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Democrats are winning the shutdown politics. Can they stop now?

After the 2013 government shutdown ended, Republican leaders made clear they had only been humoring Sen. Ted Cruz and his plot to defund Obamacare. “It was not a smart play. It had no chance of success,” then-Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said. Then-House Speaker John Boehner initially said the GOP had “fought the good fight.” But he would later say the plan “never had a chance” and even called the Texas senator “Lucifer in the flesh.” This is how shutdowns generally go. The side seeking a concession fights what they view as “the good fight,” and then they.

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25 Pictures of Cats Serving Tricks, Treats, and Too Much Cuteness

Halloween is right around the corner, and that means one thing: it’s time for cats to get their claws into costume season. From tiny pumpkins to pint-sized vampires, our feline friends are proving that spooky can also be absolutely adorable. Sure, most cats might prefer fur over fabric, but some are surprisingly purrfessional models, strutting around like they’re auditioning for Purranormal Cativity. A cat in costume is a perfect blend of sass and spook, equal parts adorable and dramatic. Whether they’re glaring from under a witch hat or reluctantly flaunting their taco outfit, the attitude is unmatched. Getting them to stay still for a photo can feel like herding ghosts, but one snapshot of a bat-wing stretch or a pumpkin prance makes the effort worth every treat. And of course, no Halloween is complete without the classic black cat. The ultimate icon of the season. Whether they’re rocking a costume or just their natural sleek fur, these kitties remind everyone that Halloween magic is best enjoyed with a little purr and a lot of treats.