Stay tuned after the show for a message from United Health Group.

Good Wednesday morning. I'm Anna Palmer and welcome to your Politico Playbook Audio Briefing.

And I'm Jake Sherman. Here's what we could say at this early hour. If you're gambling or setting

odds, there's a damn good chance there will be a stimulus deal reached. It could be reached today,

maybe theoretically, given that Friday is the government funding deadline.

All the leaders agree that a COVID deal should be paired with government funding.

They have said they won't reach town until a COVID deal is notched and passed, and the nation's top lawmakers are talking and optimistic.

The four corners are the big four, Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, Kevin McCarthy, and Chuck Schumer,

met on and off for more than three hours last night in Pelosi's conference room in the Capitol to try to strike a relief deal. It was the first time they had all been together to

talk about stimulus since the election. Frankly, talks between these four were the obvious endgame.

Gangs never come up with the end game and should have begun weeks ago. After a few

hours together, listen to what they are saying. McCarthy, I think we've built a lot of trust.

I think we're moving in the right direction. I think there's a possibility of getting it done.

Mitch McConnell. We're making significant progress and I'm optimistic that we're going to be able to

complete an understanding sometime soon. I'm not going to get into details, but we're getting

closer. And as I've said all week, and I'll say again tonight, you're tired of hearing it. Everybody

wants to finish. Everybody wants to get a final agreement as soon as possible. We all believe the country

needs it, and I think we're getting closer and closer. Chuck Schumer. We're talking. We're exchanging

paper and ideas back and forth, making progress, and hopefully we can come to an agreement soon.

Pelosi. Tomorrow, we'll be back early and we'll be on schedule to get the job done.

All positive signs for a deal. There were a few notable dynamics last night worth

exploring and keeping an eye on. Much of the first meeting was spent haggling over the

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