What Trump Said About Putin

The war of words between Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz continued as the two sparred over the 2013 immigration bill—in a battle orchestrated by Rubio’s team. Aides had long intended to cast Cruz as an untrustworthy flip-flopper on the issue. But despite his slow response, Cruz sees a path out—with the exchange also featuring Rubio defending his vote for the 2013 Gang of Eight bill once again, which Cruz advisors believe will be more of a negative for Rubio in Iowa and beyond.

Donald Trump loves praising people who praise him, apparently even when the man offering compliments is among the nation’s greatest strategic foes. Trump is turning heads and drawing fire for complimenting Russian President Vladimir Putin, who all-but-endorsed him for president Thursday. Trump even brushed off Putin killing of journalists, telling Morning Joe, “our country does plenty of killing also.”

Jeb Bush is staying on the offensive against Trump, as he looks to show seriousness and strength—as well as reassure wary donors and supporters that he has the resolve he needs to keep fighting the uphill battle that is the GOP primary. The Bush campaign released a video wishing Trump a “happy anniversary” seven years after calling President Obama and Hillary Clinton “great.”

Sheldon Adelson is prepared to sit on the sidelines to watch what happens to Trump. Clinton wants to be like Beyoncé. And Bernie Sanders loses access to a key campaign tool.

Here are your must-reads:

Must Reads

Oil, Cider, Slavery, Sledding: 10 Surprising Things in the Omnibus Bill
TIME’s Tessa Berenson on the budget deal’s fine print

Marco Rubio Is Pushed to Pick a Must-Win Early Primary State
Lack of an early state focus reflects both strength and weakness [New York Times]

Sanders Campaign Improperly Accessed Clinton Voter Data
Campaign aide is fired [TIME]

Obama to Tout How His Agenda Advanced in 2015
In final news conference of the year, Obama intends to quash the notion that a sitting president fades into the background [Wall Street Journal]

Shelby to Oppose Spending Bill He Loaded With Goodies
Top appropriator hopes the bill passes, but doesn’t want his name on it [Politico]

Sound Off

“It is always a great honor to be so nicely complimented by a man so highly respected within his own country and beyond. I have always felt that Russia and the United States should be able to work well with each other towards defeating terrorism and restoring world peace, not to mention trade and all of the other benefits derived from mutual respect.” — Donald Trump responding to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s compliments in a statement Thursday

“I want to be as good a president as Beyoncé is a performer.” — Hillary Clinton at an event in Iowa Thursday

Bits and Bites

Bernie Sanders Racks Up Key Support From Liberal Grassroots [TIME]

Ben Carson Cancels Planned Africa Trip [NBC]

Trump Campaign Calls Supporting Super-PAC a ‘Big League Scam’ [The Hill]

Rubio Baiting Cruz on Immigration Was Months in the Making [Politico]

Clinton Campaign Raises $8 Million at Manhattan Fundraiser [Politico]

As Trump Surges, Adelson Says He Might Sit Out Some Primaries [Bloomberg]