Retiring Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid slammed Jeb Bush while giving his verdict on potential Republican presidential candidates in 2016.
Although he had some positive and gracious comments about a handful of GOP senators during a
CNN interview, the Nevada Democrat is not a fan of the former Florida governor.
"I think he doesn't know who he is," said 75-year-old
Reid about Bush. "Out of all candidates we've mentioned, I hope he loses."
The senator, who will retire at the end of his fifth term in January, 2017, appears to most favor South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a veteran of Washington politics like Reid.
"I like him very, very much. We've worked on stuff together. This will really hurt him, but I'll do it anyway. Whenever I need to know what's going on with Republicans, call Lindsey."
Reid also gave the thumbs up to Kentucky Gov. Rand Paul, saying, "I like that guy. He is so nice."
But it may be that Paul is high up on his popularity list right now after the libertarian-leaning senator, an ophthalmologist, gave him some helpful hints about
recovering from the recent injury that left him temporarily blind in one eye.
Even though Texas Sen. Ted. Cruz is on the other end of the political spectrum to Cruz, who has officially announced his candidacy, Reid said, "Ted Cruz and I disagree on virtually everything. But on a personal basis, he's been very nice to me. I don't think he stands much of a chance, but I admire his tenacity for thinking he does."
As for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Reid said that liked the fact that Rubio has family ties in Las Vegas, according to CNN.
When it comes to the Democratic candidates for 2016, Reid appears to be firmly behind former secretary of state Hillary Clinton. "I think the country is ready for a woman," he said.
Reid also revealed why he decided to back Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York to replace him as minority leader rather than Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, currently the second most powerful Democrat in the Senate.
"
Schumer has been as loyal to me, as good to me as anybody could be," Reid said. "Once Schumer gets involved in something it's hard to get rid of him.
"He's a brilliant man. He loves the press. He's very strategic and he's been good to me and I felt it was an opportunity for him. He'll do a good job."
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