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TOP O’ THE MORNIN’

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As far as I’m concerned, Democrats and the press lost the civility/decency/new tone argument long ago, and have about as much credibility to lecture on the topic as Bill Clinton does on the sanctity of marriage.

Hopefully, the new Prime Minister (or governor) of Canada will understand that Trump is serious — the fleecing of the United States taxpayer will no longer be tolerated.

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No one here has shot red coats in a few centuries, but if British cops seem to feel froggy about reliving the past, we’re always happy to oblige.

I think they’re gonna need a bigger bear.

Her endless letter to Hegseth is part of her effort to preserve and protect the far-left, deeply politicized Defense Department that has been created over the last two Democrat administrations.

Prayers up, folks. This fire is going to be a horrific one. Meanwhile, is the National Guard going to be deployed? Who’s in charge?

And that The New York Times is accidentally giving The Babylon Bee a run for its money as America’s leading parody publication.

WHAT’S ON TAP?

Today on Capitol Hill…

The House passed the Laken Riley Act Tuesday on a bipartisan basis (264-159), and the measure now moves to the Senate — where at least one Democrat has already signaled support for it.

Meanwhile, other Senate Democrats are focused on “clarifying” the scope of the incoming president’s military powers (purely for altruistic reasons, no doubt).

President-elect Donald Trump will be on the Hill Wednesday to meet with Senate Republicans. Front and center in their discussions will be settling on a plan to advance Trump’s agenda, beginning with immigration and tax cuts.

And the body of former President Jimmy Carter is now lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda. Funeral services will be held for him at the National Cathedral on Thursday.

This afternoon, Congress joined the Carter family and the nation in honoring the life of President Carter.

May we heed his call to live our lives “as though Christ was coming this afternoon.” pic.twitter.com/LavH2q1ana

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 8, 2025

White House What’s Up

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill are set to head back to the White House from Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday. Biden’s Tuesday plans to deliver remarks in Thermal, California, regarding the creation of two national monuments to honor Native American tribes had to be scuttled in light of the massive wildfire outbreak fueled by dry conditions and extremely high winds.

Full Court Press…

Lots of moving pieces on the Trump legal front as Lawfarepalooza breathes its dying gasps. On Tuesday, Judge Aileen Cannon temporarily enjoined (former) Special Counsel Jack Smith from releasing his “Final Report” (regarding his prosecutions of the former and future president). The matter now awaits a ruling from the 11th Circuit.

Meanwhile, in New York, the Appellate Division sided with Judge Juan Merchan in denying Trump’s request to stay sentencing, currently set for Friday. Merchan has signaled he’ll likely sentence Trump to an “unconditional discharge,” meaning the conviction stays with him but no incarceration or serious punishment will be meted out. Either way, it’s all getting appealed and likely won’t all be sorted out for quite some time.

On a happier legal note for Trump, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been ordered to pay over $20,000 in fines to Judicial Watch for attorney’s fees and costs in connection with their open records lawsuit against her office.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

As noted above, the funeral for former President Jimmy Carter will be held on Thursday at the National Cathedral. President Biden will attend that, then head to Rome for a visit with Pope Francis.

As the 119th Congress gets fully underway, leaders in both houses will need to map out how they’re going to tackle the debt limit issue and funding the government (as the current CR expires on March 14).

MORNING MUSING

I’ve been watching the horrific images and videos emerging from Los Angeles since late Tuesday afternoon. The destruction is mindboggling, and conditions being what they are, it looks to continue through today. Can only hope and pray that those in the path of the fires are able to evacuate to safety. I’m not sure we’re prepared for what much of the L.A. area will look like when the smoke clears. My heart hurts for friends and family in the area and for all affected by it. Please keep them in your prayers.

View from the sky above LA.
Pacific Palisades and Malibu engulfed in flames. Absolutely Horrific. pic.twitter.com/Q5O8XgEHng

— Dan Hellie (@DanHellie) January 8, 2025

All the smoke detectors are going off in our house and transmitting to our iPhones.

I couldn’t believe our lovely little home in the hills held on this long. It feels like losing a loved one.

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 8, 2025