It was supposed to be a touching kick-off to Senator Harry Reid’s (D., Nev.) farewell tour, but President Obama offered a couple of backhanded compliments to the outgoing Democratic leader in a surprise call to a Nevada radio station.
On Tuesday, hours after his retirement announcement, Reid joined KNPR, where he was informed by the host that a surprise guest was on the line during the interview. “Well, I’ll be damned — I’ll be damned,” said Reid after the president greeted him.
“Are you allowed to say that on live radio?” the president jokingly asked.
During their exchange, President Obama showered Reid with praise, ranging from his work in the Senate to his character. “When the story is written and when all is told, you’re going to have somebody who has done more for Nevada and for this country as anyone who’s ever been in the Senate,” Obama said. “He’s been one of my best partners and one of my best friends.”
The president also acknowledged some of Reid’s not-as-praiseworthy qualities as well. When asked about the impact of Reid’s retirement, he agreed that “the [political] system works better when some new blood comes in.” He also had much to say about Reid’s “curmudgeonly charm.”
“There’s a lot of folks who are slicker and give smoother TV interviews,” he teased. “But in terms of somebody who’s got heart and cares about ordinary people trying to chase the American dream, I don’t think there’s been anybody ever who fought harder for it.”
Reid followed up that he appreciated his relationship with the president, especially since they were both people with ”backgrounds [that] are so unusual.”
“I have so much affection and admiration for Barack Obama that we’ve proven that to each together — our mutual affection — and we have 22 more months to keep doing the best we can for our country,” Reid said.
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