backslapper

In between, the gregarious Californian, previously known more as a backslapper and prolific fund-raiser than a legislative wizard, narrowly pulled the country back from the brink of crisis — twice.

When I’m feeling sociable, I take on his personality — a backslapper, a schmoozer, a happy-go-lucky guy.

Obama spoke affectionately of Reid as “curmudgeonly” and noted that “Harry was not a schmoozer or a backslapper.”

Mr. King recalled her as thoughtful and friendly but not an overly familiar backslapper.

But she has never been a backslapper who walks through life with a perma-smile and who can deliver an entire speech with the glow of a toothy grin glinting under the spotlights.