Departing Speaker of the House John Boehner (R., Ohio) offered parting words about some members of the Republican Party before he steps down: "Beware of false prophets," including Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas).
Boehner announced his resignation Friday.
Boehner, who was sharply criticized by Cruz and other more conservative congressional members for what they called a greater willingness to make deals with Democrats than fight for their principles, was asked by Face The Nation host John Dickerson whether he felt those critics were "unrealistic about what can be done in government."
"Absolutely, they're not realistic!" Boehner said. "But, you know, the Bible says 'Beware of false prophets.' And there are people out there spreading noise about how much can get done. I mean, this whole idea that we're going to shut down the government to get rid of Obamacare in 2013. This plan never had a chance."
Boehner famously slammed hardline Tea Party members who led an effort to defund Obamacare that ultimately caused the government shutdown in October 2013. He exclaimed, "Are you kidding me?" when he relayed that some told him they never thought that strategy would work, seeing as President Obama was not about to sign a bill defunding his own law.
"We've got groups here in town, members of the House and Senate here in town, who whipped people into a frenzy believing they can accomplish things they know are never going to happen," he said.
Dickerson then brought up Cruz, who Boehner called a "jackass" at a Colorado fundraiser in August.
"Is Ted Cruz a false prophet?" he asked.
"You can pick a lot of names out," Boehner said. "I'll let you choose them."
"You don't debate that assertion?" Dickerson asked.
"I'll refer you to my remark at a fundraiser I made in August in Steamboat Springs, Colorado," Boehner replied.
There is still no love lost between the two men, evidently. Cruz openly celebrated the news of Boehner's announcement on Friday at the Value Voters Summit, and audience members greeted the announcement with a standing ovation.