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 QUOTE OF THE DAY  |
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"Wanted man found asleep in store's bed department" – An actual headline about a man found in an Ikea. A real life bad dream.
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THINGS YOU'RE GONNA TELL YOUR KIDS ABOUT
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The Dem Debate
The Story
Democrats had a surprisingly laid-back debate.
Um. What?
Correct. Yesterday was the fifth Democratic primary debate. The top 10 candidates made the cutoff. And this time, all the moderators were women. In the backdrop of all the DC drama, Dems were pretty low-key. Here's what they talked about:
Impeachment…Former VP Joe Biden says he's learned from all of this that President Trump doesn't want him to be the nominee. But he didn't face questions about his son being a major topic of an impeachment inquiry.
Climate change...an issue that could impact humans for decades had mere minutes on stage. But here's what we learned: billionaire activist and donor Tom Steyer is the new Jay Inslee. And Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is open to prosecuting the fossil fuel industry.
Foreign policy...Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) beefed with South Bend, IN Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who pointed out that Dems aren't trying to invade Mexico. As president, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) would call out China for human rights violations. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang would tell Russian President Vladimir Putin, "I'm sorry I beat your guy."
Abortion...Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) pointed out the economic disparities of abortion access. Sanders would like to point out that he's an ally.
Daycare and paid family leave...Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) wants to provide six months of paid leave. Sen. Amy Klobuchar's (D-MN) plan is for three months, but says she'd love to do more.
Any fun stuff?
Klobuchar shouted out Stacey Abrams, Nancy Pelosi, and ex-boyfriends. Buttigieg doesn't even golf. Harris would like Biden to know that she's in the Senate. Yang dedicates this one to all the parents. And misses his friend.
theSkimm
Despite expectations for this debate to be a showdown between the four top contenders, no one emerged as the frontrunner. At this point, Dems face a challenge in finding a candidate that will not only unite moderate and progressive voters, but be able to defeat Trump next November.
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The Impeachment Inquiry
The Story
US Ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland came to the impeachment inquiry hearings ready to play.
Meaning...what exactly?
He said in his opening statement that the House Intel Committee has been trying to get a clear answer on whether there was a quid pro quo. His answer: yes. President Trump never directly told him that he was withholding military aid from Ukraine in exchange for its president announcing investigations – including one into a company tied to former VP Joe Biden's son. But Sondland believed it was linked.
I feel like there's more...
There is. Another claim he made was that "everyone was in the loop" about the push for these investigations, including VP Mike Pence. That the State Department and White House denied Sondland's requests to access his documents and emails – something Dems may use as a case for "obstruction." And that when he asked Trump what he wanted to do with Ukraine, the president responded, "I want nothing, I want nothing, I want no quid pro quo." Trump is using this point to say 'case closed.'
theSkimm
Sondland was one of the most-anticipated witnesses in these public impeachment inquiry hearings. And to Dems, he did not disappoint. But Republicans argue that Sondland's testimony was nothing more than speculation.
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Where people might be heading back to the polls…
Israel. Last month, former army chief Benny Gantz was given an opportunity to form a coalition after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to do so. Yesterday, Gantz said 'yeah...I can't do it either.' Now, any member of Israel's parliament has three weeks to try to get a majority and become prime minister. If not, the country could be looking at a third election in less than a year.
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What has its lawyers on speed-dial…
General Motors. Yesterday, the company filed a federal suit against Fiat Chrysler for allegedly bribing an auto labor union. GM also said that Fiat Chrysler "corrupted" collective bargaining agreements multiple times in the past to get an advantage over GM. Now GM is seeking damages. Fiat Chrysler isn't cruising with the allegations, calling them "meritless" and saying it will defend itself.
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Who's taking a step back…
Prince Andrew. Yesterday, he announced that he's taking a break from public duties "for the foreseeable future." This comes days after a disastrous interview the prince gave about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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What do getting a raise, facing a big medical bill, and constantly 'borrowing' from your savings account have in common? They're all signs you may need to fine-tune your budget. We can help with that.
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For when the mall parking lot is a nightmare…
Avoid at all costs. We have tips to help you shop online smarter. Psst...the first step is the right credit card. Use the Cash Rewards card from Bank of America to earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, like online shopping. Done and done.*
For when you want to feel good about your gift …
Enter these makeup sets from Thrive Causemetics. They're discounted for the holiday season, and come with a free gift-worthy makeup bag. Bonus: the company gives back to good causes. Get gifting.*
For when your bra drawer needs a complete overhaul…
Do it right with this brand. They have soft bras, plus a limited edition sports bra that comes in jade and violet. Oh, and their recycling program lets you sustainably get rid of your old ones. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off. Hop to it.*
For when you consider yourself an excellent gift-giver…
It's your time to shine. This company makes sustainable eucalyptus sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases and throw blankets. And Skimm'rs get early access to their biggest sale of the year. You have twenty-four hours until it's open to the public. Go go go.*
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FYI - Don’t miss our monthly SmarterPack newsletter for more of our favorite picks. Sign up here.
*PS This is a sponsored post.
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Congrats to…Alyssa A (FL). She's going to help open the new Sesame Street Christmas parade at SeaWorld in Orlando. And she's learning the parade with her cast in less than two weeks.
Spotlight on…Michael H (CT). He was on an album that won three Grammys this year. And was recognized for being a vocalist on that winning album. Sing your heart out.
(Some) Birthdays...Shaina Frimerman (NY), Weezie Lauher (MA), Sid Sinha (GA), Emily Caron (VA), Kati Quigley (WA), Lindsay Roberts (NY), Heidi Hilty (OH), Amanda Freeman (TX), Molly O'Connor, Erin Meeks (FL), Christine Congelosi (NY), Ilana Eides (MA), Samantha Davis (OH)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
