Trump, Reid play nice — but it won’t last

WASHINGTON — Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid initially tried to use humor Wednesday when asked about Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump's remarks naming him as a Democrat he could do business with in Congress.

"I'm kind of pulling for him," the Nevadan quipped to reporters, recalling the one or two fundraisers Trump held for him in the past. "We've gotten along fine."

That tracked with what Trump said Tuesday on MSNBC.

"I've always had a great relationship with Harry Reid," he said when asked to name Democrats he could work with in the current Congress.

Trump also added to that list House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., who holds the No. 3 Democratic leadership post in the Senate.

Trump went on to tout his record cajoling politicians of all stripes to get things done.

"I've been dealing with politicians all my life," he said.

Trump acknowledged his success in the presidential race has soured his once-positive relationship with current Democratic leaders and singled out Reid's bid to paint him as a billionaire voters should not support.

Reid, acknowledging his attempt at humor not only did not work but also drew a kick to his backside from Schumer, served notice he was not finished with Trump and other hopefuls who he claimed have left the Republican establishment silent.

"It has made a mockery of our Republican Party," he said, adding Nevadans will be following the presidential race closely with their upcoming caucuses.

Preparing for a speech in the coming days, Reid said he has asked his staff to compile comments Republican candidates have made on national security.

"It is enough to frighten you," said the veteran senator, who is not running for re-election this year.

Contact Jim Myers at jmyers@reviewjournal.com or 202-783-1760. Find him on Twitter: @myers_dc