Boehner says he and Obama 'get along fine'

WASHINGTON, March 28 (UPI) -- U.S. House Speaker John Boehner said Wednesday he and President Barack Obama "get along fine" despite political differences.

"We have our disagreements. We know we come from different parties. We come from different backgrounds," the Ohio Republican told NBC's "Today" show.

"We have different ideas about what the appropriate role of the federal government is. But having said that, we get along just fine. We have a good personal relationship. And I think that's important in this town."

Boehner said he and Obama sometimes share meals and play golf together.

The House speaker criticized the president's healthcare reform law, calling it "the most far-reaching law that Congress has ever passed and signed into law by a president."

Boehner said employers say the healthcare reform could cost jobs.

"All I know is that when I talk to employers around my district, they're concerned that Obamacare is getting in the way of them hiring more people," Boehner said

He acknowledged the economy is recovering, saying there are "certainly signs of life" but said, "I would argue that [the economy] should be doing a lot better. It's doing better in spite of what Washington is doing to the economy."

Speaking of the GOP primary race, Boehner said: "I've got a big job to do here in the Capitol. Voters around the country who choose to vote in Republican primaries will pick one of these candidates. And whoever that candidate is, I will support."