John Boehner Cries While Listening To Traditional Irish Music During St. Patrick's Day Luncheon

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) shed a few tears while listening to traditional Irish music during a luncheon with the Irish Prime Minister.

Boehner cried while sitting next to Obama at the the Friends of Ireland Luncheon. The event honored Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny and was a late celebration of St. Patrick's Day.

Tenor David O'Leary sang at the luncheon, which took place in the Capitol's Rayburn Room. Boehner spoke on the Irish tradition of hospitality during the event.

"Listening, finding a common bond, and giving more than we receive," Boehner said. "That's true hospitality. This is what the Irish have done so well, and for so long."

Boehner also noted that this year's luncheon honored the 100th birthday of former House Speaker Tip O'Neill.

"[O'Neill] co-founded the Friends of Ireland to support the Irish people when peace and unity were still elusive," Boehner said. "Tip was so devoted to the Irish he once mused about becoming ambassador to the Emerald Isle. To this, President Reagan responded, 'Tip, the Irish aren't looking for speakers, they're looking for listeners.'"

Comments

[Bob Soper]

01:36 PM on 03/31/2012

I think it's a good thing to cry when you're moved by beautiful music. Not a big fan of mr bow-Nair, but there's no reason to pile on him for this.

[mark700]

11:34 PM on 03/25/2012

There can only be three reasons for Boehner to cry at a Irish song:

1. He has contracted a rare disorder for middle-aged men, normally attributed
to women. In his case, it is called "Man-o'pause"
2. He is the last remaining Repiublican "compassionate conservative". All the
rest have gone into hiding or have re-invented themselves as T-partiers.
3. He has gotten in touch with a tiny part of his stone-cold heart where there
is a touch of humanity and warmth. The cheer of St. Patrick's Day caused
it to blossom and break forth.

[anto475]

08:33 PM on 03/23/2012

I find it strange that when this happens with Boehner, most of the comments here are attacking his stability and his integrity as a politician, whereas if you look at the reaction drawn from Elsa Fornero's tears during the Italian budget last year, it was positive and full of praise for her ,,showing her humanity". Odd the differences that exist on the sides of the Atlantic.

[Americanwoman55]

12:32 PM on 03/23/2012

This man cries more than Irishmen at an Irish Funeral!!!!

He really is in bad shape, he seems to be having a hard time holding it together in the best of times.

I mean seriously, this is not a great sign of stability.

[agness nutter]

10:08 PM on 03/22/2012

Does he have a history of drinking problems? This is not normal behaviour.

[Coffee4Me]

10:53 PM on 03/22/2012

In one of his speeches, he cried while reminiscing about sweeping the floors of his father's bar.

[agness nutter]

11:43 PM on 03/22/2012

Oh oh. Looks like a job for friends of Bill W.

[juicybrisket]

09:11 PM on 03/22/2012

he is crying because he knows it's his last st patrick's day in the house

[amluvinit2]

07:30 PM on 03/22/2012

Seriously, he needs help.

[Americanwoman55]

12:33 PM on 03/23/2012

agreed!

[Todd Behrmann]

06:51 PM on 03/22/2012

I know why he was crying, because the bill got passed making it illegal for Congress and other government workers to perform insider trading.

[George Global]

05:17 PM on 03/22/2012

Just during his favorite song..."When Irish Eyes Are Lyin'"

[vsr]

03:05 PM on 03/22/2012

Remember when Hillary got a little teary on the campaign trail and everyone talked about how she had been crying for like a week? Double standards. A woman who acted like that would be ridiculed by the media.

[mgmgmg]

04:53 PM on 03/22/2012

Actually, Hillary won New Hampshire a day later, and that emotional moment was probably the reason why...and it wasn't a huge issue, she wasn't dogged all along the campaign trail because she had choked up......and also, to be fair, every time Boehner cries he IS ridiculed by the media (like here on the HP)....and quite rightfully so!!

[PotholesInMyLawn]

03:05 PM on 03/22/2012

Something is wrong... sad to say.

[LA Crystal]

03:03 PM on 03/22/2012

I don't care about the crying, it's his politics I despise.

[George Global]

05:18 PM on 03/22/2012

Boehner makes me cry!

[The Nuh Uh Chronicles]

06:56 PM on 03/22/2012

I don't know why your we*eper of the house comment was deleted, but here's my rely (I hope)....

George "Gobel" would've been so proud...you got that one in!

[abscs2000]

02:57 PM on 03/22/2012

So funny. And we're not talking a tear or two! He looks like he just lost his best friend! Hysterical!

[Sally Landes]

02:57 PM on 03/22/2012

If Boehner was listening to "Danny Boy" then I 'm with him in the tear department even though politically with Obama.

[Unclebuggies]

02:41 PM on 03/22/2012

From the picture, I'm guessing it's because Obama pooted.