The Point: What if Republicans can't 'get over it'?

View this email in your browser October 18, 2019  | by Lauren Dezenski What if Republicans can't 'get over it'? A rare press briefing from a Trump administration official yielded an especially telling line about the Trump presidency: "Get over it." President Donald Trump's acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said it after confirming the existence of a quid pro quo and offered it up as a retort, but it's essentially the Trump administration's answer to any number of issues swirling around the White House at any given time. It has a classic Trumpian flavor, charging straight ahead no matter what the haters say, as you can see in decisions like removing troops from Syria and even hosting the G7 at Trump's own property in Florida. Still, Mulvaney's press conference, in which he also admitted to a quid pro quo with Ukraine, didn't go over so well. Mulvaney subsequently walked those comments back, but it ultimately left questions about his future in the Trump administration. And there are even some members of Trump's own party who may not be able to "get over" Trump's latest maneuverings on Syria -- and even in the looming impeachment battle. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a vocal Trump ally, is among a chorus of Republicans critical of Trump's Syrian withdrawal. Graham called it the "biggest mistake" of Trump's presidency.  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell briefed Senate Republicans behind closed doors about the House's impeachment inquiry -- and what happens next. He previewed the workload of a Senate impeachment trial (Spoiler alert: It involves working six days a week) and predicted the Senate's trial could be over by Christmas. The Point: Trump and Mulvaney may take pleasure in telling Democrats and reporters to get over it, but can they say the same thing to their own party?  -- Lauren And now, the week that was in 20 headlines: Monday Returning lawmakers face tough choices, uncertain paths on Syria Lawyer: Giuliani associate 'being cooperative' with House impeachment probe Fiona Hill was Trump's top Russia adviser. Now she's testifying on the Ukraine scandal Tuesday Former Rep. Pete Sessions subpoenaed on matters connected to Giuliani and associates' Ukraine dealings, source says 2020 Democrats debate against backdrop of impeachment inquiry Mounting frustration inside White House over Hill depositions Hunter Biden says he used 'poor judgment' in serving on board of Ukraine gas company US troops express anger at Trump's Syria policy: 'We betrayed' the Kurds Wednesday Pence and Pompeo to meet with Erdogan after Trump undermines their effort Trump wrote letter to Erdogan telling him 'don't be a fool' McConnell previews Senate impeachment trial and speculates it could end by Christmas Graham calls Syria decision 'biggest mistake' of Trump presidency Trump claims Turkish incursion into Syria 'has nothing to do with us' and Kurds are 'not angels' Thursday Mulvaney brashly admits quid pro quo over Ukraine aid as key details emerge Pence says ceasefire agreed in Syria Trump to host G7 at his own Florida resort property Trump likens Turkish attack on Kurds to schoolyard fight: 'Let them fight and then you pull them apart' Rep. Elijah Cummings dies at age 68 Friday Washington Post: Career diplomat testifies he raised concerns about Hunter Biden's Ukraine work in 2015 Rick Perry 'didn't see a problem' talking to Giuliani about Ukraine and 'doesn't know' if he'll comply with House subpoena QUOTE OF THE DAY "I guess I'm the Meryl Streep of generals." -- Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis, laughing off news that Trump called him "the world's most overrated general." MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, AGAIN President Donald Trump (Jr.)? Chris digs into the very real possibility that we could have another Donald Trump presidency. Discover all that is possible with The Point on YouTube.  LAUREN'S GOOD READS Behind Rudy and Trump's long history Vogue had art experts analyze that Pelosi vs. Trump picture Always love Politico's roundup of political cartoons Greetings from the Nats bandwagon! On political speech in soccer stadiums Comedian Ali Wong's guide to Asian restaurants MUSICAL INTERLUDE New Phoebe Bridgers! "Walking on a String" with Matt Berninger.  LAUREN'S CAMPAIGN TRAIL LATEST Coming over the next week: Bernie Sanders is back on the trail with a big rally in New York, Iowa serves a major post-debate draw for most of the field and Andrew Yang gets his turn at New Hampshire's iconic Politics & Eggs forum on Wednesday.    Friday, October 18 Amy Klobuchar: Kicks off a three-day bus tour through Iowa  Saturday, October 19 Bernie Sanders: Holds his "Bernie's Back" rally in New York alongside his latest endorser, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Julián Castro: Visits Nevada for two days, including attending the Las Vegas National Organization for Women monthly meeting. Sunday, October 20 Cory Booker: Finishes a three-day campaign swing through South Carolina. (And apparently is a big reader!) Passport to Victory Fall Tour: Hosted by Iowa's First District Democrats, with Marianne Williamson, Tom Steyer and Michael Bennet. Elizabeth Warren: Hosts town halls in Indianola and Des Moines, Iowa. Linn County Hall of Fame Dinner: Draws Amy Klobuchar, Tom Steyer, Kamala Harris, Tulsi Gabbard, John Delaney and Michael Bennet to honor contributors to the local Democratic Party. Monday, October 21 Cory Booker: Hosts a grassroots fundraising event in Boston, plus two campaign meet-and-greets in New Hampshire. Marianne Williamson: Speaks at Clark University in Iowa. Tulsi Gabbard: Closes out a four-day campaign tour through Iowa with a town hall in Grinnell. Kamala Harris: Hosts a house party and town hall in Iowa. Elizabeth Warren: Holds a town hall at Iowa State University. Wednesday, October 23 Pete Buttigieg: Visits a marijuana dispensary and grow house on his two-day tour through Nevada. Andrew Yang: Participates in New Hampshire's Politics & Eggs forum at St. Anselm College. Thursday, October 24 Latino town hall: Bernie Sanders, Beto O'Rourke, Tulsi Gabbard and Julián Castro attend a Des Moines town hall sponsored by LULAC and NewsMax TV. Elizabeth Warren: Holds two town halls in New Hampshire. ONE BIG THING 26,765 The number of days President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, have been married (that's more than 75 years), making them the longest-married presidential couple. The previous record was held by the late George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush. We'd love to share our other newsletters with you. Follow this link for daily coverage of the world's top stories, savvy market insights, an insider's look into the media and more. Send your tips and thoughts via email to Chris Cillizza and Lauren Dezenski. Follow Chris and Lauren on Twitter. Subscribe to The Point unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences  Copyright © 2019 Cable News Network, LP, LLLP. A WarnerMedia Company. All Rights Reserved., All rights reserved. You are receiving this message because you subscribed to CNN's The Point with Chris Cillizza newsletter. Our mailing address is: Cable News Network, LP, LLLP. A WarnerMedia Company. 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