Jeff Mason

LAS VEGAS (Reuters), – Former Senate Majority leader Harry Reid, who was described by former President Barack Obama as a pragmatic and unpretentious pragmatist who made things happen, was celebrated on Saturday by U.S. political luminaries such as President Joe Biden.

Reid died last month https://www.reuters.com/world/us/former-us-senate-majority-leader-harry-reid-has-died-2021-12-29 at age 82 after battling pancreatic cancer.

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chuck Schumer Majority Leader of Senate paid tribute to Reid during the Nevada memorial service. This included remarks by Reid’s relatives and Carole King singing.

Reid helped to pass Obama’s landmark healthcare law through Congress in 2010. The Republican opposition was fierce. Former president claimed that Reid could not have picked a more reliable friend.

Obama stated in his eulogy that “without Harry there would not be an Affordable Care Act.” “Harry refused not to quit.”

Obama claimed Reid gently reminded him that Reid was aware of the Senate’s inability to approve any amendments or other deals made by Obama in an effort to pass the bill.

“Pragmatism, practicality, a premium on getting things done, a lack of pretension and an abiding loyalty. That’s what Harry Reid represented,” said Obama.

Obama, Pelosi, Biden and Pelosi all mentioned Reid’s propensity to shorten conversations and leave the line without saying goodbye. Biden said, “Everytime I hear a dial tone I think about Harry.”

Biden was a senator for nearly 36 years and said Reid was one the most successful majority leaders in American history.

“For Harry, it wasn’t about power. He said that it was not about power for the sake of power.

Reid was elected first to the House of Representatives in 1982. He was then sent by Nevada voters to the Senate in 1986. Reid retired from politics in 2016.

Reid was described as plainspoken and honorable. He is also brave, determined, and unyielding.