Sen. Harry Reid played nice with Sen. Mitch McConnell Wednesday, though not without a dig at Republicans.
Speaking publicly for the first time since last week’s midterm elections, the outgoing majority leader from Nevada said his Democrats would cooperate with Republicans when they take control at the beginning of next year, while simultaneously expressing his dislike for past GOP tactics when the leadership roles were reversed.
“I am ready to work with him in good faith to make this institution function for the American people,” Reid said while standing across the aisle from McConnell, the soon-to-be Senate Majority Leader from Kentucky. “I saw firsthand how a strategy of obstruction was debilitating to our system. I have no desire to engage in that manner.”
Reid, who said he is eager to get past the election loss because “we have a lot of work to do,” added he holds McConnell in the “highest regards,” according to CNN.
After Reid spoke, McConnell made his opening statement on the Senate floor.
“Last week the American people sent a strong message to Washington. They voted for a new direction. They called for a change in the way we do things in the Senate and they sent a new team to Washington to carry their wishes forward,” McConnell said. “We plan to do just that.”
The two party leaders shook hands and shared a few close words after both speaking before going on their separate ways.
