Changes

{{Officeholder/senator

{{Officeholder/senator

|state=Nevada

|state=Nevada

|terms=January 3, 1987 - Present

|terms=January 3, 1987 – January 3, 2017

|preceded=[[Paul Laxalt]]

|preceded=[[Paul Laxalt]]

|former=n

|former=y

|succeeded=

|succeeded=[[Catherine Cortez Masto]]

}}

}}

{{Officeholder/representative

{{Officeholder/representative

|terms=January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1987

|terms=January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1987

|preceded=James David Santini

|preceded=James David Santini

|former=n

|former=y

|succeeded=James Bilbray

|succeeded=James Bilbray

}}

}}

}}

}}

'''Harry Reid''', born December 2, 1939 (age {{age|1939|12|2}}), was the [[far-left]] senior Senator from [[Nevada]] and U.S. Senate Majority Leader in the 111th Congress for the [[Democratic Party|Democrats]]. He became Minority Whip (the #2 job) in 1998, and Minority Leader in 2005 and Majority Leader in 2007. He won reelection from Nevada in 2010 despite low approval ratings and a strong challenge amid suspicions of voting irregularities.<ref>http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/early-voting-irregularities-create-suspicion-of-fraud/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OTB+%28Outside+The+Beltway+|+OTB%29</ref> He is the first member of the Church of Latter-day Saints to become Senate Majority Leader. He is known for making insensitive and provocative [[racial]]ly charged comments and his far left [[liberal]] views. He is considered an idiot<ref>https://www.wnd.com/2013/01/senator-harry-reid-is-still-an-idiot/</ref> and a "mumbling gangster",<ref>https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/aug/7/hurt-improbable-reign-harry-reid-mumbling-gangster/</ref> so he was an natural choice to lead the Democrats in the Senate.

'''Harry Mason Reid''' (b. December 2, 1939 - d. December 28, 2021, age {{age|1939|12|2}}), was the [[far-left]] senior Senator from [[Nevada]] and U.S. Senate Majority Leader in the 111th Congress for the [[Democratic Party|Democrats]]. He became Minority Whip (the #2 job) in 1998, and Minority Leader in 2005 and Majority Leader in 2007. He won reelection from Nevada in 2010 despite low approval ratings and a strong challenge amid suspicions of voting irregularities,<ref>http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/early-voting-irregularities-create-suspicion-of-fraud/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OTB+%28Outside+The+Beltway+|+OTB%29</ref> and election returns that gave him vastly larger support than final polls indicated.  He is the first member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints to become Senate Majority Leader. As Democrat leader he is remembered fondly by colleagues for his often insensitive and provocative [[racial]]ly charged comments and his far left [[liberal]] views.<ref>https://www.thedailybeast.com/harry-reids-racial-hypocrisy</ref> He was considered an idiot<ref>https://www.wnd.com/2013/01/senator-harry-reid-is-still-an-idiot/</ref> and a "mumbling gangster,"<ref>https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/aug/7/hurt-improbable-reign-harry-reid-mumbling-gangster/</ref> so he was a natural choice to lead the Democrats in the Senate.

==Early Life and Education==

Since leaving the Senate, Reid came to the reality that mainstream [[Democrats]] were becoming too radical even for him,<ref>[https://www.westernjournal.com/even-former-dem-leader-harry-reid-blasts-medicare-open-border-proposals/ Even Former Dem Leader Harry Reid Blasts 'Medicare for All' and Open Border Proposals]</ref> as well as the fact that [[Donald Trump]] is, in his words, a "very, very smart man."<ref>[https://www.westernjournal.com/harry-reid-calls-trump-smart-man-warning-democrats-trump-thanks/ Harry Reid Calls Trump 'a Very, Very Smart Man' While Warning Democrats, Trump Thanks Him]</ref>

Born in Searchlight, Nevada, Reid converted to [[Mormonism]] while attending [[Utah State University]] in 1960.<ref>http://www.adherents.com/largecom/lds_Reid.html</ref> He went on to earn a law degree from [[George Washington University]] in 1964.<ref>https://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Nov-14-Sun-2004/news/25258027.html</ref>  

Born in Searchlight, Nevada, Reid converted to [[Mormonism]] while attending [[Utah State University]] in 1960.<ref>http://www.adherents.com/largecom/lds_Reid.html</ref> He went on to earn a law degree from [[George Washington University]] in 1964.<ref>https://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Nov-14-Sun-2004/news/25258027.html</ref>  

===Reelection 2010===

===Reelection 2010===

Reid is facing a tough reelection in 2010. The "Cook Political Report" in September 2009 rates the contest as "Toss Up". His status weakened in summer 2009, as discontent with President Obama and the Democrats' health plan mounted, and as the Recession of 2008 continues to batter Las Vegas and the entire Nevada economy, with no relief in sight from the stimulus bill Reid pushed through the Senate. Reid's inability to improve his standing in the polls, coupled with the deteriorating political environment for Democrats nationally, are clear indications that his political problems are deep and will be difficult (though not impossible) to fix, says Cook.  

Reid faced a tough re-election in 2010, with The "Cook Political Report" in September 2009 having rated the contest as a "Toss Up". His status weakened in summer 2009, as discontent with President Obama and the Democrats' health plan mounted, and as the Recession of 2008 continued to batter Las Vegas and the entire Nevada economy, in addition to no relief in sight from the stimulus bill Reid pushed through the Senate. Reid's inability to improve his standing in the polls, coupled with the deteriorating political environment for Democrats nationally, made clear indications that his political problems were deep and will be difficult (though not impossible) to fix, said Cook.  

After receiving the endorsement of the [[Tea Party Express]] and [[Club for Growth]], former Assemblywoman [[Sharron Angle]] defeated former State Senator [[Sue Lowden]] by 14 points and businessman [[Danny Tarkanian]] in the Republican primary by 17 points.

After receiving the endorsement of the [[Tea Party Express]] and [[Club for Growth]], former Assemblywoman [[Sharron Angle]] defeated former State Senator [[Sue Lowden]] by 14 points and businessman [[Danny Tarkanian]] in the Republican primary by 17 points.

Reid eventually defeated Angle by a 50.3% to 44.6% margin.

Reid eventually defeated Angle by a 50.3% to 44.6% margin.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2010/results/nevada.html Nevada - Election Results 2010]</ref>

 

[[Image:HarryReid.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid with House Speaker [[Nancy Pelosi]] (left) and Senator [[Chris Dodd]] (right)]]Harry Reid has voted with a majority of his Democratic colleagues 94.8% of the time during the current [[Congress]].<ref>http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/r000146/</ref> He has been a key spokesman for liberal positions on taxes, health care, government bailouts, unions and immigration. In 2009 Reid called opponents of [[universal health care]] "evil-mongers." He later explained "I maybe could have been less descriptive, I doubt you’ll hear it from me again." <ref>http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/harry_reid_protesters_evil-mongers/</ref> Reid voted to authorize military force in [[Iraq]] in 1991 and again in 2002. However, he later became a proponent of troop withdrawal.  

[[Image:HarryReid.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid with House Speaker [[Nancy Pelosi]] (left) and Senator [[Chris Dodd]] (right)]]Harry Reid has voted with a majority of his Democratic colleagues 94.8% of the time during the current [[Congress]].<ref>http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/r000146/</ref> He has been a key spokesman for liberal positions on taxes, health care, government bailouts, unions and immigration. In 2009 Reid called opponents of [[universal health care]] "evil-mongers." He later explained "I maybe could have been less descriptive, I doubt you’ll hear it from me again." <ref>http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/harry_reid_protesters_evil-mongers/</ref> Reid voted to authorize military force in [[Iraq]] in 1991 and again in 2002. However, he later became a proponent of troop withdrawal.  

His major [[accomplishment]] has been to block the use of Yucca Mountain in Nevada for the safe storage of nuclear wastes from around the country.

His major [[accomplishment]] has been to block the use of Yucca Mountain in Nevada for the safe storage of nuclear wastes from around the country.

At one point Reid described himself as [[pro-life]], saying "Abortions should be legal only when the pregnancy resulted from incest, rape, or when the life of the woman is endangered." <ref>http://www.votesmart.org/npat.php?can_id=53320#408</ref> Reid voted to express opposition to [[Roe v. Wade]] <ref>https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=1&vote=00048</ref> and supported the ban on [[Partial birth abortion]].<ref>https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=1&vote=00402</ref> However, since being elected to his leadership position he has proven himself to be a staunch pro-Abortion advocate and has even voted to use taxpayer dollars to fund overseas abortions.<ref>https://www.lifenews.com/state4369.html</ref> From 2007-2008, the [[National Right to Life Committee]] gave Harry Reid a 28% rating.<ref>http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_detail.php?r_id=4321</ref>

At one point Reid described himself as [[pro-life]], saying "Abortions should be legal only when the pregnancy resulted from incest, rape, or when the life of the woman is endangered." <ref>http://www.votesmart.org/npat.php?can_id=53320#408</ref> Reid voted to express opposition to [[Roe v. Wade]] <ref>https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=1&vote=00048</ref> and supported the ban on [[Partial birth abortion]].<ref>https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=1&vote=00402</ref> However, since being elected to his leadership position he has proven himself to be a staunch pro-Abortion advocate and has even voted to use taxpayer dollars to fund overseas abortions.<ref>https://www.lifenews.com/state4369.html</ref> From 2007–2008, the [[National Right to Life Committee]] gave Harry Reid a 28% rating.<ref>http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_detail.php?r_id=4321</ref>

Reid cosponsored a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning. He opposes environmentalists on mining issues. He is a strong supporter of the gaming industry, which forms the basis of the state's economy.

Reid cosponsored a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning. He opposes environmentalists on mining issues. He is a strong supporter of the gaming industry, which forms the basis of the state's economy.

==Controversies==

==Controversies==

As a United States Senator Harry Reid has been the subject of Controversy and Criticism. In 2006 he was ranked the 10th most corrupt person in Washington by Judicial Watch.<ref>http://www.judicialwatch.org/printer_6091.shtml</ref> Reid was investigated by the FBI in 2008 for illegal campaign donations.<ref>https://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/fbi-reid-campaig-finance/2013/04/17/id/500006</ref>

As a United States Senator Harry Reid has been the subject of Controversy and Criticism. In 2006 he was ranked the 10th most corrupt person in Washington by Judicial Watch.<ref>http://www.judicialwatch.org/printer_6091.shtml</ref> Reid was investigated by the FBI in 2008 for illegal campaign donations.<ref>https://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/fbi-reid-campaig-finance/2013/04/17/id/500006</ref>

===Connections with Jack Abramoff===

===Connections with Jack Abramoff===

Reid has received over $60,000 from groups that are related to convicted lobbyist [[Jack Abramoff]], including about $50,000 from [[Native American]] gaming interests. Several times, Native American tribes that were clients of Jack Abramoff donated money to Reid after Reid's votes produced favorable results for the tribes. However, Reid described the Abramoff affair as "a Republican scandal."  

Reid has received over $60,000 from groups that are related to convicted lobbyist [[Jack Abramoff]], including about $50,000 from [[Native American]] gaming interests. Several times, Native American tribes that were clients of Jack Abramoff donated money to Reid after Reid's votes produced favorable results for the tribes. However, Reid described the Abramoff affair as "a Republican scandal."  

===Iraq "lost"===

===Iraq "lost"===

On April 19, 2007, representatives of 50 Iraqi Sunni tribes announced the formation of a new democratic political party called [[Iraq Awakening]], with the aim of fielding candidates in elections at all levels of government, including the parliamentary elections in 2009. In the predominantly [[Shiite]] country, a large scale political organization among the [[Sunni]]  is precisely what [[al-Qaeda]] insurgents have opposed. Later the same day, Sen. Reid demanded the pullout of American forces, on the basis that Iraq had been "lost".<ref>[http://www.therealitycheck.org/StaffWriter/dclark_NMA053107.html Reid The Reaper: Dems plan Iraq Awakening's wake], by Daniel Clark, ''New Media Alliance.  Retrieved 06/04/07.</ref>  In May, Majority Leader Reid voted to fund the "lost" cause anyway.  In a scathing rebuke [[MSNBC]]'s liberal [[Keith Olbermann]] said,

On April 19, 2007, representatives of 50 Iraqi Sunni tribes announced the formation of a new democratic political party called [[Iraq Awakening]], with the aim of fielding candidates in elections at all levels of government, including the parliamentary elections in 2009. In the predominantly [[Shiite]] country, a large scale political organization among the [[Sunni]]  is precisely what [[al-Qaeda]] insurgents have opposed. Later the same day, Sen. Reid demanded the pullout of American forces, on the basis that Iraq had been "lost".<ref>[http://www.therealitycheck.org/StaffWriter/dclark_NMA053107.html Reid The Reaper: Dems plan Iraq Awakening's wake], by Daniel Clark, ''New Media Alliance.  Retrieved 06/04/07.</ref>  In May, Majority Leader Reid voted to fund the "lost" cause anyway.  In a scathing rebuke [[MSNBC]]'s liberal [[Keith Olbermann]] said,

{{cquote|'''Mr. Reid, Mr. [[Steny Hoyer|Hoyer]], and the other Democrats... have failed us. They negotiated away that which they did not own, but had only been entrusted by us to protect: our collective will as the citizens of this country....Mr. Reid has failed.''' <ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18831132/ The entire government has failed us on Iraq], Keith Olbermann, MSNBC ''Countdown'', May 24, 2007.</ref>}}

{{cquote|'''Mr. Reid, Mr. [[Steny Hoyer|Hoyer]], and the other Democrats... have failed us. They negotiated away that which they did not own, but had only been entrusted by us to protect: our collective will as the citizens of this country....Mr. Reid has failed.''' <ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18831132/ The entire government has failed us on Iraq], Keith Olbermann, MSNBC ''Countdown'', May 24, 2007.</ref>}}

Image:Reid_Limbaugh_Letter_Sig3.jpg|Eleven signatures

Image:Reid_Limbaugh_Letter_Sig3.jpg|Eleven signatures

</gallery>

</gallery>

===Remarks about slavery and race===

===Remarks about slavery and race===

A month after Reid compared Republican opponents of [[government health care]] to supporters of [[slavery]],<ref>https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/07/reid-compares-health-care-reform-foes-slavery-supporters/</ref> it came to light that

A month after Reid compared Republican opponents of [[government health care]] to supporters of [[slavery]],<ref>https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/07/reid-compares-health-care-reform-foes-slavery-supporters/</ref> it came to light that

Reid had made remarks referring to [[Barack Obama]]'s race during the presidential campaign.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100109/ap_on_el_se/us_obama_reid Reid's comments were included in the book ''Game Change'']</ref>

Reid had made remarks referring to [[Barack Obama]]'s race during the presidential campaign.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100109/ap_on_el_se/us_obama_reid Reid's comments were included in the book ''Game Change'']</ref>

* In a follow-up remark, again more obsession with [[Race baiting]], ''“because the wave of immigrants we have now — their skin's a tone darker than ours — doesn't make it any different.”'' <ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/11/rubio-blasts-reid-asking-hispanics-republicans/ Rubio Blasts Reid for Saying He Doesn't Understand How Hispanics Could Be Republican, FOXNews, August 11, 2010]</ref>

* In a follow-up remark, again more obsession with [[Race baiting]], ''“because the wave of immigrants we have now — their skin's a tone darker than ours — doesn't make it any different.”'' <ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/11/rubio-blasts-reid-asking-hispanics-republicans/ Rubio Blasts Reid for Saying He Doesn't Understand How Hispanics Could Be Republican, FOXNews, August 11, 2010]</ref>

==See also==

==See also==

*[https://www.politico.com/blogs/anneschroeder/0809/House_switchboard_getting_pranked_by_Harry_Reid.html House switchboard getting pranked by Harry Reid?]. Politico. August 11, 2009.

*[https://www.politico.com/blogs/anneschroeder/0809/House_switchboard_getting_pranked_by_Harry_Reid.html House switchboard getting pranked by Harry Reid?]. Politico. August 11, 2009.

*[http://health.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/08/11/dr-manny-dear-senator-reid-i%E2%80%99m-not-stupid/ Dr. Manny: Dear Senator Reid, I’m Not Stupid!]

*[http://health.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/08/11/dr-manny-dear-senator-reid-i%E2%80%99m-not-stupid/ Dr. Manny: Dear Senator Reid, I’m Not Stupid!]

{{Liberalism}}

{{Liberalism}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Reid, Harry}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Reid, Harry}}

[[Category:United States Senators]]

[[Category:Former United States Senators]]

[[Category:110th United States Congress]]

[[Category:110th United States Congress]]

[[Category:111th United States Congress]]

[[Category:111th United States Congress]]

[[Category:Abortion Advocates]]

[[Category:Abortion Advocates]]

[[Category:Nevada]]

[[Category:Nevada]]