There was praise from both sides of the political aisle for House Speaker John Boehner on Friday, following his surprise announcement that he would resign from Congress at the end of October.
President Obama, speaking during a joint press conference with Chinese President Jinping Xi, said he was surprised by the news and called Boehner directly.
“He’s a good man. He’s a patriot. He cares deeply about the house, which he has served as speaker for several years, and he cares about his constituents and America,” Obama said.
The president praised Boehner’s ability to comprise, noting that despite their disagreements, the House Speaker understands that “in government and governance you don’t get what you want 100 percent of the time.”
“My hope is there is a recognition on the part of the next speaker, something John understood, that we can have significant differences on issues, but that doesn’t mean you shut down the government,” Obama added.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called Boehner an ally and friend who transformed the House GOP from a dispirited group to the largest majority since the 1930s.
McConnell made the comments on the Senate floor on Friday. He praised Boehner for showing grace under pressure and devotion to his country and Congress.
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Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said he was stunned by the news, noting that Boehner did the best for his constituents and the country.
At a news conference, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called Boehner's resignation "seismic" and said she was not personally informed by Boehner of his plans.
Both Reid and Pelosi highlighted the disarray in the Republican Party and the challenge from conservatives that Boehner faced.
Former President George W. Bush also responded to news of Boehner's resignation, calling him a "master of the legislative process who has always demonstrated great respect for the institutions of Congress."
"Laura and I send our best wishes to John and his wife, Debbie -- and I look forward to many rounds of golf with this good man," Bush said in a statement.
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer lauded Boehner as “a true gentleman and a consistent advocate for the enduring American principle that hard work ought to lead to opportunity.”
Hoyer also congratulated the outgoing speaker for fulfilling “a years-long dream by welcoming the Pope to address a historic joint meeting of Congress.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
