The split in the Republican Party widens. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell denounces the RNC censure of two Republicans on the January 6th Committee as the chairwoman defends it.

The question, is the GOP rift too far to be bridged? Plus, the latest from Eastern Europe.

The president of France said he received assurances from Vladimir Putin that Russia would

not escalate the crisis with Ukraine.

The question is, but what is the Kremlin saying?

And New York is expected to join the growing list of states ending mask mandates as COVID

cases fall.

The question is, what about the separate mandate for schools?

It's way too early for this.

Good morning and welcome to way too early. The show that thinks that Kevin McCarthy may have a future in Olympic speedwalking.

We'll show you that gold medal moment just ahead.

I'm John Lemire on this Wednesday, February 9th.

Let's start with the news.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is adding his voice to the handful of Republicans criticized in the RNC following a censure vote against

fellow GOP members Liz Cheney and Adam Kinsinger. Here's what McConnell had to say yesterday.

Well, let me give me my view of what happened January the 6th, and we're all here, we're here,

we saw what happened. It was a violent insurrection for the purpose of

trying to prevent the peaceful transfer of power after a legitimately certified election.

With regard to the suggestion that the RNC should be in the business of picking and choosing

Republicans who

ought to be supported. Traditionally, the view of the National Party committees is that we support

all members of our party, regardless of their positions, on some issues. The issue is whether or not the RNC should be sort of singling out

...