Boehner on Obama quip: 'So much for the charm offensive'

Speaker says comment won't impact relationship between lawmakers, Obama

By CNN Political Unit
POSTED: 11:47 AM MDT Mar 20, 2013    UPDATED: 12:38 PM MDT Mar 20, 2013 
House Speaker John Boehner
(CNN) -

President Barack Obama may be joking about enjoying his break from congressional gridlock, but House Speaker John Boehner says it's just a sign of mutual endearment.

"I'd rather be heckled than ignored. Or as I like to say, you only tease the ones you love," Boehner told CNN's Jake Tapper in an interview set to air Wednesday at 4 p.m. on "The Lead."

Earlier in the day, Obama quipped that "It's good to get away from Congress" as he deplaned in Tel Aviv, the first stop on his Mideast trip. The joke elicited a big laugh from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was greeting Obama at the airport.

"So much for the charm offensive," Boehner joked Wednesday, referring to the recent outreach from Obama to members of Congress as they continue to haggle over spending cuts and taxes.

Boehner said the comment wouldn't have any real impact on the relationship between lawmakers and the president.

"The president's meeting with the president of Israel. He's got his legislative issues, the president's got his. Comes with the territory," Boehner said.

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