The Note: Trump’s congratulatory tone with Russia rings alarms for some

The TAKE with Rick Klein

“We don't get to dictate how other countries operate,” said White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, when asked if the US government believes Putin’s election was “free and fair.”

This is not just a matter of Trump refusing to criticize Putin. The now freshly re-elected Russian president gets to use Trump’s public kindnesses to further his agenda – an agenda that has been demonstrated to include doing further harm to the American political system.

Maybe there’s a Trumpian method behind the buddy-buddy act. But these are some off public maneuvers taking place even as Americans are beginning to vote in 2018.

The RUNDOWN with MaryAlice Parks

Or at least a lot slower than expected given the energy and enthusiasm on the left.

Despite a well-funded and well-orchestrated primary challenge to a very conservative sitting Democrat, progressives, who arguably had their best shot at taking down incumbent centrist Democrat this year, fell short.

But still, the fact that this pro-life Democrat who voted against the Affordable Care Act was able to keep his seat in the era of Trump, when the far left feels so motivated and itching for a fight, may leave some strategists and organizers rethinking their game plan going into next year.

Many progressives believe that going too far left isn't a real issue, that voters want something to come out to support. Maybe perhaps some of those Democratic voters aren't ready to go full-resistance.

In fact, maybe in some areas, the more measured, moderate and familiar option is preferable.

Similarly in the race for the statehouse, Democratic voters elected to give a billionaire and establishment politician, with some baggage in the state, to the chance to take on the sitting Republican governor.

Sensible or risky? Time will tell.

The TIP with Stephanie Ebbs

Critics worry the move is a way to go after the endangerment findings that forms the basis of many of the Obama administration's climate policies. The 2009 finding says that greenhouse gases are a threat to public health and thus created the legal justification to regulate emissions.

Representatives of science advocacy groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists were vocal about the possible change on Tuesday.

The EPA stands by the move.

“Administrator Pruitt believes that Americans deserve transparency, with regard to the science and data that’s underpinning regulatory decisions being made by this Agency,” EPA spokesperson Liz Bowman told ABC News in a statement

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY

  • President Trump hosts the Financial Services Forum spring meeting behind closed doors at the White House at 2 p.m.
  • Members of Congress hold a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony to honor members of the Office of Strategic Services for their contributions during World War II at 3:30 p.m.
  • Vice President Mike Pence will give remarks at the Organization of American States in Washington D.C., at 2 p.m. in support of President Trump’s upcoming visits to Peru and Colombia.
  • QUOTE OF THE DAY

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    The Note is a daily ABC News feature that highlights the key political moments of the day ahead. Please check back tomorrow for the latest.