memeorandum: POLITICO Playbook: Merry Christmas! (Jake Sherman/Politico)

4:15 PM ET, December 25, 2019

Top Items:

Murkowski ‘disturbed’ by McConnell's vow for ‘total coordination’ with White House for impeachment trial — ANCHORAGE (KTUU) - Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, says she was “disturbed” to hear Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell say there would be “total coordination” between the White House …

Discussion: Politico, Fox News, Axios, The Slot, Raw Story, New York Post, New York Times, Law & Crime, Joe.My.God., KTLA, The Hill, MSNBC and CNN

Meg Cunningham / ABC News:

Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she's ‘disturbed’ by McConnell's comments on White House coordination — “I happened to think that further confused the process,” she said. — Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said she was “disturbed” by possible coordination between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell …

Discussion: The Gateway Pundit

Karl Rove / Wall Street Journal:

Clinton's Impeachment Was Dignified — The Democratic base demanded a circus this time, and Pelosi is giving it to them. — There are always tensions between the House and the Senate, even when the same party controls both chambers. Each views the other, and its rules, procedures and attitudes, with some disdain.

Discussion: The Hill

CNN:

Moderate GOP senator ‘disturbed’ by McConnell's coordination with White House — Washington (CNN)Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said she is “disturbed” by coordination between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the White House over the upcoming Senate impeachment trial.

Associated Press:

GOP senator ‘disturbed’ by McConnell impeachment remark — FILE - In this Dec. 19, 2019 file photo, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, speaks during a hearing on the impact of wildfires on electric grid reliability on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Discussion: Raw Story and Bangor Daily News

Adam Edelman / NBC News:
GOP Sen. Murkowski ‘disturbed’ by McConnell comments about impeachment trial

Discussion: Raw Story

Washington Post:

In aftermath of Ukraine crisis, a climate of mistrust and threats — The new Russia adviser at the White House — the third in just six months — has no meaningful background on the subject. The only expert on Ukraine has never spoken with President Trump, only been mocked by him publicly.

Discussion: Raw Story

CNN:

US ambassador recalled after dispute with Zambian government over gay rights and corruption — Washington (CNN)In an extraordinary move, the State Department is pulling the US ambassador to Zambia after the president there objected to his harsh criticism of the government's record on corruption and gay rights.

Ruth Maclean / New York Times: Speaking Out on Gay Rights and Corruption Costs Ambassador His Job

Jake Sherman / Politico:

POLITICO Playbook: Merry Christmas! — MERRY CHRISTMAS! ... SPOTTED: Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump having Christmas Day brunch at the Ritz in Paris. Pic — CATCHING UP WITH TRUMP, from USA Today's MICHAEL COLLINS' pool reports yesterday: THE PRESIDENT went to church at Family Church …

Discussion: Associated Press, Palm Beach Post and Redstate

Alexandra Jaffe / Associated Press:
Bloomberg axes company using prisoners for campaign calls

Discussion: UPI and ABC News

Almog Ben Zikri / Haaretz:

Netanyahu Rushed Off Stage During Campaign Event as Rocket Intercepted in Southern Israel — Netanyahu taken off stage at event in southern port city of Ashkelon and later returned after rocket alerts blared in Gaza-border communities — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was rushed off …

Rebecca Klar / The Hill:

Trump calls for ‘deeper understanding and respect’ in Christmas message — President Trump called for unity and respect in his presidential Christmas message released Wednesday by the White House. — “While the challenges that face our country are great, the bonds that unite us as Americans …

Discussion: Axios

Maya King / Politico:

'We've never seen spending like this': Bloomberg, Steyer saturate airwaves — They entered the race late, but the two billionaires seeking the Democratic nomination are making up for lost time. — Together, Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg have poured nearly $200 million into television …

Discussion: The Hill

Evan Semones / Politico:

Trump campaign encourages supporters to confront their ‘snowflake’ relatives — With families coming together at the end of one of the most divisive years in recent memory, President Donald Trump's campaign has created what is intended to be a gift for supporters who might talk politics with a “snowflake” relative this Christmas.

Discussion: NPR, Fox News, Washington Post and Axios

Rebecca Klar / The Hill:
Trump campaign launches website to help supporters ‘win arguments’ with ‘snowflakes’ during holidays

Discussion: Breitbart

Jesse Pound / CNBC:

Global stock markets gained $17 trillion in value in 2019 — The value of the global stock markets is approaching $90 trillion. — Central banks and political developments around the world have boosted equities. — Big years for large U.S. tech stocks made up a significant part of the gains.

Associated Press:

Remains of US soldier killed in Afghanistan returned to US — DOVER, Del. (AP) — The remains of a 33-year-old American soldier killed in combat in Afghanistan have been returned to the United States, arriving at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. — Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Goble …

Discussion: Axios

Emily Goodin / Daily Mail:

Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, at midnight mass — Giuliani went after Soros in the interview, saying he was more Jewish than him. The former mayor has repeatedly targeted the billionaire as part of his argument of a deep state conspiracy at work against President Donald Trump.

Discussion: The Independent, HuffPost and Politico