A Surprising Divide

Republican lawmakers and voters don't align. December 8, 2023 Good morning! We’ll start off in entertainment, where [an explosive affair story just took another dramatic turn](, and we examine [whether the Golden Bachelor drama was preventable](. We’ll also share [Ashley Patten’s advice for better squats]( and [a deal on the pants I’m loving]( right now. But first, an eye-opening poll that highlights [a big split among Republicans]( — but probably not who you think. Read on!   In the News [A woman pulls an elephant]( Getty Images A Surprising Divide It looks like red vs. blue isn’t the only division: A new survey from the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows there are some surprising discrepancies between GOP voters and the officials they elected into Congress. The survey polled nearly 300 former lawmakers and revealed Republican representatives often don’t align with registered GOP voters on certain key issues — namely, the legitimacy of President Biden’s win in the 2020 election, Donald Trump’s potential threat to democracy, and attitudes towards the Jan. 6, 2020 attack on the Capitol. We took a closer look at [just how differently voters and representatives shake out]( on these issues and what makes this poll unique. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-and-policy%2Frepublican-views-on-capitol-riot-2020-election-biden-trump-umass-poll%2F   More Stories [UPenn President Liz Magill testifies during a House Education and Workforce Committee Hearing]( UPenn President Liz Magill testifying on Tuesday. (Getty Images) Backlash boils over: The University of Pennsylvania’s president Liz Magill is facing calls to resign following her disastrous congressional testimony earlier this week. During the hearing, she — plus the presidents of Harvard and MIT — avoided clarifying whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated campus bullying guidelines. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said her statements were “unacceptable” and “shameful,” and donor Ross Stevens threatened to withdraw a $100 million donation. Magill still had her job following an emergency UPenn board meeting yesterday, but the clamor for her to step down is still rising. Charged again: Hunter Biden has been charged with nine counts — including three felony charges — in a federal tax case, according to documents filed in Los Angeles yesterday. It's the second criminal case special counsel David Weiss has brought against him. Weiss' team claims Biden “engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million,” and that “rather than pay his taxes, the Defendant spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle.” Biden's attorney responded: "If Hunter’s last name was anything other than Biden, the charges... would not have been brought.” Granted: A Texas judge has granted a pregnant woman's request for an abortion despite the state's strict rules. Kate Cox, 31, is 20 weeks pregnant, and has discovered a fatal fetal abnormality that means carrying the baby to term could be lethal, or threaten her future fertility. The ruling means her doctor can perform the termination without facing legal penalties. New details: The man who fatally shot three University of Nevada faculty members on Wednesday was a business professor who'd made several failed efforts to get a job in the state, and had recently been turned down at UNLV. Anthony Polito, 67, had a list of targets at the school, and more than 150 rounds of ammunition. He was killed by law enforcement at the scene. Polito's previous students have since described him as "obsessed" with Las Vegas.   The Gift of Good Sense [A mobile phone surrounded by presents, credit cards, and shopping bags]( Getty Images Everyone loves to watch a friend's face light up when they receive the perfect present, but if you're stressed about how you'll cover the cost of surprising everyone on your list, we've got your back. [This 4-step plan for managing holiday expenses]( is simple, accessible, and filled with wisdom you can take beyond this season, too. [LEARN MORE]( [Sponsored by Capital One](   Must-Reads [Black-and-white photo of Gerry Turner and a red rose on a gold background]( Fool's Gold A recent exposé may have dimmed some of Gerry Turner’s shine. One writer argues how this controversy could’ve been avoided. [Read More »]( [Illustration of bearded man doing a squat]( Get Low Squats are a pretty common exercise, but my Pilates instructor Ashley Patten explains why you might be doing them wrong. [Read More »]( [Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes pose back to back holding their NYC marathon medals]( Another Curveball There’s a new layer to the Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes saga: Their exes are dating now?! Here’s more on the twist nobody predicted. [Read More »](   In Her Own Words Australian author Emma Grey lost her husband Jeff to a heart attack in his sleep eight years ago, leaving her with their 5-year-old son, her two teenage daughters, and an utterly shattered heart. Writing her novel The Last Note helped her process it all. Grey opened up about her writing process and [what the book taught her about grief]( and love. [READ MORE](   Extra Credit Movie magic: Hanukkah has officially begun, so after you light the candles and eat your latkes tonight, celebrate with one of these [8 flicks all about the Festival of Lights](. Cheers, duchess: We’re approaching holiday party season, and we’ve got just the thing to get you in the spirit (pun intended). [Meghan Markle’s spiced almond milk cocktail]( is like a lighter twist on eggnog with deep seasonal flavors. Two legs up: [These stretchy, yet tailored pants]( are a personal favorite — they’re so polished-looking, you’d never know they don’t have a zipper. Check out the rest of Sara Campbell’s versatile designs and [take 25% off sitewide]( right now, no code needed.   Wrap It Up [Quince cashmere wraps on maroon background]( Quince / KCM When it comes to winter layering, the cashmere wrap is tough to beat: It's warm, lightweight, and versatile enough to be worn with a classy dress or your favorite sweats. Our partners at Quince have perfected this classic with [elegant solids]( that go with everything, [subtle plaids]( for a preppy twist, and [chic colorblock]( for a bold look. Pair it with another [cozy accessory]( for the ultimate cold-weather gift. [SHOP HERE](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.](   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.cominfo@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] [For the best experience, read in browser.]( Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.