Harry Reid... the charismatic senator-for-life from Nevada, currently majority leader ...
delivered a striking mea culpa on the Senate floor Friday as he opened the chamber, saying he and his colleagues have simply gotten too personal and nasty in their floor debates.
A day earlier Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Republican, had scolded Mr. Reid for attacking Sen. Ted Cruz, another Texas Republican, by name as they debated the government shutdown. Mr. Cornyn read directly from the Senate Rules that prohibit members from impugning each other's motives or conduct.
Mr. Reid on Friday said it was a lesson all senators, including himself, should learn.
"I'll work harder and I hope my senators will work to their best to maintain these habits of civility and decorum," he said.
The Nevada Democrat said the chamber has "lost the aura" of Sen. Robert C. Byrd, the long-time politician from West Virginia who was seen as a keeper of the chamber's traditions.
On Thursday, Mr. Reid had accused Mr. Cruz -- who wasn't on the floor -- of having usurped the rest of the GOP leadership, including House Speaker John A. Boehner.
"He is following Senator Cruz 's idea specifically. Senator Cruz is now joint Speaker. He lectures the House on occasion, as he does people over here," Mr. Reid said. He also called the GOP moves he said Mr. Cruz was spearheading "crazy."