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OCTOBER 16, 2019

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  QUOTE OF THE DAY  

"It was beyond comforting" – A woman got a surprise visit from a dog she previously fostered and shared all the pics. Tissues not included.

2020 VISION

The Story

Last night's Democratic presidential debate was the first where impeachment wasn't just a talking point.

But they did talk about it…right?

Of course. All of the candidates agree that the impeachment inquiry into President Trump is necessary. Things got a little awkward since former VP Joe Biden was there. He defended himself and his son, saying they didn't do anything wrong and that everyone should be focusing on the fact that Trump has called for foreign interference in our elections. Three times.

Where do things stand on impeachment?

The House is holding off on a formal vote to authorize an impeachment inquiry...even though one is already underway. The White House and Republicans have called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to hold a vote, arguing that it's an illegitimate probe without one. One reason why the House may hold off is to not risk losing voters ahead of 2020. Meanwhile, VP Mike Pence and Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani aren't interested in cooperating with the inquiry.

What about Turkey? Did it come up?

You bet. The candidates criticized Trump for pulling US troops out of northern Syria and leaving the Kurds on their own to fight off the Turkish military offensive. Biden called it "shameful." Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and South Bend, IN Mayor Pete Buttigieg – the two military veterans on the stage – faced off over US involvement in Syria. And Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) no longer considers Turkey a US ally.

What else...

A lot. Especially since the debate was a glorious three. Full. Hours. Here are some of the other big moments…


Meet the new front-runner...Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). She's been rising in the polls recently and others like Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) were ready to pounce. She fended off attacks on whether the wealth tax is the best way to handle income inequality and how she'll pay for her Medicare for All plan (something she didn't directly answer).


Abortion…candidates criticized the red states that have passed restrictive abortion bills. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) voiced concerns that they disproportionately affect low-income women, and wants to implement a White House office to focus on abortion rights. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) said she'd have the Justice Dept review state laws on this issue. Some, including former HUD Sec Julián Castro, Booker, Gabbard, Klobuchar, and Biden said they'd codify Roe v Wade. Biden also warned against making changes to the Supreme Court bench if it were to overturn the 1973 SCOTUS ruling.


Guns…the debate took place 80 miles east of Dayton, OH, where a gunman killed nine people over the summer. Former Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-TX) wants a mandatory buyback program for assault-style weapons. But Buttigieg says he doesn't have a comprehensive enough plan, and that time is running out on the issue.


Age is (maybe) just a number…this was Sanders' first time back since he suffered a heart attack. But he showed no signs of slowing his campaign down – and is expected to get a major "squad" endorsement this weekend. Biden wants everyone to know he'd be happy to turn 80 in the White House and that he can most definitely handle the job with little to no onboarding. Gabbard, who'd be the youngest-elected president if she won, says we should be asking who is fit to serve as commander-in-chief rather than looking at age.


Say hi to the new guy…the name's Steyer. Tom Steyer.

theSkimm

This debate went down in Ohio – typically a swing state – where Trump won by eight points in 2016. Dem candidates used the opportunity to make the case for impeachment, their agendas, and their friends. But with 19 of them still in the race, there's a long road ahead before we know which two names will end up on the Dem ticket.


Skimm More: Missed last night's debate? Download theSkimm App so it doesn't happen again. Our cal syncs with yours to keep you in the know on important events like this one.

AND ALSO...THIS

What's trying to let us down easy…

The International Monetary Fund. It says that 2019 will have the weakest global economic growth since the 2008 financial crisis. Great way to start the day, right? A big reason for the downgrade is the US-China trade tensions. Even though both sides reached a temporary ceasefire on tariffs, they still haven't agreed on a formal deal. But the IMF is looking beyond 2019 too. Its crystal ball shows that the world economy will rebound a bit next year...but that the US economy will keep slowing down.


$: What's money got to do with it? Here's how trade wars can affect your wallet.


Who people are talking about…

Cuba Gooding Jr. Yesterday, the actor pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual misconduct. But he's not in the clear yet. Prosecutors say they want to call 12 other women to testify against him. Their allegations range from 2001 to 2018 and involve similar behavior to what he's currently on trial for. His lawyer says he is "absolutely dumbfounded" by the allegations.


What's giving off serious "Black Mirror" vibes…

Google's new phone. Yesterday, the company introduced the Pixel 4 and its futuristic features. Including radar tech that can detect your movements without touching the phone for easier communication. Because actually touching your phone is so 2018.


PS: GV (formerly Google Ventures) is a minority investor in theSkimm.


What's adding more than carne asada to its menu…

Chipotle.

THING TO KNOW

FYI, October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. And we're teaming up with Google to help you keep things on lock.


Reuse attack

Not about you wearing the same jeans every day (because, same). Reuse attacks happen when a hacker gets access to one of your passwords...and you've used it for other accounts, too.


It's one of the reasons why using the same password leaves all of your accounts vulnerable. So make Google's Password Manager your friend. It creates unique passwords, remembers them across devices, and warns you of any security issues. Done and done.

SKIMM PICKS

For when you had a late night but have an early meeting…

Up and at 'em. Look alive with Thrive Causemetics' Brilliant Eye Brightener. It's infused with macadamia and meadowfoam oils. Translation: it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. Plus it brightens and lifts. Take a look.*


For when diamonds are a girl's best friend…

Plot twist: they're also a scientist's...and a geologist's...and a wallet's. JamesAllen.com helped us figure out why lab-created diamonds make the cut. Read up on it here.*


For when you only know how to cook one thing…

Branch out. This meal kit service has lots of options to choose from, including plans for different diets and lifestyles. And meals only take 30 minutes to make. PS: Skimm'rs get $80 off. Bon appétit.*

*PS This is a sponsored post.

SKIMM'RS

Up with theSkimm with…Allyn Rose. She's a women's health and breast cancer awareness advocate. She had a preventative double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery at 26 years old because of her family history. She gave us tips on whether you should get tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and options to consider if you test positive or have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Watch here.


(Some) Birthdays…Sam Schechter (FL), Nicole Saglamer (NY), Kelly Wuyscik (MD), Aimee Brandt (CA), Elizabeth Dyer (TX), Ashley Rogoff (MI), Stacie Nagirnyak (OH), Courtney Bonnell (MO), Jessica Foster (OH), Jessica Mardock (CO), Rita Collura (OH), Amanda Webber (PA), Lisa Schaedler (IL), Jean Barnard (OH)


*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.