Gloves Off

DeSantis and Haley's fiery debate [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] January 11, 2024 Good morning! There were only two candidates at the final GOP debate, but that didn’t mean there was less drama than usual — we’re recapping [last night's key moments]( below. Then, we’re clearing things up about [the rumored celeb couple everyone’s talking about]( and sharing [my can’t-miss convo with Brooke Shields](. We’re also dishing out [Jake Cohen’s crowd-pleasing cake recipe]( and [the strategy young Americans are using to retire early](. Here we go!   In the News [DeSantis in the foreground (blurred), Haley adjusting her hair behind (in focus)]( Getty Images Gloves Off With just five days until the Iowa Caucuses, Republican presidential candidates Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley wrestled for second place behind Donald Trump on the debate stage last night. [Here are some standout moments](: Haley's dig at DeSantis' campaign spending: “He has blown through $150 million... He has nothing to show for it,” Haley jeered. “He’s spent more money on private planes than he has on commercials trying to get Iowans to vote for him. If you can’t manage a campaign, how are you going to manage a country?” Toughing it out on illegal immigration: The pair were vying to take the strongest stance on the issue, with DeSantis claiming “the number of people that will be amnestied when I’m president is zero,” while Haley stressed: “You have to deport them.” DeSantis' constitutional confusion Asked whether he agrees with Trump's lawyer's extraordinary claim that presidents should be immune from prosecutions — even if they assassinate a political opponent — DeSantis hedged: “I’m not exactly sure what the outer limits are... I don’t think it’s necessarily been litigated.” We've got how Haley tackled the same question, plus how the pair took on rights, inflation, and of course, their top competitor, here](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fgop-debate-haley-desantis%2F   More Stories [Trump]( Getty Images From courtroom to campaign: Donald Trump touted his record on slashing abortion rights during his Fox News town hall in Iowa last night, declaring: "For 54 years, they were trying to get Roe v. Wade terminated, and I did it." President Biden swiftly reposted a clip with the comment: "Just like he said: he did it." (Remember, reproductive rights have [proven a winning issue for Democrats]( ever since Roe v Wade was overturned.) Judge Engoron meanwhile confirmed that Trump won't be allowed to speak during the closing arguments of his $370 million fraud trial in New York, as he didn't agree to the necessary conditions. Israel-Hamas war: The United Nations' highest court has begun hearings in South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide in its assault on the Gaza Strip. Israel categorically denied the claim, calling it an "absurd blood libel." Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu released a video statement saying "Israel has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population," while the WHO chief said getting aid into Gaza faces "nearly insurmountable challenges" due to the conflict. Swerve this "supplement": Health officials are increasingly anxious about a dietary supplement called Neptune’s Fix, the New York Times reports. The flavored concoction contains an ingredient called tianeptine, which has picked up the disturbing nickname "gas station heroin." It's one of an emerging group of unregulated supplements with potentially addictive qualities that mimic the effects of opioids, and, if abused, [can be incredibly harmful](. Sports: Nick Saban, who's won six titles as Alabama's coach, has announced his retirement after 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa. "It is not just about how many games we won and lost... it's how we went about it," he said. ESPN host Pat McAfee meanwhile has dropped Aaron Rodgers from The Pat McAfee Show for the rest of the NFL season, saying the quarterback caused too much of a distraction with his [comments about Jimmy Kimmel and Jeffrey Epstein](. "There are going to be a lot of people that happy with that, myself included," McAfee admitted.   In It Together [Roy Bragadeste with his wife and their dogs]( Courtesy of Roy Bragadeste After losing touch for decades, Roy Bragadeste knows that he wants to spend as much time as possible with his high school sweetheart — and now wife — Diane. When Roy's cancer returned for a third time, though, they worried all hope was lost; that was until they discovered [an innovative cancer treatment](. We've got the whole story about how it totally changed their journey. [LEARN MORE]( [Sponsored by Genentech](   Must-Reads [Martin Short and Meryl Streep]( Budding Romance? Rumors are swirling around Only Murders in the Building co-stars Meryl Streep and Martin Short — and Short is speaking out. [Read More »]( [Red and white striped beach chair]( Clocking Out Forever Are you already over your job? There's a growing movement of people retiring super early. Here's how they're pulling it off. [Read More »]( [breast cancer ribbon and pink clock]( An Unexpected Link One side effect of menopause we don't talk about enough is a higher risk of breast cancer. Here’s what we know. [Read More »](   Good Taste [Birthday funfetti cake]( Jake Cohen Our culinary companion Jake Cohen does it all, from scrumptious stews to delicious desserts. [His go-to birthday cake recipe]( uses a simple sour cream and vanilla batter that can easily be customized to fit the birthday girl or guy's tastes. And yes, those are sprinkles mixed into the batter — because what could be more festive than an elevated funfetti cake? [READ MORE](   In Conversation [Katie Couric and Brooke Shields]( Getty Images / KCM On this week's Next Question, I'm joined by the incomparable Brooke Shields. Brooke and I reflect on what it was like to go through life’s ups and downs in the public eye, the benefits of having a platform, and the importance of advocating for causes close to our hearts. I hope our intimate conversation will inspire you to find your passion and share it — [check it out right here](.   Looking Ahead We're continuing to share [top business leaders' predictions for 2024]( with a look at what's next from Jeannette Bankes, president and general manager of global surgical franchises at Alcon: “Demand for ophthalmologists and optometrists continues to outpace supply — a trend that is projected to continue for the foreseeable future. Innovations will need to focus on driving efficiencies for healthcare professionals without compromising patient outcomes. We expect more digital solutions that connect clinics to operating rooms, streamline workflows for staff, and provide patient and physician education. We also anticipate future innovations like robotics and AI to play a significant role as the gap widens.”   🚨 Sale Alert 🚨 [Navy jumpsuit and Alive sweater on yellow background]( I love [a good jumpsuit]( like the ones retailer Alex Mill is famous for. But if you're not into the utilitarian look, they've got cozy knits and lots of other of winter-ready styles at a discount — we're talking [up to 60% off the sale section](!   One More Thing We can't literally transport you to the seaside escape of your dreams, but we can tell you about [Cozy Earth's new coastal-inspired collection](. Grabbing a handful of these luxuriously soft waffle linens has almost the same calming effect as breathing in the crisp ocean air.   [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! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] 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.