Boehner on why he won't run for president
Updated 11:45 p.m. ET, 1/23/2014
(CNN) - House Speaker John Boehner laid out why he won't be running for president, telling "The Tonight Show" host Jay Leno it just isn't worth what he'd have to give up.
"I like to play golf. I like to cut my own grass. I do drink red wine. I smoke cigarettes, and I'm not giving that up to be President of the United States," Boehner said Thursday.
Asked by Leno about the infighting in the Republican Party, Boehner hemmed and hawed but admitted it probably was the worst he's seen in his over two-decades in Washington.
"The funny thing about the so-called infighting, we agree on all the goals," he said, insisting the two factions of his party disagree on the tactics of achieving those common objectives.
Despite their starkly different political ideologies, Boehner said he and President Barack Obama have a good relationship.
And while Boehner may be the most powerful man in Congress, the House Speaker got second billing as he made his first ever appearance on the NBC show.
Promos for the broadcast highlighted actor Matt LeBlanc, best known for his character Joey from "Friends," before listing Boehner, the top ranking Republican in Congress.
This is Leno's second to last week as the Tonight Show host, wrapping up a two-decade long run.
CNN Political Editor Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
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Hope he doesn't show up drunk.
What's he doing on the Tonight Show when their is legislation being held up in the House? Get back to work Weeper Boehner. Can't wait to hear how he tell us how it feels to be preside over the Congress EVER.
Being the second guest gives the him the chance to down a few more scotches before he goes on stage
Nothing wrong with this. In fact, having a second head to chat with will probably help Boehner along.
@Dutch ..... Last sentence..???????
Jay should try to make him cry!
with all the vacation days he created for his do nothing Congress why not take time to yuk it up on a talk show...this guy continues to be an embarrassment
We are going to miss Jay Leno....
Boehner has caved to the Dems too many times. I no longer support him.
Guess he can't complain any more about the left appearing on popular shows now, can he!
@Rick McDaniel
Boehner has caved to the Dems too many times. I no longer support him.
Oh dear, he will lose a lot of sleep over losing your precious endorsement!
"Hope he doesn't show up drunk." – Jeff Brown in Jersey
Are you kidding me? That would be FAR more worth watching.
I'm surprised ANYBODY in this country would invite Mr. Shutdown to be their guest. We all should be charging HIM admission for any admittance.
oh this ought to be good, no way agent orange can stay sober for late night
Rick McDaniel
Boehner has caved to the Dems too many times. I no longer support him.
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Say, you're kicking everybody to the curb this week. Christie. Trump. Boehner. Check your pills, I think they're One-A-Days.
Most powerful man in congress, that's rich! He has no control over them, and he'll drink to that.
Can't lose that orange look, now, can he?
and the country rejoiced!
Do nothing is as do nothing does. Boehner has been the least effective Speaker of the House, ever.
*worst Congress EVER*
Says a lot about the voters of SW Ohio. But just as long as the Green Room is well stocked with scotch and cigarettes, he'll do all right on the show.
@ gb0423... similar to Harry and Nancy?
Nice to see a republican doing a late night show. Most of the clowns we see are usually demos.
Jay Leno needs to go , so dose John Boehner.
A discrace to the tonight show !
Boehner is a prime example of your average Republican .....Small in the Brain, Large in the mouth...I know, as i was once a republican, and now i'm A Democrat, Large Brain small mouth and a Veritable Genius..... See what 20 years will do for your immage.... The Older we get the more edumicated we is.... BYe Bye Boehner... you've been in the house too long. and come next election time, i'll be able to finish your farewell song... Charles Bowen Solomon Stone