Staff Reports
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate held confirmation hearings for a half-dozen Cabinet appointees, including Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.
Besides a brief interruption from protesters in the crowd, Rubio’s hearing went off without a hitch. Having served in the Senate for 15 years, Rubio is a known quantity to his colleagues, and he is expected to get the green light quickly — Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said it could be official as soon as Monday.
Unlike some of President-elect Donald Trump’s other picks, his selection of Rubio for Secretary of State generated little controversy.
Likewise, it’s expected that many Democrats will give the Florida Republican their vote. Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia said he was happy Rubio was the nominee, noting their work together over the years and that Rubio was “extremely well prepared.”
Bondi’s first hearing was more contentious. Democrats grilled her throughout on various statements Trump has made about the Department of Justice, and whether a Bondi-run DOJ would be truly independent.
Bondi said there will be no political prosecutions from the Justice Department under her watch, nor will there be an “enemies’ list,” as she brushed aside questions about potential targets of Trump’s retribution.
“I am not going to answer hypotheticals. No one has been prejudged or not, nor will anyone be prejudged if I am confirmed,” Bondi said in response to Hawaii U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who pressed Bondi on whether she would consider pressing charges against Special Counsel Jack Smith, the prosecutor who brought two federal cases against Trump.
Evening Reads
—“Four takeaways from Pam Bondi’s confirmation hearing” via Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times
—”Donald Trump AG nominee Bondi: ‘I am very proud’ of lobbying work for Qatar” via Gabby Deutch of Jewish Insider
—“‘I don’t have to say anything’: Bondi dodges 2020 Election question at Senate hearing” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel
— “Marco Rubio warns China is America’s ‘biggest threat,’ affirms value of NATO alliance” via Farnoush Amiri, Matthew Lee and Didi Tang of The Associated Press
—“The questions Pete Hegseth wouldn’t answer” via Aaron Blake of The Washington Post
—”MAGA’s demon-haunted world” via Helen Lewis of The Atlantic
—”The Supreme Court seems eager to curb First Amendment protections for porn” via Ian Millhiser of Vox
—”Mark Zuckerberg will host a party for Trump’s inauguration” via Theodore Schleifer and Mike Isaac of The New York Times
—”Powerhouse Florida lobbying firm Rubin Turnbull expands to D.C., led by Caroline Wiles” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics”
—“We are all going to pay for the L.A. fire” via Lois Parshley of Rolling Stone
Quote of the Day
“I get bilingual protesters.”
— U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, after a Spanish-speaking protester disrupted his confirmation hearing.
Put it on the Tab
Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.
Florida’s senior Senator technically has to wait a few more days, but you’ve got the all-clear to order him a Foggy Bottom Breeze.
Rubio’s confirmation is imminent, but who will replace him is still a question mark. Pour the Governor a Mystery Man for drawing out the suspense.
There will be no Garnet and Gold game in Tallahassee in 2025. Given how last season went, we’ll raise a Mercy to that decision.
Breakthrough Insights
Tune In
Heat dealing with distractions on long road trip
The Miami Heat conclude a six-game road trip with their second consecutive game in Los Angeles tonight as they face the Lakers (10 p.m. ET, FanDuel Sports Network-Sun).
The Heat (20-18) saw a three-game winning streak snapped on Monday in a loss to the Clippers. Miami guard Tyler Herro scored 32 points for the second consecutive road game in the loss.
Miami continues to deal with the drama surrounding forward Jimmy Butler, who reportedly told Heat president Pat Riley once again that he wants to be traded. Butler allegedly told Riley that he would not sign a new deal. Butler’s seven-game team suspension ends tonight. He was suspended for “detrimental conduct” before the team departed on a six-game road trip that ends tonight.
The Heat are seventh in the Eastern Conference as the midway point of the season approaches. If the season ended today, Miami would have to play its way into the playoffs.
The Lakers (20-17) are in a similar position in the Western Conference, half a game out of the top six thanks to a recent three-game losing streak. LeBron James is dealing with a foot injury but is listed as probable for tonight’s game. James scored 29 points and dished out eight assists in a 134-93 loss to his former team on Dec. 4.
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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.
