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Jeff Tiedrich's avatar

let me once more repeat my comment from previous days off, "by the way, I am very aware of how lucky and privileged I am. most people do not have a hundred thousand or more people who care about them. that has to make a difference in the grieving process. so, once again, thank you. I love you all"

Wendy The Druid 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🌈's avatar

Take whatever break you need jeff. But I will take the hit for you today.

Fucking Lindsey Graham is dead.

So Lindsey Graham is dead, and the tribute machine wants me misty over a "true American Patriot." Cool. Here's the patriot's other résumé — the shit-heel one. Co-sponsored DOMA in '96. Voted to block gay couples from adopting kids. Voted against ENDA, against ending Don't Ask Don't Tell while eight Republicans grew a spine he never located, against the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022. HRC clocked his record at twelve goddamn percent. Twelve. Thirty years voting against my life, the sanctimonious fucknugget, and called it principle. The record doesn't do moments of silence.

https://thistleandmoss.com/p/what-survives-the-morning-ding-dong-the-witch-is-dead-sorry-no-it-s-not-trump

Cassandrascat's avatar

He exemplified what happens to people who deny who they are: he voted to further suppress himself & hurt lots of other people as a result, and he identified fully with whoever was in power who also hated who he was. Apart from having more awareness of his self-hatred than trump does, Graham had no redeeming qualities and deserves to be vilified for supporting the damage that McConnell did & trump continues to do.

KP Johnson Austin, TX's avatar

OMG! I went right to Jeff this morning and never saw the LG news! I thought everyone was joking or just hoping. Wow....I guess there is retribution for those traitors who previously hated trump--who's next? Cruz?

Lois Levenstone's avatar

A friend texted me the news, and I thought she had confused him with McConnell.

Cyndi's avatar

I find it interesting that Turtle has not responded to LG's death.

Who died first?

Annette's avatar

My understanding was Lindsey called Mitch yesterday, to get together for breakfast this morning.

Deb's avatar

They spoke for 20 minutes. 😁

SeekingReason's avatar

Same here! 😄 I thought it was the turtle instead.

Cathy Wray's avatar

KP, LG had just worked on a sanctions package against Russia. Do you think Putin had him poisoned? The ME should test his blood, if he had any. Stephen Miller may have sucked him dry.

Stephen Schiff's avatar

No need for Putin to worry, as LG was as two-faced as any Republican when it comes to supporting resistance to tyranny. How on earth could anyone support Ukraine while helping dismantle the Constitution and rule of law in their own country?

Diana Hembree's avatar

Heavy drinking over a long period of time can also lead to aortic dissection. Graham was an extremely heavy drinker for decades, and I imagine that was the most likely cause.

KP Johnson Austin, TX's avatar

I figured they would've blamed Ukraine because in trump's mind, Putin is the good guy and Zalinsky is the bad guy.

Elizabeth Gordy's avatar

Me too. Thought it was a joke. Now, how about Mitch McConnell?

Robin D's avatar

I love you Wendy The Druid 😂❤🤗

You should see the comments at the NYT. The hypocrisy especially from the southern posters is stunning. Whose next in line to be the official ass-kisser? I feel nothing for him. He made his choice.

Anastasia Pantsios's avatar

Whoever the governor appoints. The good news is they will be a relatively powerless back bencher.

Tess's avatar

Your quotes on LG are great! And love the pride arch in Detroit!

Wanda Myers's avatar

It is said that things like this come in three’s, McConnell, Graham…..Trump? If that happens maybe some of the R’s will start to think about their actions. Nah!

kdsherpa's avatar

Wouldn't that be something?!!

Elizabeth Schulz's avatar

It'd be Karma coming around. I've been saying she would - and waiting. I didn't include McConnell or Graham but...IF you earn it, she will provide. BUT Cory Booker did say that his aid to Ukraine stance was real (they'd worked together on it). Did anyone believe for a second that frump's 'sad' about LG's death was real? He isn't remotely capable of feeling 'sad' unless it's about him losing money.

HI2thDoc's avatar

To the tune of the Moody Blues' Legend of a Mind:

Lindsey Graham's dead

No, no, no, he's down there looking up

He'll wave his bubble wand

And deepen the trump swamp pond

Tell you lies with a straight face

Leave you stuck in a bad place

He got on the trump train

And then he did disdain

The memory of John McCain

Another character stain

Lindsey Graham's dead

No, no, no, he's down there looking up

He was in on trump's dumb con

To start a conflict with Iran

He loves the killing and war mayhem

Lindsey Graham

Lindsey Graham

PlasticFish's avatar

I've had this stuck in my head since about 3.30 this morning when I woke up to find my feeds jammed with the news about LG:

https://youtu.be/LetN_usw-w8?is=MAn3oCWDutzbD0Za

HI2thDoc's avatar

Thanks. Never heard this before

Eileen Olson's avatar

Quite a jaunty tune.

SeekingReason's avatar

The rest of us can have a drink and celebrate the dead of another Fascist enabler!

Anastasia Pantsios's avatar

I won't celebrate but neither can I grieve.

Joyce's avatar

Waiting to watch the men's singles final from Wimbledon, so, in the meantime, I checked on MS-NOW and CNN to see if I could get any updates about Lindsey Graham's demise.....Neither was covering it--CNN just put the notification in red in the crawl at the bottom of the screen, to set it off from the rest of the news buried down there (oooh--guess that was a poor choice of words).....Zippity Do Dah otherwise. Hokey smokes: what a dis!

Oh, well. time for tennis!

kdsherpa's avatar

Unfortunately SC Gov. McMasters is allowed to name a successor for lindsey, but KY Gov. Beshear is not. That's the repugnicants for ya.

Sharon Hudnall's avatar

Nancy Mace has already popped up like Reese Witherspoon in the movie "Election" and yelled "Pick me, ME!"

kdsherpa's avatar

Mace is a MONSTER. But maybe she's also a GREAT choice! Many people despise her, and the great Dr. Annie Andrews might just win!!

kdsherpa's avatar

Voted 98% (or close to it) w/ the orange sadist, but once he knew that he was "out," he began saying things he never would have otherwise. I'd love to see him win (compared to other choices the repugnicants might make).

P123Sunny's avatar

True - (though I think Manchin voted pretty much D as well)... just didn’t feel like it on some of the high profile stuff. Need to verify bc perceptions aren’t facts(!)

wisewebwoman's avatar

I was in disbelief too thinking it was a kind of dark joke. Good riddance is what I say, what a slimy little toad he was, living so far up the Felon's arse it made me wonder if he was a little plaything on Epstein Island. Would not be surprised.

Elizabeth Gordy's avatar

Probably died of C. diff

Mary Greenwald's avatar

No moment of silence here!

Stephen Schiff's avatar

Error: should read MOTHERFUCKING Lindsey Graham is dead. But wait, that would be a slur on the regular motherfuckers.

AuntTeeFa's avatar

Lol I just read your link after posting. We think alike lol referencing the Wizard

Diane Rose Halstead's avatar

Agree, Wendy!! He deserves NOTHING! He’s a spineless coward who sold his soul to play golf with the worst President in American history. For power and access and self promotion. What a worm.

Jan Moon's avatar

Wait, who died? Too bad, Lindsey, you worthless piece of crap. I know you wanted them to hide you in the hospital room or the morgue with Mitch the Turtle but here you are, OUTED. DEAD. What another colossal waste of a congressional seat. Guess what? Good riddance! Thank you, Wendy, for sharing that.

Jeff, we're always here for you. Take the time you need with Claudia but allow a smidgen of happy to sneak in. We're here. Lindsey isn't.

Jodi Richard's avatar

My first thought after hearing about Graham was that McConnell opened the gates of hell and now they are all being called….🤞🏼

Joanne Beck's avatar

I absolutely love the pictures you post. I feel as if I am getting to know you through Claudia. She must've been one beautiful fun partner! Hold her in your heart and she will never leave you.

djw's avatar

Also, I think it's great that you took so many. It's really easy to capture our lives in pictures these days, but not many of us do it as well as you captured hers, and I appreciate that.

Mr Mild - BlueVotingBastard💙's avatar

Take the time you need, Jeff, to grieve, mourn, reflect, remember, smile at a memory, laugh at a joke you shared.

We’ll be here when you get back.

Michelle Kenoyer's avatar

What BVB said. We all love you, Jeff! Continuing, as always, to keep you in our hearts.

Marian Vitale's avatar

Back atcha. You help us more than you'll ever know.

Jacqueline Gindler's avatar

This is definitely true.

Janet O.'s avatar

Jeff, I haven't piped up before, but I feel it's time to say something. You make me laugh, you raise my spirits, you warm the cockles of my cold, dead heart, so keep on writing. This loss is an apocalypse. Living through an apocalypse, we have to find our comforts in the little things. I send you my fervent hopes for the eventual return of joy in whatever form it can take. Sincerely, your avid reader in NC

Diane Rose Halstead's avatar

Welcome, Janet! Thanks for the very nice post today.

Maria 🇮🇪's avatar

Hi Janet - Céad míle fáilte.☘️

Robin D's avatar

And we love you. It always breaks my heart when I see these posts from you. I can't believe she's gone 5 months. I love your honesty about how much you love and miss her. But even in your pain, you can still throw in Donnyloathing and holy fuck Lindsey Graham. Claudia would be proud🙏. Ending with the picture of Claudia toasting with her ice cold martini was perfect. It's like she's toasting all of us. Take care of yourself today. ❤

AuntTeeFa's avatar

I’m grateful for the ringside seat to your musings. The intimate photos you share make us feel like a privileged part of your family. Thank you for sharing.

Grieving is difficult but necessary🫶

As for other matters of national importance, those of you who are familiar with the Wizard of Oz…ding dong 🎶

Fingers crossed for the trifecta

Stephanie Lajeskie's avatar

We’re lucky to have you too, Uncle Jeff.

KP Johnson Austin, TX's avatar

We love you, Jeff! I rely on your wit and wisdom every day. You put in so much effort to keep up informed (and laughing), and even when you tell us you need a break, you always leave us with a sprinkling of the best nuggets of the craziest happenings in our world. Take your time!

Wendymae's avatar

I'm glad you're taking the time to care for yourself. We love you!

Karen Hilton's avatar

There isn't space here to cut and paste the photo of you and Claudia seated in the plane. Having grown up a Lutheran, I noticed your outfit included a white tee shirt neckline which reminded me of the Lutheran pastoral collar. The light from the window shone on Claudia. Ethereal. You have been a pastor for us during these difficult years, helping us deal while our emotions are uber stressed. Thank you for helping us cope while you are coping also. Grateful for you and Claudia.

kdsherpa's avatar

"ethereal" That is the same word I used in my reaction to that heavenly picture.

George in Atlanta's avatar

Hah! I wasn't the only one. Jeff is Jewish but he definitely gives off those crusty-and-kind parish vicar vibes. You'd go to him with your problems. And we do.

Diana's avatar

You never have to worry about us Jeff- we will still be here - promise♥️

Ransom Rideout's avatar

Ah, yes. You two certainly had your priorities. I have gotten to love you both for how wonderful you have revealed yourselves to be. Take as much time whenever you need it. The shit you help us though will always be there.

HH Mohr's avatar

Bereavement support groups can be helpful, to be with people who understand what you're going through. Wishing you hugs and healing.

Lynn's avatar

Get some rest today. Sending love and care.

Leu2500's avatar

we promise to behave while we chat about Lindsey's surprise dirt nap & speculate on what the third thing will be.

Jeff Tiedrich's avatar

you know, I really wanted to say more about Old Lindz in my post, but I felt it would be in really poor taste to have 'I miss my wife' and 'ha ha, Lindsey Graham!' right next to each other in the same post — but don't let that stop all you commenters. snark away!

Gayna's avatar

Ha ha Lindsay Graham! A trifecta would be Trump next!

HI2thDoc's avatar

To the tune of Dion's Abraham, Martin, and John:

. . .Didn't you hate the things they stood for?

Didn't they try to hurt you and me?

And we'll be free someday now that they're gone

Lindsey, Mitch, and Don

serenity's avatar

I've already read a post about death coming in threes. Maybe? The fact that trump had another checkup and cognitive test after just having same in May doesn't indicate that he's in stellar health despite his claims to the contrary.

Anastasia Pantsios's avatar

Yeah, that's an imposed fiction people sometimes believe. You can always find three things and a thread to tie them together. Maybe three prominent South Carolinians died today. Or three Trump sycophants

Rebecca Wilson's avatar

What a lovely thought - trump next!

Mingo's avatar

Take the day off, you deserve it. Tomorrow perhaps you can snark on old Miss Lindz and Mitch McConnell. What is with these southerners that make them so unlikable?

Anastasia Pantsios's avatar

Jon Ossoff? Raphael Warnock? Jimmy Carter? Or is Georgia an exception?

Mingo's avatar

I should have specified GOP southerners. Marsha Blackburn, Rand Paul come to mind.

Anastasia Pantsios's avatar

How about Ron DeathSatan? Or An Appalling Lunatic? Florida rates high for unlikability.

Bungalow Baby's avatar

Ooo…Ron DeathSatan….love that one!!!! He’s despicable.

Diana Hembree's avatar

Ah, ok, you answered my question. Although Thomas Massie was great on some important issues, like the Epstein papers.

Cat Cafe's avatar

It's in their DNA, the traitors.

Diana Hembree's avatar

I asssume by "these southerners," you mean Lindsay Graham and Mitch McConnell, and not all southerners, yes?

Bob's avatar

I guess gorging at the Trump Trough isn’t as healthy a diet as Miss Lindsey thought.

Tess's avatar

You can share tomorrow! lol

Sharon Hudnall's avatar

I wonder if they can fit 2 million Epstein Files in his coffin.

AuntTeeFa's avatar

There’s no comparison in there, Jeff

DrBDH's avatar

My connection to heaven must have its wires crossed. I prayed for Trump and got Graham.

Richard Von Busack's avatar

Oh, believe me, I am chortling. And when dealing with so-much-for-the-tolerant-left scolds, remember Bierce's advice: "Wit smiles, apologizes...and then twists the knife."

Joyce's avatar

Just tell the scolds the left is only echoing Dear Leader's loving reaction to Robert Mueller's death.

Kim Steeves's avatar

No, no, no judgement here, you can of course miss Ms. Spouse in one heartbeat, then sign "ding,dong' about LG in the next! You do you!!!

Anastasia Pantsios's avatar

Sadly, Lindsey apparently had no loved one to grieve him because he wouldn't let himself be who he is.

Mike Basile's avatar

Hope your mental health break provides a respite and you return tomorrow to pay your respects to The Flower Of Southern Womanhood. It is my understanding the paramedics had to remove Graham’s head from Trump’s anus before resuscitation attempts could begin.

BDBoop's avatar

I mean. If you could see what Michael Fanone had to say about it, holy shiznit.

And I agree with him 100%

Douglas Paul Truhlar's avatar

But of course one need not dig to find stories about Lindz today it’s almost 100% what is out there. It’s not like he was a wall flower.

Troll Slayer's avatar

Thanks, Karma! Now do Ted Cruz

David Skoglund's avatar

I’m now waiting to hear about the passing of Mitch McConnell. Bring it on!

Bob's avatar

“Damn! Missed again.” — Death

arne link's avatar

Oh, he daid. He daid fo sure.

Richard Von Busack's avatar

Mmm mmm mmm, don't he look natural.

Dana Hidalgo's avatar

Unfortunately he just released a statement about a fall and he’s home. He did not have a heart attack as the press has mentioned.

There’s still a little time to get that trifecta!

Mingo's avatar

GOP strategists must be having a meltdown. Open Senate seats in SC and KY.

nkrempa's avatar

"...surprise dirt nap..." LOVE IT. Actually, it reminds me of when my mother suddenly died while being transported - in the hospital, mind you - for some testing. One minute they were transferring her to the gurney, the next minute she was gone. The awful part about that is that my younger sister was on the phone and heard the whole thing go down. My first thought, when the news came, was "Wow, bet she was shocked!" (I know, kinda awful thought about one's mom, but she had her issues)

Susan P Thatcher's avatar

Well, a couple of dark possibilities occur to me: Trump has been told his time is short and he's getting his enemies list cleared out, or Putin is cleaning out potential witnesses. Don't forget, McConnell aka is Moscow Mitch.

I vote for Cruz. Or Ron Johnson

Sharon Hudnall's avatar

Grassley. But they need a scarecrow for Halloween.

Anastasia Pantsios's avatar

Ted Cruz is very young, only in his 50s. (I know, people were always shocked when I told them back in 2018 that he and Beto were basically the same age.)

Robert Eckert's avatar

Chinese saying: "The face you have at 20 is a matter of luck, but the face you have at 50 is the face you have earned."

Dave Drell's avatar

Who mourns these dead Republutards who made life worse for our citizens?

Plus, he was a BIBI ass kisser!

Zija Pulp's avatar

When I woke I immediately looked at news and read out to my still snoozling husband “Lyndsey Graham dead at 71” but clearly THOUGHT it said Mitch McConnell. What a shocker and a disappointment. I do believe in the deaths in threes so my bingo card is filled out.

It is my 67th birthday and I do hope I have a winning card! Cheers y’all.

Nora's avatar

Inquiring minds want to know if just dance vance visited him yesterday. Yes, I do subscribe to these events happening in threes. dumpy, susan and chuck are all hiding behind curtains worried the Banshee is headed their way.

I love dirt nap. Will use that from now on for the unlikeable dead.

Eva's avatar

I have my hopes on #3...

Ralph Roberts's avatar

One down 20 more Maggots to go!

Sue Munda's avatar

😂😂Good things come in 3’s, don’t they? McConnel, Graham, …🙏🤞🏻

Karen Henry's avatar

I wonder how Mike Johnson's health is doing........ 🤔

Louise Bowes's avatar

Well…I may not behave. Doesn’t this come in threes?

Marian Vitale's avatar

Lindsey can have his 20 minute conversation with Mitch now.

Barb L's avatar

My sincere condolences..Im 6 1/2 months from losing my golden years cut short husband. Grief comes in waves...I talk to him out loud, my dog thinks Im nuts. But it helps.

Miselle's avatar

Sending a hug your way, Barb.

Ransom Rideout's avatar

Yes,it helps. I've been there too.

David Dee's avatar

A friend who experienced a similar loss a few years ago said it never goes away but it does get easier.

Michelle Vancura's avatar

Jeff, I lost my husband of 51 years 3 years ago. It does get better, but some days just kick you in the chest, making it hard to breathe. Take all the time you need. And here’s a thought about Trump’s REAL reaction to Lindsey’s death and Mitch’s whatever - I’m sure he’s screaming, “Why are they doing this to ME?!”, while throwing ketchup bottles at the wall… Take care. Those are great pictures of Claudia! ❤️

Lairbo's avatar

I'd put dollars to donuts he said something like that. Here's hoping a staffer heard him and it shows up in some future behind-the-scenes tell-all about his decline and fall.

Jenna Gibbs's avatar

Please take of yourself, Jeff. 5 months is still so immediate and raw (I lost my beloved husband suddenly, and that first year was an especially unmooring, howling at the moon, all-consuming tsunami of emotions) I am amazed ( and grateful) that you have continued to be so communicative and diligent about engaging with your readers ( and the scary US and world politics) during these past 5 months. Kudos to you for your resilience, and hugs to you for the loss of your beloved Claudia, Ms. Spouse.

David Simpson's avatar

Poor ol' Lindsey. But hey... Finally, someone is actually going to speak with Mitch McConnell!

Miselle's avatar

When I told a friend the news about Lindsey, she mentioned that deaths come in threes. I asked who she meant, and she mentioned the turtle. So place your bets on who the Reaper is coming for next.

Chris Hierholzer's avatar

Satan is heating up his poker. It's going to be a fun night in hell when all 3 show up. I'm not a religious person but if I was....

Carol Briers's avatar

Take all of the breaks that you need. I, for one, am not going anywhere. See you when you post again.

Richard Dorset's avatar

You are a treasure Jeff. As, we are finding out through your photos and reminiscing, was Claudia. Wishing you peace today

Cindy's avatar

Grieving is a process, 5 months is not long for a lifetime of love. It may take forever. That you have continued these posts is remarkable, I hope they help you heal. I am also in the midst of grief. So I can relate in both laughter and sorrow.

AMCottingham's avatar

Your hilarious vitriol helps get me through this wretched time, and I hope your occasional breaks help you get through the aftermath of Claudia’s death.

HI2thDoc's avatar

My love, my saving grace,

your eyes are awfully blue.

I kiss your funny face,

your coffee-flavored mouth.

Last night I slept with you.

Today I love you so

how can I bear to go

(as soon I must, I know)

to bed with ugly death

in that cold filthy place

to sleep there without you,

without the easy breath

and nightlong, limblong warmth

I've grown accustomed to?

--Nobody wants to die;

tell me it is a lie!

But no, I know it's true.

It's just the common case,

there's nothing one can do.

My love, my saving grace,

your eyes are awfully blue

early and instant blue

-Elizabeth Bishop

Dave Drell's avatar

You getting all sentimental on us, Doc.

Laura Stusser-McNeil's avatar

Another total stranger who is also an avid devoted reader, sending appreciation for what you do and ongoing condolences. Grief doesn’t have a timetable. Obviously. We’re here to catch your words and photos.

Tess's avatar

Nice to see you taking some time off❤️❤️ ❤️❤️

Nancy's avatar

Your friends help to carry your pain. We care about you! Rest and relax. We're always ready when you are!