The unusually sharp exchange, between a senior senator and a president from his own party, occurred during a Senate Democratic retreat at a hotel in Baltimore. A senior administration official also confirmed details of the exchange, which was first reported by the New York Times.
Obama said that as a former senator himself, he understood how outside forces — like special interests and donors — can influence senators to act, one of the senators recounted.
That’s when Menendez stood up to challenge the President, telling Obama he took “personal offense” to his assertions, the New York Times reported, arguing that he has worked to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions for many years and was not motivated by political considerations.
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Asked if the President’s comments persuaded Menendez to drop new legislation, Udall was doubtful.
“We’ve had this discussion for months and months,” Udall said. “Since we’ve had so many discussions about it I’m not sure any one ten minute discussion about it is going to turn us one way or another.”
CNN’s Jim Acosta contributed to this report.
