President Obama Surprises Retiring Sen. Harry Reid On Nevada Radio Show

Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) got a surprise caller as he was taking questions KNPR. President Obama called in and shocked Reid by glowingly paying tribute to retiring senator.

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Sen. Reid was told that he had a surprise caller, and after a pause a voice came on the line and said, “Is this Harry Reid?” Reid answered, “It is.” The President said, “Harry, this is Barack.” Reid could only say, “Well, I’ll be damned.” Obama asked, “Are you allowed to say that on live radio?” Reid repeated, “Well, I’ll be damned. What a guy.”

The President said, “Well, I think when the stories has been written and when all is told, you’re going to have somebody who has done more for the Nevada for this country than anybody who has been in the Senate. I could not be prouder of him. He did an unbelievable job on a whole bunch of really tough issues. Saving this country from a depression, making sure millions of people had health care, making sure that young people were able to go to college. He’s been one of my best partners and best friends, and I’m really honored to have served him.”

Obama was asked what was Sen. Reid’s biggest contribution of the last few years has been to Nevada and the country. President Obama spoke about the “tough but correct” actions that Reid took to prevent the housing market and the economy from being worse in Nevada.

Reid talked about the affection and admiration that he has for the President, and everything that they have accomplished together while the President has been in office.

Those in the mainstream press who like to paint Obama as cold and detached from Washington should listen to clip above. The truth is that Sen. Reid was essential to the Affordable Care Act passing the Senate. Without Reid, there may be no “Obamacare.” Obama’s call to Reid was a warm public moment shared by two leaders who obviously like each other.

Like President Obama, Harry Reid will be leaving behind some big shoes to fill, but all political parties need new blood in leadership positions in order to stay relevant. It is likely that history will be very kind to the legacies of both Harry Reid and Barack Obama.

Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association