Good morning, and welcome to RedState's "Morning Minute" — a brief glimpse at which stories are trending at the moment and a look ahead at what the day may bring. Consider this your one-stop shop for news to kickstart your day. 

TOP O' THE MORNIN'

Trump Drops Brutal Clip of Regime's Cover Up of Biden's Decline

But perhaps in a supreme example of karma, all the scrambling and covering came back and bit them in the butt when they were caught short, shoving him aside after the debate and swapping in Kamala.

Scott Jennings and Other Americans Have Thoughts When Tim Walz and Wife Post About a Box

In the words of former CNN reporter Chris Cillizza, the selection of Tim Walz as Kamala Harris' running mate "was a dud." That encapsulated it for most Americans.

WATCH: Woman Runs Into Justin Trudeau at a Ski Resort, Gently Explains to Him That ‘You Suck’

Duggan was right. He does suck. And everybody seems to agree on that matter these days.

WHAT'S ON TAP?

Today on Capitol Hill...

Okay, so Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) secured President-elect Donald Trump's full-throated endorsement to be reelected as speaker when the House holds its leadership vote on Friday. Will that be enough to secure the 218 votes he needs? If not, we could, as our Townhall colleague Katie Pavlich explains, find ourselves looking at an Acting President Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

Ahead of Senate confirmation hearings set to begin next week, Trump is urging Republicans to be "smart and tough" in the face of Democrats and their tricks aimed at delaying confirmation of his nominees. 

White House What's Up

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill (and presumably Hunter and Ashley) are winging their way back home from St. Croix on Tuesday. They'll fly into Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, then head to their home in Wilmington, Delaware, to ring in the new year. 

Full Court Press...

Former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (D) lost his bid to further delay his sentencing until after the completion of his wife Nadine's trial, which is now set to begin in early February. Menendez was convicted on federal corruption charges in July. His sentencing will proceed on January 29. 

MORNING MUSING

I'm not sure how we managed it, but somehow, here we are: the last day of 2024. I've long since resigned myself to the fact that the older I get, the more time accelerates. I'm sure there's a logical, scientific explanation for that. It makes a certain amount of sense — when you're only 1 year old, a year is your entire life; when you're 50, it's only 2 percent of it. I can't really say I'm a fan of that perceived acceleration — even while I'm anxious for the remaining days of the Biden rein to hurry up and wind down. It's been a heckuva year from a covering-the-news standpoint, that's for certain. But I have to say, I don't think I'm all that sorry to bid 2024 adieu. 

LIGHTER FARE 

I have seen cats play in countless ways, but I don't believe I've ever seen one play the "Catch Me If You Can" game. 

He wants you to chase him 😭 pic.twitter.com/KjjwQ6vBXb

— Why you should have a cat (@ShouldHaveCat) December 30, 2024