Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Only Democrats have agency, apparently.

Reality always lies in wait for … Democrats.

Make the republican party small enough to drown in a bathtub.

I’m sure you banged some questionable people yourself. We’re allowed to grow past that.

I am pretty sure Katy Tur wasn’t always such a bootlicking sycophant.

Let us savor the impending downfall of lawless scoundrels who richly deserve the trouble barreling their way.

At some point, the ability to learn is a factor of character, not IQ.

Chutkan laughs. Lauro sits back down.

It’s a good piece. click on over. but then come back!!

Republicans don’t trust women.

People are weird.

Compromise? There is no middle ground between a firefighter and an arsonist.

There are more Russians standing up to Putin than Republicans.

Republican speaker of the house Mike Johnson is the bland and smiling face of evil.

Live so that if you miss a day of work people aren’t hoping you’re dead.

It could be worse. Vance could have said “post-menopausal sows.” Waiting for that audiotape to surface.

Never entrust democracy to any process that requires republicans to act in good faith.

We are builders in a constant struggle with destroyers. let’s win this.

When we show up, we win.

Every day Vance writes another chapter in the book called “Worst VP Pick Ever”.

And now I have baud making fun of me. this day can’t get worse.

Consistently wrong since 2002

They love authoritarianism, but only when they get to be the authoritarians.

Never entrust democracy to any process that requires Republicans to act in good faith.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Russiagate Open Thread: Jared’s Security Clearance “Downgraded”

Russiagate Open Thread: Jared’s Security Clearance “Downgraded”

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If this is an attempt to compartmentalize Young Jared from the impeding Mueller threat, I’d think it was at least a year late and several hundred million dollars short…

Presidential son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner has had his security clearance downgraded — a move that will prevent him from viewing many of the sensitive documents to which he once had unfettered access.

Kushner is not alone. All White House aides working on the highest-level interim clearances — at the Top Secret/SCI-level — were informed in a memo sent Friday that their clearances would be downgraded to the Secret level, according to three people with knowledge of the situation.…

The memo was not signed by chief of staff John Kelly, but it comes as the retired Marine general and other top White House aides are grappling with the fallout of a scandal involving former White House staff secretary Rob Porter, which revealed that dozens of White House aides had yet to receive permanent clearances but nonetheless had access to some of the country’s deepest secrets….

Friday’s decision is the first change to the clearance process instituted in the wake of the Porter debacle that will directly affect Kushner, who serves as a senior adviser to Trump and has until now had access to the president’s daily brief, the most highly-classified document that Trump sees.

“He cannot see the PDB, not a chance,” said Bradley Moss, a lawyer who specializes in national security law and clearances. “He no longer has access to a range of intelligence information that ordinarily someone in his position and somebody with his responsibilities would normally be privy to in order to perform their functions.”

Moss said Kushner and others will be debriefed by officials in the White House security office, an event scheduled to take place Thursday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. “They’re going to give him a list, ‘Here’s what you’ve been debriefed from, you’ve been debriefed from this program and that compartment, you no longer have any access to it, and any breach of that would be a serious security violation and a possible criminal issue.’”…

My emphasis. It’s not you, Mr. Kushner — this is happening to everybody. Regulations!

Per CNN:

… The White House has refused to detail the status of Kushner’s clearance. In a statement, Kushner’s attorney Abbe Lowell wrote: “Mr. Kushner has done more than what is expected of him in this process.”

“Those involved in the process again have confirmed that there are dozens of people at Mr. Kushner’s level whose process is delayed, that it is not uncommon for these clearance reviews to take this long in a new administration, and that the current backlogs are now being addressed,” Lowell wrote. “No concerns were raised about Mr. Kushner’s application. As General Kelly himself said, the new clearance policy will not affect Mr. Kushner’s ability to continue to do the very important work he has been assigned by the President.”

Kushner is accepting the decision about his security clearance and “will not ask for special permission” from the President, one person familiar with situation says…

After the memo’s release, White House officials worked to identify a way for Kushner to continue working on his portfolio of issues — including on the Middle East and China — that would avoid forcing Trump to personally intervene. Officials have expressed worry that Trump’s personal involvement could create problems within the West Wing and with Kelly…

The FBI is expected to wrap up Kushner’s background check within a month, another person familiar with the situation said, who added the FBI would hand the findings to the White House for them to make the ultimate decision on Kushner’s clearance.

A “surge” of FBI agents have been tasked with processing a backlog of background investigations into Trump administration officials seeking security clearances, law enforcement sources said. Agents are “churning and burning” to complete the required checks, one official with the matter said. “We’re trying to help the process ASAP.”

Meanwhile, White House officials say they’ve noticed an uptick in the pace of top secret security clearance decisions coming from the White House Personnel Security office. That’s the department tasked with taking the FBI background check and determining whether a clearance should be granted…

Reader Interactions

151Comments

  2. 2.

    trollhattan

    Why do I have an image of dad taking the Trans Am keys and handing over the Dodge Diplomat keys?

  3. 3.

    cain

    What’s the point? Won’t the President just read the shit from the PDB to him? If he in fact can read. The guy is just going to tell Jared everything anyways.

  5. 5.

    mai naem mobile

    @trollhattan: hopefully that’s the Yugo Dilpomat.
    Also, I think Jared was more likely stock trading based on the info not necessarily selling it but who knows.

  6. 6.

    Mary G

    Wow:

    Hoooooooo boy.A $31,561 table that does not require congressional approval because it serves a building wide need — even though it resides in Ben Carson’s office.This here swamp is looking mighty drained to me, folks. Might drained. https://t.co/CAAkxnDFYp— Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) February 27, 2018
    The fish stinks from the head down.

    ETA: Link in tweet goes to the garbage FYFNYT. I didn’t read it.

  7. 7.

    Feebog

    He has been compromised in numerous ways. From his attempt to set up a private line with Russia to his multiple failures to disclose relationships with foreigners to interjecting his business interests with his White House position, there is no way Jared should be cleared for any level of security.

  8. 8.

    Ignatius Donnelly

    Serious question: did Trump have to pass a security clearance, or does he have one ex cathedra, by virtue of being the president? Because almost every red flag that Jared raises applies to Trump in spades.

  9. 9.

    trollhattan

    @Feebog:
    Jared–bringer of Middle East Peace and firstish son-in-law–now is limited to accessing NSA’s collection of sideboob photos.

  11. 11.

    WaterGirl

    @trollhattan: I can say with complete confidence that I expect Trump to share lots of top secret stuff with Jared anyway. Not just in spite of the new memo, but almost because of it. “You’re not the boss of me.” Trump is president and can do what he wants, doncha know.

    And I see that cain beat me to it at #3.

  13. 13.

    Steve in the ATL

    Attention male lawyers: I’m in a continuing legal education class on ethics and professionalism. We were advised not to send dick pics. Please govern yourself accordingly.

  14. 14.

    David ??Merry Christmas?? Koch

    Manu Raju‏ @mkraju

    Bernie Sanders and an aide brush back questions about Mueller indictments of the Russians – and how they allegedly helped his campaign. One of his aides stepped in front of me to shield the senator and prevent me from asking questions. Aide bumped into me, saying “Not right now.”

    3:28 PM – 26 Feb 2018

    Running away from reporters is not a good look and it makes you wonder why is he hiding.

  15. 15.

    tobie

    @Ignatius Donnelly: My understanding is that being elected President counts as vetting. All Presidents are given security clearance automatically since you can’t perform the job without it. Americans were warned about Trump. 46% voted for him anyway.

  16. 16.

    dmsilev

    @Mary G:

    The purchase of the custom hardwood table, chairs and hutch

    What’s the problem? It’s not just a table, it’s an entire dining room set. Surely that’s worth $31K?

    and I liked this touch:

    Mr. Carson “didn’t know the table had been purchased,” but does not believe the cost was too steep and does not intend to return it, said Raffi Williams, a HUD spokesman. “In general, the secretary does want to be as fiscally prudent as possible with the taxpayers’ money,” he added.

    Mr. Williams went on to add that the possible levels of fiscal prudence were quite low, and that in the _specific_ case of Mr. Carson’s office, the general approach did not apply.

  19. 19.

    Ignatius Donnelly

    @JPL: Ah, understood. Of course, he does what he wants regardless, so the law hardly matters. Good thing the Constitution provides for congressional oversight!

  24. 24.

    WaterGirl

    @WaterGirl: On a happy note, they tell me my little Henry is doing great. When they stop by to check on him he wags his tail and doggie smiles at them. He comes home in 24 hours. Go Henry!

  26. 26.

    dmsilev

    @dm:

    ou’re kinda burying the lede: Foreign leaders discussed manipulating Kushner through his business ties

    I take that story (sourced to “current and former U.S. officials familiar with intelligence reports on the matter.”) as an example of why going out of your way to piss off the entire intelligence-agency apparatus is probably not the smartest thing in the world to do.

  27. 27.

    JPL

    @WaterGirl: That is great news. Ask if you can keep him on a short leash near you when you are home. That might reduce some of his anxiety. If not buy wine before you pick him up.

  28. 28.

    les

    @Steve in the ATL:

    I’m in a continuing legal education class on ethics and professionalism. We were advised not to send dick pics.

    Please to be giving valuable advice in more timely fashion.

  30. 30.

    Enhanced Voting Techniques

    Well I suppose Kushner will view is as a slap in the face as a status thing but it’s not like any of those people can be bothered to read any document sent to them.

  33. 33.

    eclare

    @WaterGirl: Good to hear! I think when my dog had that surgery the vet gave him some anxiety meds as he wasn’t used to being crated. It all worked out.

  37. 37.

    d58826

    He cannot see the PDB, not a chance,” said Bradley Moss, a lawyer who specializes in national security law and clearances. “He no longer has access to a range of intelligence information that ordinarily someone in his position and somebody with his responsibilities would normally be privy to in order to perform their functions.”

    Well I guess that is good news. On the other hand since Der Fuhrer doesn’t read it is there any one in his inner/trust circle that tell POTUS what is in the PDB.

  38. 38.

    Aleta

    Josh Raffel, Kushner’s friend and the PR guy for him and Ivanka, is leaving his WH job. (He formerly did PR and communications for the Kushner real estate companies.) He started working for Kushner in the WH after the investigation of Kushner-Russia was announced, leaving a Hollywood job. They made a big deal in the publicity that he was a Clinton supporter. But he also worked for Glenn Beck, so maybe not real dedicated to ideas….

    I think I remember that soon after being hired, he started traveling with Kushner, to Saudi Arabia and maybe Israel.

    From axios

    In the fall of 2017, Raffel was quietly promoted to deputy communications director and began taking a bigger role internally. Raffel oversaw communications for the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, worked with Gary Cohn on a number of NEC issues, including tax reform, and also formed a close relationship with Michael Anton at the National Security Council.

    Maybe he’s going to end up at the 2020 campaign like Brad Parscale; or maybe he’s being given a high paying private gig for loyalty because of things he’s seen and the many media people he’s friends with.

  41. 41.

    WaterGirl

    @JPL: I know, right? Yay! I literally have to keep Henry in the crate or in my lap (while having him attached to the leash) except for when we go out to the bathroom. But just for 6-10 weeks. Yikes (!) They are sending Henry home with sedatives in case my little energizer bunny is too energized, even in his crate. But nothing for me!!!

  43. 43.

    WaterGirl

    @Baud: @Mary G: @debbie: He’ll be so excited he’ll try to jump on me. This will be a challenge. :-)

    I might have to celebrate with an adult beverage than then go to bed early in preparation for tomorrow.

  46. 46.

    Mike J

    Jared has had to change his clearance forms dozens of times because he just can’t seem to tell the truth about his financial dealings.

    A Clinton appointed was forced to resign because he paid more in child support than the court required. He reported the amount he was legally obligated to pay rather than twice that amount, which is what he was actually paying because he wanted to provide for his child.

    Jared owes $4,000,000,000 to Russian bankers, has less than a year before the note is due, and his security clearance was his only real asset.

  47. 47.

    MJS

    Jared will just have to get his top secret information the same way the Russians do now – directly from the Orange Fart Cloud’s anus-shaped lips.

  49. 49.

    Roger Moore

    @Feebog:

    there is no way Jared should be cleared for any level of security.

    The only kind of security Jared should get is Maximum Security.

  50. 50.

    Mary G

    @dmsilev: More bad publicity for Ben in an article in the Guardian:

    A senior career official in the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has alleged that she was demoted and replaced with a Donald Trump appointee after refusing to break the law by funding an expensive redecoration of Ben Carson’s office.

    Helen Foster said she was told “$5,000 will not even buy a decent chair” after informing her bosses this was the legal price limit for improvements to the HUD secretary’s suite at the department’s Washington headquarters.

    Some real swamp draining going on there. Why do I believe that whoever Hillary would have put in at HUD would not have exceeded their allowance? Her email server is costing this country a fortune.

  51. 51.

    WaterGirl

    @eclare: Yes, they are sending me home with sedatives (in case they are needed). I pulled out his crate on Sunday and got him a brand new cushion for it. He did go right in and take a nap, but there’s a difference between “door open” and “door closed”.

    @Josie: Smiling. I’m glad you like my sweet boy.

    @Elizabelle: No wine, but I’m sure I have something to make an adult beverage with.

  52. 52.

    Gelfling 545

    @cain: I think tat Trump didn’t read t at all bur Jared did & told him about it. Now I guess nobody will read it which may be just as well in the circumstances.

  58. 58.

    Mike in NC

    Kushner is a dim-bulb frat boy type utterly unqualified to do anything. He spends his time in the West Wing reading comic books and watching TV. He’s a future Trivial Pursuit answer: “Who was the biggest joke in the failed Trump kakistocracy?”

  59. 59.

    Roger Moore

    @debbie:

    Trump’s regard for national security is so low he’ll send the info to Jared anyway.

    Trump’s regard for national security is so low, he’ll send the info to Putin. Jared is just the symptom of much worse rot.

  60. 60.

    WaterGirl

    @Elizabelle: I actually thought of that and found one on Saturday. Tried to put him in it today before we went to the vet. He absolutely HATED it. It was kinda too small for him, but it was the only thing I could find and we went to 5 different pet stores.

  61. 61.

    Captain C

    What are the chances that Jar Jar (and his FIL for that matter) are being fed nuggets of false but tantalizing Top Secret info in order to see where said info walks?

  64. 64.

    MisterForkbeard

    @Mike J: I mean, his security clearance IS still an asset. It’s just “secret” now.

    But his biggest asset is that Trump thinks Jared is The Most Amazing Person Ever and uses him as a chief advisor. Jared doesn’t need a clearance to do that.

  67. 67.

    SFAW

    @Gelfling 545:

    Now I guess nobody will read it which may be just as well in the circumstances.

    Ivanka will read it to Daddy as a bedtime story.

    For some reason, the name Dumbert Dumbert just popped into my head, not sure why.

  68. 68.

    WaterGirl

    @debbie: Yeah, I think it’s gonna be like kids. No has to mean “no”, not “if you badger me enough you will get your way”. He’s a smart boy; I’m hoping that when he understands the rules he will be a good sport. We’ll see soon enough! Some good friends are taking Tucker for the first 2 weeks – it will be quieter and easier to get into the new routine, I hope. Tucker is the instigator for a lot of shenanigans so this seemed like a good first step.

    @Aleta: I would worry about valerian – I tried it once and had a terrible reaction. Before I go with the sedatives, though, I thought I would try Rescue Remedy. It really helped the loaner pups calm down one night last week when they were beyond wound-up one evening.

  71. 71.

    raven

    @WaterGirl: Good deal. Lil Bit went to her heart vet today and the short version is that she is fine. The Lar Par is always going to be with her but the main mission is going to be to keep her as cool as possible. Given my early morning habits I’ll be able to get her out before the sun comes up so it should be ok.

  72. 72.

    WaterGirl

    @SiubhanDuinne: @Tenar Arha: Lots of pets and lap time for Henry when he comes home tomorrow evening. It will be like romper room. This hug is from debbie, this pat is from SD…

    I have to call you SD because I have no idea how to pronounce your name!

  73. 73.

    NotMax

    Mein gottenyu.

    Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, who hosted the webinar, suggested that law enforcement may have deliberately ignored multiple tips about the shooter, Nikolas Cruz, in order to allow a massacre that could pave the way for gun control.

    “It was a conspiracy to intentionally leave our children exposed to mass murder,” Rhodes said. Source

  76. 76.

    WaterGirl

    @raven: That’s great news from the heart vet! My sister had a dog who would pant and get overheated sometimes – I forget what her disease was – but I get how distressing it is for you when Lil Bit does that. We felt so helpless. Really glad to hear the news.

  79. 79.

    Gelfling 545

    @WaterGirl:
    “No has to mean “no”, not “if you badger me enough you will get your way”.” That reminded me of an exchange with my daughter when she was small.
    Me: Have I ever changed my mind because you whined about something?
    Daughter: No, but I have to make an effort.
    She’s the one who’s in law school now.

    Best wishes to you and Henry for a good convalescence.

  81. 81.

    debbie

    @NotMax:

    I can’t even with these people. I can’t remember exactly how he worded it, but Alex Jones has gone farther over the edge than usual.

  86. 86.

    patrick II

    The Nunes memo may seem illegitimate to readers here, but the accusations gives the Trump administration something to build on — and here it is, from the Hill: Sessions says DOJ will investigate alleged FISA abuses

    Trump has publicly pressed Sessions to open up an investigation into potential abuses of the program,

    It’s a tapestry of lies and insinuations that has a cumulative affect on their ready audience, and the naivete of the media.

  92. 92.

    WaterGirl

    @Gelfling 545:

    Me: Have I ever changed my mind because you whined about something?
    Daughter: No, but I have to make an effort.
    She’s the one who’s in law school now.

    That’s classic! How old was she then?

  98. 98.

    ? ?? Goku (aka Baka Amerikahito) ? ?

    @JPL:
    Something tells me that these rules of declassification need to be revisited.

  99. 99.

    Steeplejack

    I know the White House security-clearance problem is not as serious as Hillary’s e-mail server—that’s a given—but are we getting close? In the ball park?

  101. 101.

    Humdog

    WaterGirl, my dog Blue just finished her six weeks of near complete rest on 2/6. The saving grace for our house, apart from occasional trazedone for her, was the surgeon recommended up to three short leash walks for up to 10 minutes each walk. When we were all ready to climb the walls from inactivity, those short jaunts were life savers.
    Now, Blue thinks she is bionic and leaps everywhere. She was new to me before surgery so I had no idea of the Tigger hidden within, but I am thankful she feels so much better she dances.
    Good luck!
    ETA she was restricted for eight weeks.

  102. 102.

    danielx

    @JPL:

    This. He can still see anything Trump chooses to show him and there’s not a damn thing anyone can do about it.

  103. 103.

    Steeplejack

    @cain:

    Or Jared will read the PDB left open on Trump’s desk while Trump is channel-surfing between CNN and Fox News.

  104. 104.

    trnc

    @JPL: Given that DT is an idiot AND totally delusional, I suspect that any information he decided to give out would be met with eyerolls and a fair amount of suspicion as to its accuracy.

  106. 106.

    Roger Moore

    @SFAW:

    For some reason, the name Dumbert Dumbert just popped into my head, not sure why.

    Because it’s fucking brilliant, that’s why.

  107. 107.

    Aleta

    Kushner attorney claims clearance downgrade will “not affect Mr. Kushner’s ability to continue to do the very important work he has been assigned by the president.”

    There is no Middle East peace process, relations with Mexico are the worst they’ve been since ?, China is kicking our ass around the block. By all means carry on.

  108. 108.

    bemused

    @WaterGirl:

    I feel for you. We’ve been through doggie tplo surgery recovery three times. Twice with one dog and once with the another dog, both 55 or so lbs. They were both good girls with the restrictions though.

  110. 110.

    Brachiator

    Jared’s Security Clearance “Downgraded”

    So, does this mean that he has to get Ivanka’s permission to look at Top Secret materials?

  113. 113.

    Aleta

    @WaterGirl: I forgot about Rescue Remedy. I’ve used the pet version in bad thunderstorms and when neighbor kids did ‘surprise’ fireworks.

    The best price I’ve seen for it was at L uck y Vita mins, last summer; I’ve ordered 2 other kinds of it from there, and other things that were fine. They have a good refund/return policy.

  114. 114.

    Sam

    I’d just like to point out that the criteria are the same for obtaining any level of clearance honesty, lack of conflicts, no criminality, loyalty, etc. Kushner’s issues are bad enough so that I don’t understand how he maintains any level of clearance. Every day he stays simply risks more problems. The Prez can tell him anything. The risk of spillage is just unacceptable. I bet the professionals in the White House have been going crazy for a long time.

  116. 116.

    NotMax

    @NotMax

    Gads, so much for proofreading.

    Every time I see IANAL I can’t help but think it’s the title of a Mickey Spillane porn novel.

  117. 117.

    WaterGirl

    @bemused: Yikes! But that gives me hope. My niece went through it 3 times with her golden. The saving grace for me is that Henry is little – 13 pounds. The bad part is that I’m the only human, so if I’m in another part of the house, he will be unhappy. He is my little shadow – always has to be near the action.

  119. 119.

    bemused

    @WaterGirl:

    The vet gave us a week by week activity schedule. Sometime after dog allowed to start some walking, we were told to have dog walk in some figure eights to balance their gaits.

  121. 121.

    WaterGirl

    @Aleta: I just mine from the health food store, but your place is probably cheaper.

    @Sam: I agree with nearly everything you said. Except: “I bet the professionals in the White House have been going crazy for a long time.”. Professionals in the whitehouse? Name 2. :-)

  123. 123.

    bemused

    @WaterGirl:

    Vet told us he had a Great Dane patient with the surgery twice. What a chore for the owner but I guess the dog did well. Still that made our minds reel and we didn’t feel quite as nervous with our dogs half the weight.

  124. 124.

    Unknown known

    @Major Major Major Major:

    Attention male lawyers: I’m in a continuing legal education class on ethics and professionalism. We were advised not to send dick pics

    Like, ever?

    Well obviously it would be ok if you, like totally want to bone them, but could also be ok if your buds would think it was hysterical when you are all shitfaced and talking smack. But otherwise, generally no, I’m afraid.
    Oh, also its a hard “no, not ever” if your skin is husky and the recipients isn’t. That is just not prudent professional behaviour conducive to a positive working environment..

    ETA… irony, obviously.

  126. 126.

    bemused

    @WaterGirl:

    My spouse made a plywood ramp for the outdoor back steps to make less movement of dog’s joints going out and in. You don’t have to worry about that when you can carry a 13 pounder.

  127. 127.

    WaterGirl

    @debbie: Henry is my happy little boy!

    White carpet… yeah, brave and stupid are sometimes indistinguishable from one another. I have a Spot Bot for kitty puke spots or spills – best thing ever invented! And I have a Hoover carpet cleaner that’s the size of a vacuum cleaner. It has a “surface clean” feature that works well, which I ran after the pups left because it looked kind of dingy. Looks like new again!

    Only Tucker and Henry are mine; the two 4-month old pups were staying with us for 10 days. Adorable and sweet, and exhausting!

  129. 129.

    WaterGirl

    @bemused: Interesting! My vet specializes in sports “injuries” – he was a practicing physical therapist for years before he went to vet school. So he has the water treadmills for strengthening after surgery, etc. Hoping we get to move around more than I think we will.

  130. 130.

    Frankensteinbeck

    Put me on the ‘Forget it, we’re going to find out Jared is still hooked straight into all the top level classified stuff’ train. He is who Trump trusts, and Trump will demand Kushner see everything.

  131. 131.

    TenguPhule

    @dmsilev:

    Mr. Carson “didn’t know the table had been purchased,

    He thought it was a gift?

    He’s gonna get lynched one of these days, mark my words. //

  135. 135.

    TenguPhule

    @Mike J:

    Jared owes $4,000,000,000 to Russian bankers, has less than a year before the note is due, and his security clearance was his only real asset.

    I wouldn’t be so sure that was his only asset.

    Shitman is at the government theft trough like the rest of them.

    I am amazed at how opaque their finances continue to be.

  136. 136.

    WaterGirl

    @bemused: I moved my mattress to the floor in the sunroom and that’s where I put Henry’s crate, so that’s where we’ll sleep. The room has a TV and it’s my office, so I will spend most of my time in there with Henry.

    It has a door that opens straight out to the yard – no steps. Unfortunately, it’s the room with the white carpet so I never let the dogs in or out that way. Oh well, I’ll just have to put a towel down by the door. It will be a long 6 weeks, but it’s do-able. (I will keep repeating that to myself.)

  138. 138.

    Steeplejack

    @Mary G:

    It’s nepotistic, interconnected turtles all the way down! That Times story about Carson and the overpriced HUD furniture quotes “HUD spokesman” Raffi Williams, who turns out to be the 28- or 29-year-old son of Fox News commenter and The Hill columnist Juan Williams. Raffi’s previous gig was deputy communications director for the Republican Study Committee.

    He was also one of The Hill’s 50 most beautiful people for 2014!

  140. 140.

    bemused

    @WaterGirl:

    Great Danes like other huge dogs are pretty easy going and not high wired like other breeds, iirc, so probably a lot easier for them to follow the doc’s orders. We just put our dogs on leash and kept them from getting too frisky. The hard part came when they felt pretty darn good and wanted to resume their old pace…just like we humans, I remember thinking at the time. At that stage, where they are walking around the house not restricted, one dog was nowhere to be found. I almost had heart failure when I saw her standing at the bottom of the stairs to the basement. No stairs were allowed yet. Luckily we have a walkout basement entry and I leashed her, slowly walked her back to other side of house on sidewalks that gradually rise to her ramp entry. We put a baby gate up right after that episode.

  141. 141.

    BruceFromOhio

    Yeah, sure and fine, but what does he use for his personal email service? Let’s go look at that shall we NY fucking Times. And while you’re at it, news flash: he’s just one of many.

  142. 142.

    bemused

    @WaterGirl:

    It will go faster than it seems now. Our dogs were much more cooperative and patient than we were afraid they’d be, all three times! It’s like they understood they had to take it easy and slow.

  144. 144.

    WaterGirl

    @bemused: With Great Danes, I was thinking more about how you get a huge heavy dog outside if they can’t take steps. So I won’t have that challenge, but I will have the energizer bunny challenge with Henry.

    My vet put the fear of god into me about Henry not taking steps and not jumping at all. I’m sure you were terrified when you saw your pup at the bottom of the stairs! So glad there were no repercussions, except for maybe those few terrified moments.

    My sunroom (where we will be) has a door that cuts it off from the rest of the house, so the most he could do is take one step to a closed door. I’m worried about him jumping on the couch or the ottoman. Henry is like a grasshopper!

  146. 146.

    WaterGirl

    @Steeplejack: Yep. Trouble starts tomorrow when I pick him up at 4. Six weeks minimum, could be up to 10. But he’s young – just over 3 – so I expect him to heal well unless he does something stupid (in spite of all my efforts to the contrary).

    The 10 days with the two loaner pups seemed endless and yet boom, it was suddenly time for them to go home. Six weeks is basically 4x the loaner pup stay. It will probably seem endless but will also fly by. (she said hopefully)

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