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Hey, before we get started today, you might have heard that Start here has been nominated

for two signal awards. Yes, I will hold for applause. We've been nominated for best news and

politics podcast and best writing for our episode Mother Tung about the war in Ukraine.

And something I love about the signal awards is they actually give you our listener the

opportunity to vote for the shows you feel are most deserving. So this morning, I wanted to ask

for your help. If you find Start here useful to you, I hope you will consider taking a moment

right now to vote for us using the links in our episode description. Like if you go to the

description on the show you're listening to right now, you can just click this link, boom,

you're there. We've also posted those links on our social handles at Start here ABC.

And it only takes a minute or two. You go to the description, follow that link, cast your vote,

voting ends today. So if you can, this is the moment. We really appreciate it. All right, here's the show.

It's Thursday, December 22nd, and talk about a battle-hearted leader. You start here.

Our two nations are allies in this battle. In his first trip outside Ukraine, since the war began,

Vladimir Zelinsky asks for help, but commands respect. He wanted to connect the fight for freedom

in Ukraine with the American story. Will a powerful speech get him the firepower he's looking for?

Running for Congress is like a job interview, but usually your employer checks your resume. Details

around his education, around his business background, around a supposed animal rescue charity,

...