The Hacks huddle to tackle the latest:

The public impeachment hearings kick off this week. Republicans have been auditioning wild arguments in defense of the president—and Jeff Sessions’ new Senate ad suggests this won’t change—what, if anything, will bring Republicans around? 

Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick and former NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg consider throwing their hats into the Democratic race. Will it spark a Deval-ution or fail to bloom?

Pete Buttigieg surges in Iowa but is starting to take fire from Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren. Will the hits stick, and what does it mean for the young mayor?

Lastly, the Hacks take listeners’ questions on how Trump may affect down-ballot races, the potential power of a unity ticket, and why TV ads matter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices