"Get the Hell Out of This Race"

Last night's GOP debate got intense. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] December 7, 2023 Good morning. The University of Nevada campus was rocked by a deadly mass shooting yesterday. We have the latest on that heartbreaking story, below. In other pressing headlines, four Republican presidential candidates duked it out in an explosive debate last night — and [we've got all the takeaways](. After the news, we’re sharing [the most memorable parts of Taylor Swift’s TIME profile]( — and one writer’s take on [why this honor could signal trouble]( for the superstar. Thanks for waking up with us, and to everyone celebrating Hanukkah, chag sameach.   In the News [(From L) Former Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie, former Governor from South Carolina and UN ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy participate in the fourth Republican presidential primary debate]( Getty Images "Get the Hell Out of This Race" We'd say the gloves came off, but these Republican presidential candidates have rarely been known to hold back. Here's what when down when South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy [took to the debate stage for the fourth time last night](. Trump came up, finally: The candidates have previously tended to avoid mention of Donald Trump, who was absent yet again. Last night, that changed. Christie called him a "dictator," and pushed DeSantis to say whether he thought the former president was fit for office. "We should not nominate someone who is almost 80 years old," DeSantis replied. Haley became a target: Haley's recent success in the polls was reflected in the number of shots taken at her. Ramaswamy called her “lipstick on a Dick Cheney,” while DeSantis said she “caves every time the left comes after her.” Here's how Haley fired back, plus the scoop on a thorny culture war, some sticky conspiracy theories, and the [kind words from Christie that prompted Ramaswamy to retort: "Get the hell out of this race."]( [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Ftakeaways-from-the-fourth-gop-debate%2F   More Stories [A message reading ''#UNLVStrong #VegasStrong'' is displayed at Allegiant Stadium on December 06, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada]( Getty Images Violence in Las Vegas: Three victims are dead and a fourth is wounded after a mass shooting on the University of Nevada campus yesterday. According to law enforcement who spoke to CNN, the shooter, who's also dead following a confrontation with campus police, was a 67-year-old professor with links to colleges in Georgia and North Carolina. His name won't be disclosed until his family has been notified. “What happened today is a heinous, unforgivable crime… If it hadn’t been for the heroic actions of one of those police officers who responded, there could have been countless additional lives taken,” Sheriff Kevin McMahill said. Brown pleads: Former NFL player Sergio Brown has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and concealment of a dead body in the death of his 73-year-old mother, Myrtle Brown. Brown and his mother were reported missing on September 16, and her body was discovered near their shared home in a Chicago suburb. Brown traveled to Mexico on September 15, but was then arrested and deported to San Diego. He's now being held without bail in Illinois, after a judge ruled him a “real and present threat" to the community. Tech security roundup: A former Twitter exec has filed a suit against the platform, now rebranded as X, claiming he was wrongfully fired for flagging security issues around Elon Musk's budget cuts. Meanwhile, the genetic testing company 23andMe is changing its terms of service to make it harder for users to bring claims against it, days after a massive data breach. In better news for personal privacy, Facebook is introducing end-to-end encryption on messages and calls in a bid to protect customers.   A Closer Look Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, journalists have been working tirelessly to bring us the news from Gaza, and it’s been extremely difficult to get these stories out. I spoke to CNN International Correspondent Jomana Karadsheh about why reporting from this area is so challenging, [what it’s like for civilians in Gaza right now](, and how this conflict could end. [WATCH HERE](   A Fond Farewell [Katie Couric and Norman Lear]( KCM Norman Lear, the iconic sitcom and movie producer who was behind hits like All in the Family and The Jeffersons, passed away yesterday at 101. His shows were known for mixing commentary with important social issues — an idea that was met with resistance but eventually, thanks to Lear's conviction and talent, acclaim. In 2014, I sat down with Lear for Yahoo! to watch all the shows he created over the years. Check out [a clip from this very special meeting](.   It's About TIME [Taylor Swift performing holding her hands up in a heart]( Getty Images Taylor Swift continued her streak as the world’s main character yesterday, when TIME dubbed her the Person of the Year. The choice is hardly a surprise: Swift has shattered streaming records, stimulated the economy, and rebranded the NFL, to name a few accomplishments from the past 12 months. It’s hard to put her success into words, but here are [the most impactful quotes about her meteoric rise](. But could there be a downside to all this acclaim? This isn’t the first time Swift has been on top of the world — and this time, she has much farther to fall. This thought-provoking op-ed examines the media’s incessant consumption of Ms. Swift and [how we can break the toxic cycle](.   Holiday Jackpot [Tory Burch apple watch bracelet, apple charger case, blanket on red background]( Nordstrom / KCM No matter who you're shopping for, chances are you can find their perfect gift among the vast offerings of our partners at Nordstrom. (If you're lucky, [it might even be on sale](.) We've got on our eyes on a few winners that will satisfy even your pickiest loved ones: - This [Tory Burch band]( transforms an Apple Watch into jewelry that's subtle enough for everyday wear, but still makes a statement. - Combine style and practicality with this [compact tech organizer]( that keeps the essentials handy and secure. - At only $29, this [plush, luxurious throw blanket]( is the epitome of a steal.   One Year Later Today marks a full year since Congress passed the Speak Out Act, a monumental piece of legislation that Gretchen Carlson helped make a reality. The ex-Fox anchor turned advocate writes about [the impact the law’s already made]( and her new mission: fighting ageism in the workplace. [READ MORE](   Dressed to the Nines Strut your stuff this holiday season without breaking the bank, because J.Crew’s got all the glitz and glam your heart desires. Even better? [Take 40% off with code GOSHOP]((with an [additional 60% off some sale items]()! [Black sequin skirt, black feather tube top, red slip dress on gold background]( [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing When you read your morning Wake-Up Call, you're in incredible company — including that of the one and only Michael J. Fox, the actor, philanthropist, and bestselling author who all of America has loved for decades. He tells us: “I think the world of Katie, because Katie gives me the world every day. News, information, entertainment — it’s like breakfast for my brain. Wake up with Katie!" If you'd like even more of our Marty McFly-approved content, [sign up right here for Wake-Up Call at Work](. The next edition hits inboxes in just a few hours, and we've got a fascinating look at the plight of the middle manager that you definitely don't want to miss.   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! 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