From Mike Allen again.
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INTERVIEW - "Harry Reid has no apologies," by Manu Raju and Burgess Everett : "'Get a brain, OK?' the Senate majority leader snapped at a reporter, when asked why he doesn't permit far more votes on GOP amendments. 'You're a smart guy.' ... The unapologetic majority leader offered no regrets for his jaw-dropping rhetoric on the Senate floor where he's repeatedly lambasted his political enemies and incited GOP charges of McCarthyism for calling the billionaire Koch brothers 'un-American.' Senate Republicans, he said, are no longer led by pragmatic leaders like Bob Dole, Trent Lott or even Bill Frist. Now, McConnell's GOP conference is essentially leaderless and 'obviously' run by the 'crazies,' he said.
"As he's tried to circumvent McConnell and reach out directly to rank-and-file Republicans to move legislation, Reid says, he's been stymied by GOP senators who are 'so afraid' to negotiate with him for fear of tea party backlash from the likes of Sen. Ted Cruz ... 'I like Mitch McConnell; I don't have anything against Mitch McConnell as a person ... But you know, I don't have a partner. I just don't. ... I'm out here alone.' ...
"Reid, 74, now in his 27th year in the Senate, is at the pinnacle of his power. While he's led Senate Democrats since 2005 ... never before has Reid had as much clout within his party. With Obama weak politically and Republicans divided, Reid has been the driving force behind the unyielding strategy that forced the GOP to cave during the 16-day government shutdown last October - while also ramming through a historic filibuster rules change that could forever weaken the power of the Senate minority. Reid's hardball tactics and coarse rhetoric have quickly made him perhaps the most reviled politician among conservatives." go.politicoemail.com |
