President Obama makes a call to the next House speaker
President Obama, acknowledging what appears to be a resounding Republican victory, made a midnight phone call to the man who is set to lead the opposition party as speaker of the House, John A. Boehner.
The call was made from the president’s Treaty Room office. According to the White House, Obama also called the current Democratic House leadership — including Nancy Pelosi, whose four-year run as speaker will end in January — and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, whose party will remain in the minority in that chamber.
In his call with Boehner, Obama said he was “looking forward to working with him and the Republicans to find common ground, move the country forward and get things done for the American people,” according to a spokesman for the Ohio congressman.
It was a “brief but pleasant conversation,” the spokesman added. The two discussed working together on top priorities, which Boehner’s spokesman identified as creating jobs and cutting spending.
“That’s what they expect,” Boehner told Obama.
Obama is set to hold a press conference from the East Room of the White House on Wednesday afternoon. He departs Friday for a 10-day trip to Asia.
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