House Speaker Ryan worries about 'divisiveness' seeping deeper into society

Retiring House Speaker Paul Ryan told a National Press Club audience Oct. 8 the nation is experiencing "a lot of divisiveness" but that Congress continues to work in a bipartisan way.

He also addressed criticism that he does not stand up to President Donald Trump forcefully enough by saying that he tries to influence Trump through "good relationships" and "private conversations."

Ever the self-described "policy maker who came into political leadership," Ryan said the political hostility was coming from both sides but could be lessened by growing the economy and getting people people out of poverty, thus easing their anxiety.

He insisted that Congress still accomplishes much in bipartisan fashion, citing legislation on opiates, aviation, water infrastructure and military and veterans matters. But he acknowledged the "flareups" on big issues such as health care.

Ryan said that the last two weeks -- referring to Judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination and confirmation to the Supreme Court -- illustrated the politics of "outrage, invective and hysteria." He cited the social media, cable news, ratings chasing, and tribalism as factors in the "divisiveness we've always had" that now is seeping deeper into society.

Trump critics say that he exacerbates political divisions with his pugnacious rhetoric. Ryan did not refer to Trump by name in answering a question about whether he stands up to the president.

"I find it far more successful and productive to have a good relationship and have private conversations. I get so much more done than just being another pundit," Ryan said.

Club President Andrea Edney, who moderated the Newsmaker event, put the first question to Ryan: "Are you done with politics?"

"You never say never," Ryan replied, then added he would spend time with family and at home "and then I'll figure it out."

As he concluded the 45-minute session in the Grand Ballroom, Ryan also said he wanted to spend time thinking about the divisiveness in the nation.

"I worry about this a lot," Ryan said.