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You are here: Home / Economics / C.R.E.A.M. / But I’ll see you in the sky above

But I’ll see you in the sky above

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Laika passed on Saturday afternoon. My whole family is pretty broken up about it. As my wife put it “Laika knew things that we didn’t know, she was like a yogi”. Laika was the Will Rogers of dogs, she never met a person she didn’t like. When I think of how quickly she died after we first found out she had a tumor, I know that she must have been putting up a brave face, hiding it from us for a while, because all she wanted was for the people around her to be happy. So we are trying out best not to be too sad, because the last thing she would have wanted was for us to be sad. Laika didn’t have a mean bone in her body, as one of the groomers put it. She wished everyone the best.

I’ve never been too much into the whole “he’s a nice guy” school of politics. Nice guy? I don’t give a shit. Good father? Fuck you. Go home and play with your kids. But Trump is such an incredible asshole that I do hold it against him. I don’t think it’s healthy for us as a country to have someone like that in the White House. That is not reason enough to impeach him, but it is part of why I now think it’s time for him to be removed. I don’t know how great the politics of that are, I don’t know if Pence might have a better chance of winning in 2016 2020 than Trump. But it doesn’t matter to me, anymore. What he did with Ukraine is completely beyond the pale and it’s not isolated. He needs to go.

If you made me guess, I’d say that if there’s a Senate trial, there is almost no chance that more than 2 or 3 Republicans in the Senate would vote for his removal. And I think zero or 1 is most likely. But I don’t know for sure.

First step is the House. Democrats in competitive districts may be hurt by the politics of impeachment so let’s raise some more money for them.

Goal Thermometer

Reader Interactions

172Comments

  4. 4.

    pika

    Doug–I am so sorry. Comfort to you and your family. She is so loved.

  6. 6.

    Damned_at_Random

    SO sorry about Laika. Remember that as you mourn her, she is saved the heartbreak of mourning you had you gone first

  7. 7.

    dmsilev

    So very sorry for your loss. Something like this can be really hard on young kids who don’t understand; how is he coping?

  8. 8.

    Baud

    I’m very sorry for your loss, Doug.

  9. 9.

    Ruckus

    Doug,
    Once the dam breaks, it’s broken. And there are cracks showing. Anyone who hasn’t sold what little is left of their soul can see the cracks. It was no different with Nixon. Nothing then boom, the vast majority came around. It’s quick, this dam breaking thing. Which is why it’s difficult to see till it’s already happened. You can’t count on the dam not holding but if the pressure is high enough, the dam will break. And trump applies enough pressure all on his own. The impeachment hearings just need to happen, with enough pressure/evidence released to make it obvious even to the regular believers that it’s time. That’s a part of the reason that Nancy waited, that pressure has to build and enough evidence released to widen the cracks. Timing is everything. Then the dam breaks. And once it does and a few jump ship, that makes it OK for more to do the same. And we only need a few, not all. We may even get something that the republicans would never do by themselves, not be 100% compliant to every whim of their masters. We may actually get a country back.

  10. 10.

    Ohio Mom

    I think you are allowed to be a little sad about such a terrible loss, even as you revel in all your happy memories. Condolences and sympathy.

  11. 11.

    dmsilev

    If you made me guess, I’d say that if there’s a Senate trial, there is almost no chance that more than 2 or 3 Republicans in the Senate would vote for his removal. And I think zero or 1 is most likely. But I don’t know for sure.

    Mitch McConnell said today that if the House impeaches, he will bring it up for trial in the Senate (rather than just sitting on it as some have predicted). But yes, unless things shift substantially from where they are now, few if any Republican Senators will do the right thing. Some are true believers, others are scared to death of primary challenges.

  14. 14.

    Ruckus

    Now on to more important matters.
    Sorry about Laika. She obviously had a great life and made the most of it. You did good by her, cared for her, loved her, and she returned that many times over. There is nothing better.

  16. 16.

    Nicole

    I’m so very sorry about Laika, Doug.

    And I know what you mean about Trump. I am very much opposed to mocking someone’s physical appearance, but I take great vicarious pleasure every time someone points out the size of Trump’s hands, because it pleases me to know it gets him so upset. I say this as someone who myself has squirrel paws.

  19. 19.

    Roger Moore

    @Ruckus:
    As many of us have suggested, the Republicans will turn on Trump if and when they’re convinced he’s hurting their reelection chances. Swinging public opinion may well give them that push. Equally important, if a few of them swing against Trump, it may push public opinion the same way. That’s what really breaks the dam.

  20. 20.

    PJ

    My condolences. As the saying goes, we don’t deserve dogs (and, even if we never knew anything else about Trump, it’s enough to know he doesn’t like dogs.) They can make us better humans.

  23. 23.

    MazeDancer

    What a gorgeous, happy doggie face. Thank you for sharing Laika with us, Doug. Big condolences to you and your family.

  24. 24.

    Joy in FL

    Who would not feel some sadness at losing such a dear friend? My sympathies to all of you who love Laika.

  25. 25.

    Ghest of Joe Lieblings Dog

    Oh damn, Doug – I’m so sorry. I was hoping that you and she would get a reprieve, as I’m sure everyone else here was too.

    Sympathies.

  27. 27.

    Josie

    So sorry for your loss. We can all understand and empathize with your sadness. I lost my good dog five years ago and still miss her every day.

  28. 28.

    Aleta

    I’ll drop off some food and a couple of toys and $ at the shelter in memory of Laika. I’ll take some good sticks for the dogs too if they will accept them.

  29. 29.

    geg6

    I’m so sorry about Laika, Doug. My deepest sympathies to you, your wife and, especially, Benny. And even though I don’t believe in a heaven (or hell) for people, I firmly believe that all dogs go to heaven.

  32. 32.

    NotMax

    Less than an hour from the discovery of a tumor to the end for the last dog I had. Vet personally came over (my shop was only a few doors down from his) and brought me in to look at the pooch, anesthetized and opened up on the table, in order to give the okay.

  34. 34.

    Soprano2

    I’m so sorry Doug, we went through a similar experience last year, although we knew it was coming for awhile. It’s so, so tough to say goodbye even when you know you have to.

  36. 36.

    jl

    Condolences on Laika. Having a Will Rogers of dogs must have been fun.

    As for politics: “I don’t know if Pence might have a better chance of winning in 2016 than Trump.”
    Some polls are asking about Pence versus Dem candidates for 2020 general. For what it’s worth, Pence gets crushed by all the leading Dem candidates, by 15 to over 20 points. I guess early results like that are worth a little, at least McConnell can compare Pence to Trump results and make obvious inference: lift to keep Senate in 2020 general will be much harder with Pence.

    Pence will captivate the Evangelicals, and more repressed misogynists and racists and xenophobes who like their racism respectable and polite. I’m guessing the wild asses who want all that to go with the Trump style won’t go for Pence. Same with the dingbats and ignorant knuckleheads who are pissed off in general and still think Trump is draining the swamp and looking out for the little guy (may not be large group at this point, but is critical group they need to eek out an electoral college win with a popular vote loss).

  37. 37.

    Gin & Tonic

    Sorry for your loss, Doug. We grow so attached, and it’s unfortunately almost always too short. But at least she had a longer and much better life than her unfortunate namesake.

  40. 40.

    trollhattan

    Sooo, sorry. You, your family and of course, Leika are in my thoughts. Good dogs really are irreplaceable and stay with us forever. (And I agree they tend to hide their aches and pains and maladies from us.)

  41. 41.

    LuciaMia

    I firmly believe that all dogs go to heaven.

    Heartily seconded.

    So sorry . She sounds like one wonderful pup.

  42. 42.

    Kay

    I’m sorry about your dog, Doug. She looks like she was real dear.

    We have a candidate to run against Latta in Ohio here locally. Good guy- a Bernista. He’s doing his petitions to qualify. It’s a very Trumpy seat- 70% T in this part of the district so unless lightening strikes it’s staying R but I’m glad the Democrats have someone on the ballot to vote for.

  46. 46.

    Carol

    My deepest sympathies on the loss of Laika. I lost my Cohbe on August 20. He fought cancer for a year and a half – he was a brave boy.

  47. 47.

    Kdaug

    2019 has sucked. I’ve lost one cat (age), two dogs, (tumor and seizure) and on Saturday my mother-in-law died of dementia.

    I’m about done with this.

  48. 48.

    jl

    Oops, latest polls with Pence show races that are only a little worse than against Trump from GOP point of view. Maybe people starting to figure good chance Trump won’t be there?
    I should always check before I type.

  55. 55.

    Raven

    We who choose to surround ourselves
    with lives even more temporary than our
    own, live within a fragile circle;
    easily and often breached.
    Unable to accept its awful gaps,
    we would still live no other way.
    We cherish memory as the only
    certain immortality, never fully
    understanding the necessary plan.
    — Irving Townsend

  57. 57.

    smedley the uncertain

    @dmsilev: Moscow Mitch eagerness to have a trial worries me. I think he believes
    Trump will be found not guilty because of the preponderance of Republican votes in the senate. Then every one can claim Trump was exonerated… not guilty just before the election.

  58. 58.

    japa21

    Sincerest condolences. Even though it has been 4 years since Maggie crossed the bridge, the memories are bittersweet. When we first see something, like another beagle, that brings her to mind, we remember something with a touch of sadness, but before you know it we are smiling remembering the joy she gifted us with. Not sure we were quite as generous in return but I think she knew she was loved.

  59. 59.

    karen marie

    @jl: Except Pence is up to his eyeballs in the Ukraine business, and Manafort manipulated Trump into picking Pence. Pence will inevitably be tarnished to such a degree from this that he’ll “retire” and move on to a high-paying no-show “think tank” job.

    Also, too – I am very sorry for your loss, DougJ. It’s never easy to lose a good friend but I hope you eventually choose to fill the void that she left by adopting a new dog. No two are alike, and a new dog cannot cure the loss, but it’s my belief that you honor her memory by opening your home to a dog in need.

  60. 60.

    geg6

    One question, though, Doug…why is my new congressman, Conor Lamb, not in this group we are donating to? He is definitely in a challenging district and has (finally, though understandable considering the nutcases around here) come out for the impeachment inquiry. Can we add him to the mix next time at least?

  61. 61.

    Mike in Pasadena

    @<a href="#comment Don't trust McConnel. He is probably misleading everyone about his intentions.

    The passing of a loved dog is hard. Life is too short.

  63. 63.

    Beth

    doug, i am so sorry you had to say good bye to laika. We never have enough time with them but i hope the memory of the joy and love she brought your family will ease the aching in your hearts.

  64. 64.

    BretH

    I’m sorry to hear about Laika. I hope I can attempt the same level of acceptance when our own “Will Rogers” Golden Retriever Cody is at his end. I so appreciate him not only for how he is with our family but how he is with the world. Some animals are just what humans need, especially now.

  65. 65.

    guachi

    Sorry about Laika.

    We’ve lost two cats and a dog in the last two years to sudden illnesses. Fine to gone in a week.

  68. 68.

    karen marie

    @smedley the uncertain: I think this is the danger of a rushed process. Unfortunately, impeachment process has been delayed for so long there’s not a lot of time before the next election, but unless Republicans are forced to defend damaging testimony for many months, they’re going to hold firm.
    .

  69. 69.

    Punchy

    Sorry to hear about the loss of your pooch. Dogs are so awesome because they’re so loyal. Condolences….

  70. 70.

    Juju

    I’m sorry about Laika. She was a beautiful dog. She had the best life possible. She had all of you. What more could she have wanted?

    Grieve not, but laugh and talk of me as if I were here beside you..,
    I loved you so…
    ‘Twas heaven here with you.

    Elsa Paschal Richardson

  71. 71.

    Enhanced Voting Techniques

    @smedley the uncertain: McConnell has his own re-election to worry about which isn’t looking good right now. I can see McConnell calculating that with Trump gone, it will be a year and the public will forget without Trump rubbing the public’s face in it all the time, the conservatives who are driven off because of Trump will flock back to vote against a Democrat like those voters have been conditioned too. Pence appointing a VP that the Republicans select and then Pence resigning would be prefect in McConnell’s mind I think- basically a reset from the Trump disaster before 2020.

  73. 73.

    Millard Filmore

    @smedley the uncertain:

    Moscow Mitch eagerness to have a trial worries me.

    Maybe he will have a “trial” in the same vein of the Kavanaugh hearings. More on this line of thinking over here:
    https://nomoremister.blogspot.com/2019/09/mcconnell-effectively-confirms-that-he.html

    That points to the ability of majority Republican senators to set ground rules for the trial or to potentially adopt a motion to dismiss any charges against President Donald Trump during the early stages of a Senate trial.

  75. 75.

    Ceci n est pas mon nym

    Beautiful dog, and I love that look of pure simple bliss: Got a good stick, got a shady spot, got my peoples around me, don’t need anything else.

    Re impeachment: to me it’s first and foremost the investigation I want to see. The RWNJs are screaming about unjust removal from office and how it’s treason to even question the King, but we’re still just beginning the evidence-gathering. And we need to see that evidence.

    ALL OF IT.

  78. 78.

    Mary G

    I am so sorry, Doug. I always joked that I would contribute only when you put up pictures of Benny and Laika.

    As soon as I can, I will kick in. May her memory be a blessing.

  82. 82.

    randy khan

    @Ruckus:

    Once the dam breaks, it’s broken. And there are cracks showing. Anyone who hasn’t sold what little is left of their soul can see the cracks. It was no different with Nixon. Nothing then boom, the vast majority came around. It’s quick, this dam breaking thing. Which is why it’s difficult to see till it’s already happened.

    I’ve been saying this since January 2017 – the Republicans will be with him until he’s against him. There won’t be some drip-drip-drip of defections that steadily grows. If it happens, it will be sudden. In 1974, when the Dems needed only 8 Republicans out of 41 to turn, it didn’t look like Nixon would be convicted until the smoking gun tape came out. Then – like magic – it was obvious he would be convicted, he was told so by a delegation from the Senate Republican caucus, and he was gone, all in four days.

  85. 85.

    Barbara

    I am so sorry. It is hard to cushion the blow but you can console yourself a little that Laika did not suffer for long.

  86. 86.

    dexwood

    Too sad, Doug. I lost my Golden, Dexter, three years ago to bone cancer that had spread to his lungs. Best dog I’ve ever owned in my nearly 70 years. We do whatever we can for them their whole lives, but in the end we do what we must for them. Wag on Laika, wag on.

  87. 87.

    Joanne Ross

    Am glad you had so many years with your wonderful Laika. It’s a blessing that she didn’t have to suffer at the end.

  89. 89.

    randy khan

    @jl:

    If you’re McConnell, you’re probably ticked off that Trump is the kind of guy who might not resign even when removal from office is inevitable, as resignation might be the option that’s best for the Republican Party. If Trump resigns, he can blame the fake news and the evil Democrats, at least potentially limiting the damage the Republican base turnout (although of course you couldn’t be sure he wouldn’t say nasty things about Senators he thought were insufficiently supportive). If he’s convicted, then the MAGAts will be mad at the Republicans, too, and easily could sit out 2020 entirely.

  90. 90.

    sdhays

    I’m so sorry. Laika sounds like a lovely member of your family.

    @Millard Filmore: The outcome of the trial will not be determined in the Senate chamber. Either public opinion scares the Republicans into removing Dump or it doesn’t. By the time it gets to the Senate, it should be pretty clear whether or not the pressure is hot enough. Either they will go through the motions and just say that he’s not guilty because he’s a Republican, or they will flounder desperately trying to not have to go on the record. But by the time it gets there, any value in setting the narrative will be gone.

  92. 92.

    Art

    Nothing quite so pure and warm as the love of a good dog. The best anyone can do is to do their best to deserve that love and give them a good home. I think you did that. Love given, returned, debt repaid with interest. As sad as it is now;it simply never gets better than that. I am saddened by your loss. Be thankful for the life and love given.

  93. 93.

    Duane

    @smedley the uncertain: The Senate saving Trumpov’s dirty ass is all the RW has left. They know he’ll be impeached and that he’s caught red-handed but country be damned, the hell with right and wrong, conservatism cannot fail. From the ashes of treason and blatant criminality the South, I mean Trumpov will rise again. They vote for crooks all the time. In their delusional, hateful minds this will be the greatest own-the-libs ever.

  94. 94.

    Hoodie

    Condolences on your loss, sounds like she was a wonderful companion.

    Re Trump’s toxic assholery, you’re right, and that is ultimately what will bring him down. I know that it’s popular to say that Trump is just the logical conclusion of what Republicans have been cultivating for several years, and there is certainly a lot of truth to that, but I also think getting rid of him alone may be more beneficial than some think. That kind of malignant narcissism has network effects, makes a lot of people around him worse than they probably would have been otherwise.

  96. 96.

    MisterForkbeard

    @randy khan: I think they’re hedging a bit, but that’s generally the plan. They KNOW Trump won’t resign to save himself and the rest of the party, so they either have to make sure he doesn’t get removed or the damage is less than having Trump and themselves so obviously tarred with corruption that they suffer for it.

    The moment that changes and it’s more beneficial to let him go, they’ll do it. They’ll go in full fucking speed, and claim they were ALWAYS against him, pointing to their furrowed brows and concerns over the past few years, saying that the Democrats were just abusing the process but thank God the Republicans were here to make sure that the process was respected and you owe everything to them now.

  97. 97.

    NotMax

    Way, way OT. Phrasing!

    Just now heard on a program running in the background.

    The time: WW2
    The place: Great Britain
    Young man comes in to the sitting room, toting a box of tools, to proudly inform the family thus: “It’s finished. The finest glory hole in the country.”

    :)

  98. 98.

    Millard Filmore

    @randy khan:

    I’ve been saying this since January 2017 – the Republicans will be with him until he’s against him.

    And I have been disagreeing for only a few weeks. The top Republican leadership are all in danger of a long session of hard time in prison. They will never leave him. However, in partial agreement with you, those that only risk probation or a few weeks or months in Club Fed will flood out. According to a poster at democraticunderground, the trickle of low level staffers is growing. It has started.

    https://www.democraticunderground.com/100212526748
    Post title: If you are not up on todays events… CNN is killing it!

    Lots of Republican Civil Servants, (Trump’s Transition Members ex-staff members) all coming out to splatter Trump…

  99. 99.

    trollhattan

    @randy khan:
    McConnell has harvested a crapton of young, predictably reactionary conservative federal judges, a tax bill-corporate+billionaire giveaway, and rapid gutting of the federal government departments not named “Defense.”

    He doesn’t need Trump anymore. It’s already done. All of it. Anything further is just a thin, little, after-dinner mint.

  101. 101.

    Jean

    Sorry to hear of Laika’s passing. We lost our beautiful border collie, Simon, two years ago, and though it was the last loving thing we did for him–ease his passing, we were also heartbroken. In the two months before Simon died, we rescued a small terrier mix (Milo). Milo is not A replacement, but he is himself a wonderful little guy and Simon did approve!

  102. 102.

    jl

    @sdhays: Agreed. Prospects of McConnell running a real trial in the Senate will depend on how GOP Senators chances look in the primary elections (filing deadlines pass without credible opposition, and polls) and general election (polls).

  103. 103.

    MisterForkbeard

    @Millard Filmore: Disagree. I think McConnell knows that the price of removing Trump through impeachment is that he and the rest of the upper-level republicans get off scott-free.

    When it comes down to it, they know that 35+% of the country will violently defend them no matter what. They also have the Supreme Court to adjudicate in their favor, and they’ll work it for all they’ve got. They know the media will always give them credibility, so it’s a good play.

  106. 106.

    jl

    @Millard Filmore: ” Lots of Republican Civil Servants, (Trump’s Transition Members ex-staff members) all coming out to splatter Trump… ”

    Everyone, except his hard core base, loathes Trump. Wonder if some GOP Senators who might be helped by opposing Trump (Collins?) and those in safer states start joining the chorus of condemnation will start to come out. That would a sign things are crumbling. And some Senators aren’t up for reelection. So, maybe McConnell starting to plan out scenarios and options if he needs to dump Trump in a trial and still preserve as many seats as possible.

  107. 107.

    Roger Moore

    @MisterForkbeard:

    They’ll go in full fucking speed, and claim they were ALWAYS against him, pointing to their furrowed brows and concerns over the past few years, saying that the Democrats were just abusing the process but thank God the Republicans were here to make sure that the process was respected and you owe everything to them now.

    This. The only reason they’ll turn on him is to save themselves, and they’ll be absolutely shameless about it when they decide to do so.

  108. 108.

    hueyplong

    I don’t see GOPer Senators actually voting to convict. More likely they’ll either vote to acquit or they’ll talk/bribe him into resigning (maybe with a pardon from Pence).

    Damn, that Laika was a cute dog. Glad Doug and family got to share her company.

  109. 109.

    banditqueen

    Animals almost always makes us better people (it’s the person’s fault if this doesn’t happen)–they keep our hearts open and never take back what they have given. Laika’s memory will always be a blessing.

  111. 111.

    mad citizen

    So sorry for your loss of a great dog. So well said on our Exec branch situation. Our country has lost during these years.

  113. 113.

    rikyrah

    @randy khan:

    If you’re McConnell, you’re probably ticked off that Trump is the kind of guy who might not resign even when removal from office is inevitable, as resignation might be the option that’s best for the Republican Party.

    Dolt45 has no honor. Doesn’t give a shyt about the Party.
    If Dolt45 is going down…HE’S TAKING EVERYONE WITH HIM.

  114. 114.

    Gin & Tonic

    Actually a decent piece in USA Today, of all places, comparing Republican House investigations of Obama with Democratic House investigations of Trump. Written by a guy who was chief spokesman and strategist for Darrell Issa, it’s a good read.

    But because I’m petty, I loved the photo in the middle of the article, Obama and Trump at inauguration, I think, next to each other and on the same step. Obama is clearly taller, even though Trump’s head is somewhat inclined, but their overcoat sleeves and at almost exactly the same level, making it clear that Obama’s hands are nearly twice as large. I got a kick out of that. Yes, I’m a dick.

  118. 118.

    CindyH

    @Ruckus: I was an impressionable young’un then – was the entire republican party corrupt then like it is now? I know we didn’t have the constant drum of hate radio and cable infotainment at the time.

  123. 123.

    luzeelu

    Awww. I’m so very sorry for your loss.

    “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
    —Dr. Seuss

  127. 127.

    BigJimSlade

    But I’ll see you in the sky above

    in the tall grass,
    in the ones i love

    My condolences, Doug. Whenever I’ve lost a pet, for the first week or so, I expect to see him/her around every corner in the house… I just silently say hi, and maybe thanks.

  128. 128.

    J R in WV

    Condolences on your loss, she was obviously the very best one ever!

    And thanks for the work you do for the nation, also!

  129. 129.

    Enhanced Voting Techniques

    @randy khan:
    This.

    This is why I think McConnald wants to panic Trump into resigning now rather than going threw a brutal impeachment. Already there has been an article in Time from a former Bush official saying Trump will resigning with an immunity agreement.

  131. 131.

    Kay

    HPSCI subpoena

    This one’s for Rudy.

    Did we know they were also investigating whether Trumpists pressured Ukraine to prosecute Ukrainians who provided evidence against Manafort? I didn’t know that.

  132. 132.

    Alternative Fax, a hip hop artist from Idaho

    My condolences on Laika’s passing. They leave such big paw prints on our hearts.

    @Kdaug: What a horrible year for you. I hope that the trend doesn’t continue.

  133. 133.

    skyweaver

    I’m so very sorry. Laika was beautiful. I went through the same thing last summer, it is incredibly painful. My best to you and your family.

  134. 134.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    Ben Pershing @ benpershing
    NEWS: Pompeo was on the Trump-Zelensky call at the center of impeachment inquiry. Details coming soon here:

  138. 138.

    Kay

    @dmsilev:

    3 “business associates” too. They’ll definitely need the business associates.

    Maybe Cohen is Rudy’s lawyer. Oh, right, he’s in prison so probably not.

  139. 139.

    dmsilev

    Another day, another leaked conversation. From FTNYT:

    President Trump pushed the Australian prime minister during a recent telephone call to help Attorney General William P. Barr gather information for a Justice Department inquiry that Mr. Trump hopes will discredit the Mueller investigation, according to two American officials with knowledge of the call.

    The White House restricted access to the call’s transcript to a small group of the president’s aides, one of the officials said, an unusual decision that is similar to the handling of a July call with the Ukrainian president that is at the heart of House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry into Mr. Trump. Like that call, the discussion with Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia shows the extent to which Mr. Trump sees the attorney general as a critical partner in his goal to show that the Mueller investigation had corrupt and partisan origins, and the extent that Mr. Trump sees the Justice Department inquiry as a potential way to gain leverage over America’s closest allies.

    And like the call with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, the discussion with Mr. Morrison shows the president using high-level diplomacy to advance his personal political interests.

    Edit: Democrats need to drag Barr in, by subpoena if necessary, to get him under oath on this stuff. Won’t be easy, since he’s smarter and more evasive than Rudy or Trump, but necessary.

  140. 140.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    so… after two years of me rolling my eyes at the idea that IC would take trump down, is it finally happening?

    WASHINGTON — President Trump pushed the Australian prime minister during a recent telephone call to help Attorney General William P. Barr gather information for a Justice Department inquiry that Mr. Trump hopes will discredit the Mueller investigation, according to two American officials with knowledge of the call.

  141. 141.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    @dmsilev: professional outside counsel professional outside counsel professional outside counsel professional outside counsel professional outside counsel

  142. 142.

    Millard Filmore

    @MisterForkbeard:

    I think McConnell knows that the price of removing Trump through impeachment is that he and the rest of the upper-level republicans get off scott-free.

    You have my complete agreement on that. Not sure how many of his co-conspirators he can save.

  143. 143.

    Kay

    @dmsilev:

    I can’t believe they think Mueller was part of the “conspiracy” to take down Trump. Worst co-conspirator ever, if that was the case.

  148. 148.

    Kay

    God just get RID of these people already before they drag every country in the world into this mess. Suspend them or something until someone can determine what’s going on.

  150. 150.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    @trollhattan: George Whatsits got drunk with Aussie gov’t officials (intel officers or diplomats, I forget) and told them Russia had HRC’s emails. The Aussies contacted the FBI and that, as I recall, is what launched what became the Mueller investigation

  151. 151.

    Charluckles

    Ooooph. Condolences.

    Tonight a tall glass to those who run before us and a double helping of scritches for our current menagerie.

  152. 152.

    NotoriousJRT

    @Amir Khalid:
    I think this says it all. Peace and comfort to you in this time of loss and sorrow. Any of us who have walked in your shoes knows how hard it is.

  153. 153.

    Elizabelle

    Doug: I am so sorry. Laika was an incredible dog, and a good girl to the end. They never live long enough, but glad she will be in Benny’s baby pictures and was his first canine guardian.

    Those are some big paws to fill.

  156. 156.

    dww44

    From the photo, Laika was obviously everything you described her as being. A being without an iota of meanness in her whole makeup. While I lost a much loved 16 year old cat a year ago, she was never the the bestower of unrequited affection that your Laika was. My sincere sympathies to you and family and friends on your loss.

  157. 157.

    Another Scott

    Condolences Doug. It’s never easy, especially when she’s the best dog in the world.

    Hang in there.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  160. 160.

    TomatoQueen

    Laika, most bestest girl, watch over the humans, especially one Benny, and someday we will all meet again on the Bridge.

  164. 164.

    Tazj

    I’m sorry, it has to be hard on your whole family because you all loved her and she was a wonderful dog. That’s a sweet picture of her.

  165. 165.

    Mandarama

    My heart goes out to your family, DougJ. There’s no creature as good as a good dog, and Goldens are just what their name signifies.

  167. 167.

    Gretchen

    She might not have been putting on a brave face. Tumors can move very fast in Goldens. My dear Bosley went from perfectly healthy to gone in two weeks. It’s rough. Sorry.

  169. 169.

    sherparick1

    So sorry that you loss Laika. Obviously the best dog in the world. Take care of yourselves and find joy in your grief from your memories.

  170. 170.

    Chat Noir

    I just saw this post, Doug. I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was a great dog. I think your family should allow itself time to grieve for her passing. The pain doesn’t go away completely (I know firsthand) but it does become more tolerable with time.

  172. 172.

    Baquist

    Sincere condolences for your loss Doug. What a great picture, and your memories will shine forever more.

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