Former House Speaker John Boehner Looks Ahead to Trump Administration

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner represented Ohio for almost 25 years.  At the City Club of Cleveland today, he discussed his working relationship with President Obama and looked ahead to the Trump administration.  

Boehner appeared to have fun behind the podium joking that after retiring from Congress last year, he has rejoiced every day since then.  He recalled fondly his time in Congress with – in his words -- the “liberal curmudgeon” Bernie Sanders who was first elected the same year he was.  And Boehner quipped about the – quote -- “knucklehead” Republicans he worked with.  He spoke about the importance of having good relationships with others in Washington, including President Obama.

“Now, you know, the President and I butted heads a few times.  But the President and I learned to get along with each other. Learned to get things done together.” 

Boehner said President-elect Donald Trump will be successful at getting things done.

“He’s kind of a Democrat.  He’s kind of a Republican.  He has no ideology so he has nothing to bind him from cutting a deal.  But he’s gotta cut the right deals.” 

He told people to watch Trump and see what he accomplishes. Then he made a prediction that silenced the City Club crowd.

“I will predict this right now: he will be the immigrant’s best friend.” 

Just watch, he said.