In his first public comments since the election , Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid Wednesday pledged cooperation with Republicans when they take Senate control in January . But he also did n't hide his disdain for past GOP tactics . Reid pointedly promised not to engage in a `` strategy of obstruction , '' which he has accused Republicans of pursuing while Democrats were in charge . `` I am ready to work with him in good faith to make this institution function for the American people , '' Reid said while standing across the aisle from Sen. Mitch McConnell , who will take over as the next majority leader . `` I saw first hand how a strategy of obstruction was debilitating to our system . I have no desire to engage in that manner . '' Reid said he was ready to get past the election loss . `` I 've always believed it 's wise to follow Will Rogers ' admonition : `` Do n't let yesterday use up too much of today . '' We have a lot of work to do and no time to linger on the past , '' Reid said in floor remarks at the beginning of the lame duck session . Despite the tough rhetoric , Reid also complimented McConnell and said he holds him in the `` highest regards . '' For his part , McConnell sounded emboldened when making his opening statement on the floor , immediately after Reid spoke . `` Last week the American people sent a strong message to Washington . They voted for a new direction . They called for a change in the way we do things in the Senate and they sent a new team to Washington to carry their wishes forward , '' he said . `` We plan to do just that . Referring to President Barack Obama 's expected controversial executive orders on immigration , McConnell said , `` The actions of the next few weeks could help set a tone of the next Congress . '' `` President Obama has a duty to help build the trust we all need to move forward together , not to double down on old ways of doing business , '' he said . After both men spoke , they turned to each other and shook hands , something they do n't do very often . Reid then slung his arm around McConnell 's shoulders and they stared down at the floor together , sharing a few words . As they turned to leave , McConnell took Reid 's forearm and gave it a light tug , as if to say to affirm a personal bond despite their hardened political opposition .
Reid spoke on the GOP floor for the first time since the election . Harry Reid : ' I am ready to work ' with Reid .