Former Speaker Boehner calls Cruz 'Lucifer in the flesh'

FORT WAYNE, Indiana (AP) — Former House Speaker John Boehner unloaded on Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz during a talk to college students, calling the Texas senator "Lucifer in the flesh."

Speaking at a town hall-style event Wednesday at Stanford University, Boehner called front-runner Donald Trump his "texting buddy," but offered a more graphic response when asked about Cruz.

"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."

His comments were first reported by Stanford's student newspaper.

Cruz, campaigning in Fort Wayne, Indiana Thursday ahead of the state's May 3 primary, responded by saying Boehner was letting his "inner Trump come out" with his remarks. He attempted to turn the criticism into a slam on Republican front-runner Donald Trump before a campaign stop in Fort Wayne, Ind., on Thursday.

"John Boehner in his remarks described Donald Trump as his texting and golfing buddy," Cruz said. "So if you want someone that's a texting and golfing buddy, if you're happy with John Boehner as speaker of the House and you want a president like John Boehner, Donald Trump is your man."

Both Cruz and Carly Fiorina, who was campaigning with him after he named her as his running mate Wednesday, also referred to Boehner's comments during the rally.