Obama Surprises Reid By Calling Into Radio Interview After Retirement Announcement (AUDIO)

FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2013, file photo President Barack Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., right, and other Democrat Senators meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Obama and congr... FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2013, file photo President Barack Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., right, and other Democrat Senators meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Obama and congressional Democrats are relishing the party unity forged by the fall fiscal fights after some Democrats broke with the president this summer over Syria, government spying, and his leadership choice for the Federal Reserve. But their solidarity will face a tough test if Obama opens negotiations with Republicans on spending levels and entitlement cuts, areas where Democrats have long feared the president is willing to give away too much.(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) MORE LESS
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“Harry, this is Barack.”

President Barack Obama surprised Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid by calling into the retiring Nevada Democrat’s radio interview with KNPR.

“Well I’ll be damned,” Reid said. “What a guy.”

The president effusively praised the long-reigning Senate Democratic leader’s “curmudgeonly charm” and his actions “on a whole bunch of really tough issues,” including to ward off a depression and passing health care reform.

“He’s been one of my best parters and best friends,” Obama said.

Reid returned the favor with equally effusive praise for the president, and marveled about how two men from humble backgrounds reached the top.

Both will leave office in January 2017.

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