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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: Acosta under fire over Epstein plea deal | Acosta defends deal, calls Epstein's crimes 'horrific' | Democrats call for him to step down | White House defends labor chief | Appeals court rules Trump can't block people on Twitter | House Judiciary to subpoena Trump officials | Steyer jumps into 2020 race | Trump slams UK ambassador as 'very stupid' | Dems target McConnell to rally base | Ross Perot dies | Kohl's taking Amazon returns | Officials' summer reading lists

TALK OF THE MORNING

Alex Acosta Alex Alexander AcostaFederal litigator files complaint alleging Labor secretary abused his authority Appeals court to review legality of Epstein plea deal Appeals court finds prosecutors' secret plea agreement with Epstein didn't break law MORE is under fire for Jeffrey Epstein's plea deal:

Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta Alex Alexander AcostaFederal litigator files complaint alleging Labor secretary abused his authority Appeals court to review legality of Epstein plea deal Appeals court finds prosecutors' secret plea agreement with Epstein didn't break law MORE is under fire for a secret 2008 plea deal for billionaire Jeffrey Epstein that allowed Epstein to avoid a possible life sentence. Epstein was charged Monday with sex trafficking involving minors. He has pleaded not guilty. Critics say that prosecutors should have been tougher on Epstein in 2008. http://bit.ly/2YII0gX

How Acosta fits into this: Acosta was serving as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida and was involved in the plea deal. https://cbsn.ws/2YGTPUE

BREAKING REACTION FROM TRUMP:

President Trump Donald John TrumpSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Pelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Trump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance MORE just defended Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta.



Trump just told reporters — about Acosta: Trump said Acosta has been a "very good" Labor secretary and said he probably wished he handled the Epstein case differently. Trump also said he would be looking at the case "very carefully." http://bit.ly/2XCEaEC

JUST NOW -- ACOSTA DEFENDS THE PLEA DEAL:

Labor Secretary Alex Acosta defended the non-prosecution agreement with Jeffrey Epstein. http://bit.ly/2YHJ18J

Acosta tweeted: "The crimes committed by Epstein are horrific, and I am pleased that NY prosecutors are moving forward with a case based on new evidence. With the evidence available more than a decade ago, federal prosecutors insisted that Epstein go to jail, register as a sex offender and put the world on notice that he was a sexual predator." http://bit.ly/2YHJ18J

REACTIONS:

From Speaker Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' On The Money: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline Trump signs largely symbolic pre-existing conditions order amid lawsuit MORE (D-Calif.): Pelosi called for Acosta to resign. She tweeted: ".@SecretaryAcosta must step down. As US Attorney, he engaged in an unconscionable agreement w/ Jeffrey Epstein kept secret from courageous, young victims preventing them from seeking justice. This was known by @POTUS when he appointed him to the cabinet. #AcostaResign" http://bit.ly/2YIMpQV

From White House counselor Kellyanne Conway Kellyanne Elizabeth ConwaySpecial counsel investigating DeVos for potential Hatch Act violation: report George and Kellyanne Conway honor Ginsburg Trump carries on with rally, unaware of Ginsburg's death MORE: Conway defended Acosta. She told reporters: [Trump] met Alex Acosta when Alex applied and got the job, where he's doing a great job. You look at the economy." http://bit.ly/2YKRat4

It's Tuesday. 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

'You know what the 2020 presidential race needs a little more of? Me.':

Billionaire liberal activist 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 announced this morning that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for president. http://bit.ly/2xFc7de

What Steyer has been up to: Steyer is one of President Trump's fiercest critics and has launched a group to rally support for Trump's impeachment. He considered running for president last winter but instead decided to focus on Trump's impeachment efforts.

Why Steyer has an advantage: He is independently wealthy and already has a team of staffers from his existing political groups.

Why Steyer could have a hard time -- the obvious: Steyer is entering the race late and is trying to break into an already-crowded field of Democrats. He will likely face criticism from liberal groups because of his ability to self-fund his campaign.

Starting tomorrow: "Tom Steyer is placing new TV ad spending in IA, NV, NH and SC. Start date is tomorrow, 7/10" http://bit.ly/2YJjdJl

Updated chart from The Washington Post's Karen Tumulty: "Yup. It's getting messy again." Photo of the white board: http://bit.ly/2YS2lA8

This made me laugh, so thought I would share: "If I had a billion dollars I would buy the Batmobile from Batman Returns, teach a dog how to ride a tricycle, fund National Treasure 3, and then probably go live in a secluded mansion on some tropical island and never even consider running for president." (Tweet from IJR's Josh Billinson) http://bit.ly/2G3Xcxw

One in, one out: Yesterday, Rep. Eric Swalwell Eric Michael SwalwellSwalwell calls for creation of presidential crimes commission to investigate Trump when he leaves office 'This already exists': Democrats seize on potential Trump executive order on preexisting conditions Swalwell: Barr has taken Michael Cohen's job as Trump's fixer MORE (D-Calif.) dropped out of the 2020 race for president. https://politi.co/2YRq57T

Op-ed: http://bit.ly/2YKN5Fg

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TOM STEYER:

http://bit.ly/2YHPIYA

TIDBIT -- WHAT 2020 CANDIDATES ARE READING:

Via Politico Magazine, here's a list of what 2020 Democratic candidates, former FBI Director James Comey James Brien ComeySteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Judge will not dismiss McCabe's case against DOJ Democrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate MORE and other political leaders are reading this summer: https://politi.co/2G3PWlD

NEWS THIS MORNING

Rest in peace, Ross Perot:

Via Dallas News's Cheryl Hall, billionaire businessman and two-time presidential candidate Ross Perot died at 89 after a five-month battle with leukemia. http://bit.ly/2YOnj3e

Read his obituary: http://bit.ly/2YOnj3e

IN THE WHITE HOUSE

But blocking is so satisfying!:

The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals just ruled that President Trump cannot block Twitter users from his official account. http://bit.ly/2YILhNb

Keep in mind about Trump's Twitter account: "The president uses his Twitter account to make announcements, from personnel changes within his administration to the implementation of new policies."

Reasoning from the judges: "The First Amendment does not permit a public official who utilizes a social media account for all manner of official purposes to exclude persons from an otherwise‐open online dialogue because they expressed views with which the official disagrees."

No fat lady singing yet:

Attorney General William Barr Bill BarrHillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Bipartisan representatives demand answers on expired surveillance programs YouTube to battle mail-in voting misinformation with info panel on videos MORE told The Associated Press that he believes, like President Trump, that the citizenship question can still be added to the 2020 census despite the Supreme Court's ruling against it. http://bit.ly/2YM13a0

In Barr's words: "I agree with him that the Supreme Court decision was wrong." Barr also said that he thinks there is "an opportunity potentially to cure the lack of clarity that was the problem and we might as well take a shot at doing that."

Barr's rationale: That is unclear. Barr didn't explain how the administration might go about including the question.

When was the last time you described someone as wacky:

This morning, President Trump ramped up his criticism against the British ambassador to the United States, calling him "wacky," "a very stupid guy" and a "pompous fool." http://bit.ly/2YIBNl5

For example -- one of Trump's tweets: "The wacky Ambassador that the U.K. foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy. He should speak to his country, and Prime Minister May, about their failed Brexit negotiation, and not be upset with my criticism of how badly it was handled." Read Trump's full tweets: http://bit.ly/2YEVaLS

What sparked this: In newly unearthed memos, British Ambassador Kim Darroch reportedly described President Trump as "incompetent" and "inept." http://bit.ly/2YS7JmQ

IN CONGRESS

Happening on Thursday -- more subpoenas!:

The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Thursday to authorize subpoenas of current and former Trump administration officials. http://bit.ly/2YENjxI

Why: They are related to the committee's investigation of alleged obstruction of justice and the administration's immigration policies.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler Jerrold (Jerry) Lewis NadlerDemocrats shoot down talk of expanding Supreme Court Schumer: 'Nothing is off the table' if GOP moves forward with Ginsburg replacement Top Democrats call for DOJ watchdog to probe Barr over possible 2020 election influence MORE (D-N.Y.) said in a statement: "For months, we have held hearings and sent letters to the agencies of jurisdiction involved with implementing a catastrophic and inhumane family separation policy at the Southern border. Many questions remain and it is past time for a full accounting of this policy and practice. ... The Committee will also move forward with our efforts to request information from critical witnesses as part of our ongoing investigation into obstruction, corruption and abuse of power by the President and his associates."

Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellTrump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance On The Money: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline The Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power MORE is getting Photoshop-ready:

Via The Hill's Alexander Bolton, Democrats are planning to demonize Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) by using him as the poster boy for the 2020 congressional elections. http://bit.ly/2YESe1O

Why: "McConnell has often flown below the public's radar with his low-key demeanor, but after two bruising Supreme Court fights over the past three years and the recent accumulation of House-passed bills going nowhere in the Senate, Democrats say using McConnell as a rallying banner can be part of a winning strategy."

What to expect: http://bit.ly/2YESe1O

ALSO THIS MORNING -- MCCONNELL GETS A CHALLENGER:

"Retired Marine and previous Democratic congressional candidate Amy McGrath on Tuesday announced that she is launching a 2020 challenge against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) in Kentucky." http://bit.ly/2YGAx1T

NOTABLE TWEETS

One positive from yesterday's flash flooding in D.C.:

The storm appears to have helped the operation of the Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park fountain. pic.twitter.com/28CfyGUO3V — Niels Lesniewski (@nielslesniewski) July 8, 2019

ON TAP

The Senate is in. The House meets this afternoon. President Trump and Vice President Pence are in Washington, D.C.

11 a.m. EDT: Vice President Pence met with the Latvian prime minister.

Noon -- 1:35 p.m. EDT: President Trump meets with the emir of Qatar. Vice President Pence also attends.

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

2 p.m. EDT: The House meets.

4:30 p.m. EDT: The Senate votes on a nomination. The Senate's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2YJz9eG

6:30 p.m. EDT: Votes in the House. The House's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2YHotxp

July 17: 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 will testify before the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees. http://bit.ly/2Llw8gS

WHAT TO WATCH

2 p.m. EDT: Senate Republican leaders hold a press conference. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2YOtjJi



2:30 p.m. EDT: Senate Democratic leaders hold a press conference. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2YOtynG

3 p.m. EDT: A Senate subcommittee is holding a hearing on NASA exploration. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2YKakiI

9 p.m. EDT: U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe will appear on MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Rachel Anne MaddowGOP lawmakers distance themselves from Trump comments on transfer of power Schiff urges Trump administration members to resign: 'You cannot maintain your silence' Michael Cohen: Trump hates Obama because he's everything he 'wants to be' MORE Show." http://bit.ly/2G0UeKw

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Sugar Cookie Day.

You can now return Amazon products to Kohl's:

Via The New York Times's Sapna Maheshwari, "Kohl's said on Monday that it was now accepting Amazon returns at its more than 1,100 stores after running a pilot program in 100 locations. The retailer, which will pack, label and ship the returns for free, expects the program to benefit millions of shoppers along with bringing more people into their stores." Details: https://nyti.ms/2G3Dl1x

And to brighten your Tuesday afternoon, here's a deer in Michigan that decided to enjoy a day at the beach just like the humans: http://bit.ly/2YJvQUW