John Boehner paid a visit to Stanford University on Wednesday, where the former House speaker offered this rather rough assessment of Ted Cruz, a man much of the Republican establishment has (grudingly) rallied around this year, via the Stanford Daily:

When specifically asked his opinions on Ted Cruz, Boehner made a face, drawing laughter from the crowd. “Lucifer in the flesh,” the former speaker said. “I have Democrat friends and Republican friends. I get along with almost everyone, but I have never worked with a more miserable son of a bitch in my life.” …

Boehner for the most part accepted [Donald] Trump as the presumptive Republican nominee, though he did express his surprise at the candidate’s success. While he did not praise Trump’s policies, the Speaker did say he would vote for Trump in the general election if he becomes the Republican nominee. The former Speaker said he would not, however, vote for Cruz.

Ouch.

Since leaving Congress last year, Boehner has appeared more excited about cutting his own grass than he has been about politics. He did, however, endorse John Kasich ahead of last month’s Ohio GOP primary. Boehner, though, made it clear Wednesday that while he and his state’s governor are indeed friends, it’s not always easy. “[Kasich] requires more effort on my behalf than all my other friends … but he’s still my friend, and I love him,” Boehner said, according to the student newspaper’s account of the school-sponsored event, which was not broadcast.



Read more Slate coverage of the Republican primary.