(CNN) - House Republican Leader John Boehner is known for regularly poking fun at reporters about their hairstyles. But at his weekly press conference on Thursday he couldn't contain himself.
As he launched into his regular refrain about the Democrats' budget, saying it "spends too much, it taxes too much, and it borrows too much", he stopped himself - trying to hold back laughter during his own opening comments.
He quickly singled out a young print reporter, telling him, "You really do need to do something with that hair of yours." As reporters laughed, he joked, "I couldn't wait any longer."
He went on to finish his opening comments, but before calling on the same reporter, he teased, "Get a brush, would ya?"
The reporter had good sense of humor about the crack from the Ohio Republican, and shot back, "I'll get a haircut if you pay for it."
When Boehner called on the next reporter, he referred to him as "the bald guy."
But Boehner didn't confine his critique to male members of the Capitol press corps. When a female reporter, wearing her long hair pulled back, prefaced her question by joking that she hoped her hair was ok, Boehner couldn't resist: "You mean what's wadded up in the back of your head?"
Some reporters chuckled, but others thought the GOP leader was being a little harsh.
Boehner continued his hair assessment, saying, "It looks so nice hanging down. It looks like you got up a little late and decided that, you know, I just wadded up the back. For those of you that don't know about me and ponytails, males get it - males get it just as bad as females."
He then apologized to the reporter, joking "you started it," and let her ask her question on the budget.
With Congress about to start a two week recess, Boehner blamed the long stretch of six straight weeks in Washington for his punchy mood and attempt to have some fun with reporters. "That's why I'm trying to be humorous today to my friend who needs a brush and a friend who needs some hair," Boehner said.
As reporters walked out of the press conference, one asked Boehner's press secretary what she put in the Republican leader's coffee this morning.
From CNN Politics
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So, let me get this straight. You Liberals are upset that he was making fun of someone. So, you decide to come on here and....make fun of someone. You Libs make no sense. Just need something to complain about. I love it. By the way, Socialism Sucks.
Oh yeah, this guy's a model.
Jeff Spangler....Funniest comment of the day.
Why don't you go cry like a little girl on the floor of the House again John and stop worrying about other people's hair?
This coming from someone who looks like Bob Dole?
Those here who are criticizing Boehner need to look in the mirror at all the name-calling they do themselves. I guess its OK to make fun of Republicans....but no one else.
I don't care if you are democrat, republican, or independent, that is funny.
That man has some nerve poking fun at anyone, when he looks like a raisin/prune or an oompa loompa.
I guess when you have nothing credible, legitimate, or relevant to talk about, trying to distract the reporters from asking the real questions is the thing to do. Guess that is a GOP tactic.
Similar to when Limbaugh takes shots at others' physical appearance....
This from a guy who is more tan than George Hamilton!
Guess he had to do something to deflect from that joke of a budget the GOP is trying to float!
Just another example of a stupid, arrogant Republican.
He of the orange glow! Nice tan Boner!
When you don't ahve anything real to say, belittle others. This has become a popular republican strategy over the last 6 years.
It's a real shame that they value personal attacks over solving real issues.
I cant help it ! I cant hold it in any longer! Boehner looks like the evil ventriloquist dummy from the twilight zone.
Boehner knows he's trash...
...and misery LOVES company...
...Ohioians are just plain STUPID!
...for keeping this pig in office...
Boehner has the nerve to mention hair when he looks like a leatherhead???
"Wow, look at all these democrat comments ripping Boehner's appearance just because they disagree with his politics."
Matt, it appears to me they are ripping his appearance because of the irony of his hypocrisy, not because they disagree with his policy. Or are you too narrow-minded to see the difference?
King comb-over is talking about hair? This is like Trump making fun of people's hair.
And this is worse than Obama mocking Special Olympians? More liberal outrage.
Why didn't he tell the reporter the kind of gel this moron uses. The nerve to waste his time doing this!! perfect moron, just like every Republican!!!!!!
Boehner must be feeling insecure.
Real nice, make fun of a woman's hair.... he should know better, I thought he was married? And the recent comment below from Matt, that is completely stupid and ridiculous. If you really believe that all "liberals" are sympathetic to terrorists and murderers, you are doing nothing but believing the hype and propaganda dished out by the likes of Hannity and Limbaugh. That's foolish.
Big hairy deal.
Obama jokes about special olympics and we need to lighten up.
Boehner jokes about hair and he should resign or he's an idiot.
The doublestandard of the left fringe is more evident everyday.
Way to divert from the issues, Boehner! Not that you have anything new or substantive to add to any discussion anyway.