Corker Calls GOP Dinner With Obama ‘Very Constructive’

Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN)
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Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) on Thursday said his dinner with President Obama and other Republican senators the night before was constructive and cordial. 

“Look it was very constructive,” Corker told “CBS This Morning.” “It seemed perfectly normal to have a group of folks talking about the biggest issue our nation faces. I don’t think there’s any expectation that something over the next month or six weeks is going to occur. But I think it helped lay a foundation for constructive talks maybe between now and the debt ceiling. But certainly it was very useful, very sincere, very cordial and a good dinner.”

Obama dined with a dozen GOP senators Wednesday evening at the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, D.C. Corker said Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) sat next to the President. 

“I think the fact that this is being covered so much indicates it is a pretty big change,” Corker said. “We look at it as kind of normal, but you know, everybody is kind of fascinated. I think it’s a great thing. John McCain sat beside him last night, and there was a lot of joviality. It was a good meeting.”

According to the White House, Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bob Corker (R-TN), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), John McCain (R-AZ), Dan Coats (R-IN), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Richard Burr (R-NC), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) were in attendance. Obama picked up the tab.

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