First look:

AOC is not a very smart person -- and she can't hide it
McConnell rolls out the welcome mat for Joe Manchin
The Bidens got a puppy for Christmas - let's call him "Distraction"
Biden set to speak today on COVID, will he take questions?

Math is not AOC's strong suit

Headline: ‘NOT AN EXPERT’: AOC Claims She ‘Represents Just as Many or More People’ than Joe Manchin

The First take: Even if we gave Senator Manchin credit for representing half of West Virginia's population, AOC would still be wrong (by a lot).

READ IT ALL HERE

BONUS: Bette Midler apologizes after calling everyone in West Virginia, "poor, illiterate and strung out."

Would Joe Manchin consider jumping to the GOP? McConnell's open to it

Headline: McConnell says he would welcome Manchin to the GOP

The First take: If you asked us a month ago would it be a real possibility that Joe Manchin would cross the aisle and join the GOP, we would have called that a nice idea, buuuuut now...? We are still dubious, but a lot more hopeful.

GET THE WHOLE STORY HERE

Bonus: Ted Cruz thinks Dems' treatment of Manchin might inspire him to jump over to the GOP side of the aisle

Joey got a puppy for Christmas! We're naming him "Distraction"

Headline: Bidens add new German Shepherd puppy Commander to first family

The First take: When your poll numbers are in a free-fall and you can't get your agenda passed, get a puppy! Also, we would like to know what happened to the White House cat?

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What's Joe going to say today?

Headline: Biden to pledge 500M free COVID-19 tests to counter omicron

The First take: We've been told Biden's address today is going to focus on COVID and the omicron variant, as well as a commitment to the largest virus testing program in the history of the country. And then there's the obvious elephant in the room -- Biden's failed Build Back Better bill. Will Joe take any questions? Jen Psaki says it depends on what they ask. What?!

CHECK OUT THE DETAILS