker Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiMcConnell focuses on confirming judicial nominees with COVID-19 talks stalled Overnight Defense: Top admiral says 'no condition' where US should conduct nuclear test 'at this time' | Intelligence chief says Congress will get some in-person election security briefings Pelosi must go — the House is in dire need of new leadership MORE (D-Calif.) said she will probably send the articles of impeachment to the Senate "soon," even as she has not won any concessions from Republicans. Pressure has been building on Pelosi, who declined to send over the articles or name the impeachment managers after the House vote on impeachment last year. http://bit.ly/35wgCoU

In Pelosi's words: "I'm not holding them indefinitely. I'll send them over when I'm ready, and that will probably be soon."

Livestream of Pelosi's press conference this morning: http://bit.ly/2tFfylt

Earlier this morning from Trump -- Fraud! Fraud!:

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 slammed Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) this morning for holding the articles of impeachment. http://bit.ly/36Huu0U

Trump tweeted: "Pelosi doesn't want to hand over The Articles of Impeachment, which were fraudulently produced by corrupt politicians like Shifty Schiff in the first place, because after all of these years of investigations and persecution, they show no crimes and are a joke and a scam!" http://bit.ly/36yHEgF

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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LATEST WITH IRAN

Just now -- Trump speculated on the Ukrainian plane crash:

After reports that some are speculating that Iran may have shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet by accident, President Trump weighed in on Thursday and said "somebody could've made a mistake." http://bit.ly/37REgOg

In Trump's words: "It's a tragic thing when I see that. It's a tragic thing. But somebody could've made a mistake on the other side … It was flying at a pretty rough neighborhood, and somebody could've made a mistake."

TWO U.S. OFFICIALS AGREE -- SAY IT'S 'HIGHLY LIKELY' A MISSILE DOWNED THE JETLINER:

Via Associated Press, "Two U.S. officials said Thursday it was 'highly likely' that an Iranian anti-aircraft missile downed a Ukrainian jetliner late Tuesday, killing all 176 people on board." http://bit.ly/2T9vFT4

TIMING OF THE PLANE CRASH:

"The crash came just a few hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack against Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops amid a confrontation with Washington over the U.S. drone strike that killed an Iranian Revolutionary Guard general last week." http://bit.ly/2T9vFT4

Happening today -- Democrats try pulling on the reins:

House Democrats are voting today to curb President Trump's war powers on Iran. http://bit.ly/36CZak1

What exactly they are voting on: A war powers resolution that would force Trump to seek congressional approval before taking military action against Iran.

What to expect today: Basically a brawl between President Trump and Democrats.

What next: If the resolution passes the House, Senate Democrats would need four Republicans to get 51 votes to pass a war powers resolution from Sen. Tim Kaine Timothy (Tim) Michael KaineBiden promises Democratic senators help in battleground states Second GOP senator to quarantine after exposure to coronavirus 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 (D-Va.).

And then: If the resolution passes both chambers it would go to President Trump's desk for a signature, where it would likely be vetoed. Democrats are far from the votes needed to override a presidential veto.

HOW TRUMP IS CLAIMING IRAN VICTORY WHILE TURNING DOWN THE HEAT:

Via The Hill's Niall Stanage: http://bit.ly/2QU2zE8

SooOooOo, uh, that went well:

Republican Sens. 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 (Utah) and Rand Paul Randal (Rand) Howard PaulSecond GOP senator to quarantine after exposure to coronavirus GOP senator to quarantine after coronavirus exposure The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by National Industries for the Blind - Trump seeks to flip 'Rage' narrative; Dems block COVID-19 bill MORE (Ky.) ripped the administration for its closed-door Iran briefing yesterday and announced their support for a resolution to rein in President Trump's war powers. http://bit.ly/39SGY7L

Mike Lee told reporters: "It was probably the worst briefing I've seen at least on a military issue in the nine years I've served in the United States Senate."

Lee also said: "I find this insulting and demeaning ... to the office that each of the 100 senators in this building happens to hold. I find it insulting and demeaning to the Constitution of the United States."

Rand Paul on the administration using a 2002 war authorization to justify last week's airstrike: "I see no way in the world you could logically argue that an authorization to have war with Saddam Hussein has anything to with having war with people currently in Iraq."

BACKSTORY:

"Defense Secretary Mark Esper Mark EsperTop admiral: 'No condition' where US should conduct nuclear test 'at this time' Overnight Defense: Trump hosts Israel, UAE, Bahrain for historic signing l Air Force reveals it secretly built and flew new fighter jet l Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' Oldest living US World War II veteran turns 111 MORE, 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, CIA Director Gina Haspel and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley were dispatched to brief both the House and Senate on Wednesday amid days of concerns from lawmakers that Trump was on a path to war with Iran, which on Tuesday night launched missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops." http://bit.ly/39SGY7L

Oh snap!:

NEW: When asked for her reaction to the Iran briefing, @SpeakerPelosi said she couldn’t talk about it. But when reporters relayed that some are calling it the “worst briefing they’ve ever gotten,” she responded, “There’s stiff competition for that from this administration.” pic.twitter.com/qXzQBPPYY0 — Julia Boccagno (@juliaboccagno) January 8, 2020

Watch: http://bit.ly/2N73v7a

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Interesting read -- is Joe Biden this cycle's Hillary Clinton?:

Via The Hill's Amie Parnes, "When Joe Biden was asked last week at an Iowa town hall if he was running a better campaign than Hillary Clinton had in 2016, it highlighted a question on the minds of some Democrats: Is Biden this cycle's Clinton? The question is becoming more significant as Sen. 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 (I-Vt.) gains traction." http://bit.ly/305D4nz

"While the much bigger field of candidates and strong campaigns from Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and 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 make the 2020 primary different than the one four years ago, Democrats are also seeing some parallels. And some would just as soon avoid them."

The comparison: http://bit.ly/305D4nz

THE FIVE MOST VULNERABLE SENATORS IN 2020:

Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.)

Sen. Cory Gardner Cory Scott GardnerAirline job cuts loom in battleground states House approves bill to secure internet-connected federal devices against cyber threats Congress needs to finalize space weather bill as solar storms pose heightened threat MORE (R-Colo.)

Sen. Martha McSally Martha Elizabeth McSallyThe Hill's Campaign Report: Arizona shifts towards Biden | Biden prepares for drive-in town hall | New Biden ad targets Latino voters Biden leads Trump by 4 points in new Arizona poll Airline job cuts loom in battleground states MORE (R-Ariz.)

Sen. Susan Collins Susan Margaret CollinsThe Hill's Campaign Report: Biden asks if public can trust vaccine from Trump ahead of Election Day | Oklahoma health officials raised red flags before Trump rally Gideon leads Collins by 12 points in Maine Senate race: poll Senate leaders quash talk of rank-and-file COVID-19 deal MORE (R-Maine)

Sen. Thom Tillis Thomas (Thom) Roland TillisAirline job cuts loom in battleground states Hillicon Valley: DOJ indicts Chinese, Malaysian hackers accused of targeting over 100 organizations | GOP senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal | QAnon awareness jumps in new poll Republican Senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal MORE (R-N.C.)

Reasoning for each: http://bit.ly/39WBclB

HARRY AND MEGHAN SURE RUFFLED SOME FEATHERS

You can pretend you scrolled past this section. No one has to know ;)

Yesterday, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, announced that they plan to step back as "senior members" of the royal family and "become financially independent," sending shockwaves around the world.

Read Harry and Meghan's announcement: http://bit.ly/2FwI0bK

The Queen was reportedly 'blindsided': Royal analyst Victoria Arbiter said on NBC's "Today": "When they got back (from Christmas in Canada), they did have a discussion with the queen, Prince Charles, Prince William, saying, 'Look, we want to do something different here,' but I don't think any of this information certainly that's been listed on their website was shared with the senior members of the royal family, and that's where they were blindsided." https://on.today.com/36Bja6A

KEEP IN MIND -- TODAY IS KATE MIDDLETON'S BIRTHDAY:

In honor of the Duchess of Cambridge's birthday, Kensington Palace released a new photo of Kate with a birthday message. The photo: http://bit.ly/2FAJ1j6

Tidbit: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex commented on the post, "Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Cambridge today!" http://bit.ly/2FAJ1j6

CELEBRITY REACTIONS TO THE NEWS:

Piers Morgan: "People say I'm too critical of Meghan Markle - but she ditched her family, ditched her Dad, ditched most of her old friends, split Harry from William & has now split him from the Royal Family. I rest my case." http://bit.ly/35xVQVS

Amy Schumer Amy Beth SchumerKim Kardashian West joins campaign calling for Facebook to take action against hate speech Clinton says she's working to send Trump 'back to the golf course full time' Biden on wife blocking protester: 'Whoa, you don't screw around with a Philly girl' MORE: "Chris and I are formally stepping down from our royal duties. We appreciate your support." Bahaha, the photo with her post is great: http://bit.ly/2QDsd1m

Bette Midler: "What a sad story. They hounded and bullied her until it was no longer tenable to stay, just like Diana. They'll never learn until it hits them in the wallet. I hope she bankrupts them all."

Jameela Jamil from "The Good Place": "And that folks, is what power looks like."

More reactions via Fox News's Tyler McCarthy: https://fxn.ws/304Jljv

THE QUESTION EVERYONE IS WONDERING -- HOW WILL THEY BECOME 'FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT?':

Via CNN's Lianne Kolirin, "The couple are unlikely to struggle when it comes to their private income -- whether it might be through sponsorship, speaking tours or the like ... Besides his income from the Duchy of Cornwall, Harry inherited several million from the Queen Mother, and a few million more was left to him in trust by his late mother, Princess Diana." https://cnn.it/2Fzc6vh

Op-ed: http://bit.ly/2T7SNBi

NOTABLE TWEETS

Getting traction -- I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS.:

Maybe the greatest airport reunion ever pic.twitter.com/0PIfiwNrzm — Giles Paley-Phillips (@eliistender10) January 8, 2020

Watch: http://bit.ly/39V18hJ

ON TAP

The House and Senate are in. President Trump and Vice President Pence are in Washington, D.C., and are both heading to Toledo, Ohio, this afternoon for a campaign rally.

11 a.m. EST: One roll call vote in the Senate. The Senate's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2T5UTBt

1:15 p.m. EST: First votes in the House. The House's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2FzP3jY

2 p.m. EST: President Trump receives an intelligence briefing.

3 p.m. EST: Vice President Pence leaves for Toledo, Ohio.

4:15 p.m. EST: President Trump leaves for Toledo, Ohio.

4:15 p.m. EST: Last votes in the House.

9:10 p.m. EST: Vice President Pence gets back to Washington, D.C.

10:40 p.m. EST: President Trump gets back to the White House.

WHAT TO WATCH

11 a.m. EST: President Trump announced proposed National Environmental Policy Act regulations. Livestream: http://bit.ly/304RrZg

7 p.m. EST: President Trump holds a campaign rally in Toledo, Ohio. Vice President Pence also speaks. Livestream: https://cs.pn/35FYh8S

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Apricot Day.

And because you made it this far, here's a dog who refuses to sleep alone: http://bit.ly/2FzZsfw