It’s Friday! And it’s Veterans’ Day (observed)! We haven’t hit the government shutdown just yet. Hoping you get in some fun fall activities in the brief time we have left until a predicted cold and snowy winter. Get out and about while you can! Here’s what’s coming up:
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Sen. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat who has managed to become a big thorn in President Biden’s side, announced he won’t seek reelection in 2024.
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President Biden is touting Democratic victories in the off-year elections this week, despite his low polling.
- Puerto Rico just wants to talk.
I’m Liz Crisp, filling in for Cate. with a quick recap of the morning and what’s coming up. Send tips, commentary, feedback and cookie recipes to cmartel@digital-staging.thehill.com. Did someone forward this newsletter to you? Sign up here. |
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Country roads, take him home: |
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Sen. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat who played an outsized role as a key swing vote in the Senate as the Democratic-controlled chamber tried to advance many of President Biden’s priorities, announced he wouldn’t seek reelection in 2024.
Did anyone see this coming?: It’s not really a surprise to his colleagues. Manchin has garnered increased attention over his votes and even became known for his decision to live on a houseboat near the Capitol rather than renting an apartment. (The Hill)
Despite a frosty relationship, Biden often turned to Manchin. After Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema — another lawmaker who has held up some key votes and bills — switched from Democrat to Independent, she has been mostly ostracized from the party. But Manchin survived that fate, being invited to major meetings.
What now?: Democrats are disappointed because they saw Manchin as the only person in their party who stood a chance of keeping his seat blue in a deeply red state. With him bowing out, it’s all but certain that his seat will fall into the hands of the GOP. But Democrats say they are now turning their attention to battleground states Texas and Florida. (The Hill)
Republicans, meanwhile, are excited about Manchin’s announcement, with Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, saying, “We like our odds in West Virginia.”
What’s next for Manchin?: After attending an event this summer in New Hampshire for No Labels, a centrist organization aimed at electing a more independent candidate for president, Manchin has stirred up talk of a possible 2024 presidential run.
Has he denied these rumors?: No. While he has neither confirmed nor denied suggestions that he may run in 2024, Manchin in his statement said he will be “traveling the country and speaking out to see if there is an interest in creating a movement to mobilize the middle and bring Americans together.”
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Stefanik accuses judge of ‘inappropriate bias’: |
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), who has become a reliable soldier for former President Trump, has filed a judicial ethics complaint against the New York judge overseeing Trump’s civil fraud trial, accusing the judge of “inappropriate bias and judicial intemperance.” Stefanik, the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, has been a loyal ally of the former president, who is running for the White House again in 2024. She has argued that Judge Arthur Engoron showed a “clear judicial bias” against the former president. (The Hill) Read the whole complaint posted on X here. |
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POTUS jabs at GOP, Trump after election: |
President Biden, who has seen lagging poll numbers heading into 2024 and questions about his age (he turns 81 later this month), used an appearance earlier this week in Chicago to jab his political rivals following Democrats’ off-year election victories. Despite people repeatedly going after his age, Biden, 80, seems to still be able to troll his adversaries a bit.
“Democrats had an incredible night once again,” Biden said during a fundraising event, citing big wins in Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Biden also poked at former President Trump, saying Trump should take note of the victories. “We haven’t stopped winning, and he hasn’t stopped losing.” |
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➤ DEBATE AUDIENCE DWINDLES: |
Miss this week’s debate? You’re not alone: Fewer than 7 million people tuned in for the third on-stage contest in Miami between five GOP presidential contenders (sans front-runner former President Trump, who held a nearby rally).
The audience is down from 9 million who watched the second debate on Fox Business Network in October and the 12.8 million who watched the first debate on Fox News in August.
The figures don’t include those who watched the debate on streaming platforms or viewed highlights on social media or other news sites.
Reminder: The next debate will be held Dec. 6 in Alabama and will be hosted by NewsNation. |
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Let’s talk about Puerto Rico: |
If you are laser-focused on mainland politics, perhaps you’ve missed the situation going on in Puerto Rico. Supporters of changing Puerto Rico’s territorial status are trying to figure out a path forward between statehood and solvency. There is a fight over Puerto Rico (and Washington, D.C.) simmering on Capitol Hill. The Puerto Rico Status Act currently proposed in the Senate would have Puerto Rican voters decide if they want statehood, independence or a hybrid situation. Members of Congress who have dismissed the statehood discussion have argued for more input from voters in the territory. The Hill’s Rafael Bernal breaks down the very complex situation unfolding here. |
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While Veterans’ Day is officially on Nov. 11, it is being observed today.
President Biden will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery this weekend.
Here’s some Veterans’ Day-related coverage from The Hill: |
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🧁 It’s National Vanilla Cupcake Day. The fancy flavors may have gotten the most attention in recent years, but there is nothing like a good vanilla cupcake. And it’s Friday, so there’s your excuse to enjoy one!
💕 For the Travlor trackers: Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce allegedly has jetted off to Argentina to support new boo and pop superstar Taylor Swift at her concert this weekend since his schedule has him on a bye week. (People)
☕ Which Bravo Real Housewives may have crossed the lines, according to Beverly Hills sweetheart Crystal Kung Minkoff? She’s spilling the tea… (E Online)
🎬 The trailer for the new “Mean Girls” movie (coming in January 2024) dropped yesterday, and the internet has some thoughts. This post on X made me laugh. And so did this one. And this one, too.
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It’s a relatively sleepy day in D.C. The House and Senate are out until next week. President Biden has nothing on his public schedule, but this weekend he will take part in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington in honor of Veterans’ Day.
Vice President Harris is in Columbia, S.C., and formally filed paperwork for the Biden-Harris campaign to be on the state’s 2024 Democratic primary ballot. |
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