After a few minutes of pleasant conversation in which Rose jumped on his shoulder and licked the top of his head, he laid out the beginnings of his plan.

NPR: 'Dog is My Co-Pilot'

Earlier Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said that he and Boehner had a "pleasant conversation" by phone and that he didn't expect either man to "draw any lines in the sand" ahead of negotiations.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

One evening we enjoy a lively conversation over an 11-course dinner with wine pairings, a meal that I recall as quite pleasant.

FORBES: Magazine Article