Senate Majority Leader John Thune offered a rare glimpse into the strain of leading a Republican conference under constant pressure from President Donald Trump.The president has put Thune under what Politico calls "vise-like pressure" to kill the filibuster rule and pass his election bill.“He thinks I can wave the magic wand,” Thune told Politico. “I wish it were that easy.”The comment came during a Wednesday interview in Thune's Capitol office, at almost the exact moment Trump was telling reporters in the Oval Office that Thune "has the votes" to eliminate the Senate filibuster and pass a Republican-backed elections overhaul. Thune, unaware of Trump's remarks as he spoke, flatly disputed that characterization, saying he is nowhere near having the support needed to kill the filibuster or move the legislation Trump wants.Thune told Politico he was simply reporting the math of a closely divided Senate. He argued that Trump's active involvement in this year's primaries has also shaped the current makeup of the conference and, by extension, the votes available to him now.Compounding the challenge is the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who functioned as a trusted go-between capable of leveling with Trump directly. Thune called that loss significant, noting Graham could speak candidly to the president in ways few others could.Thune maintained that his relationship with Trump remains functional, insisting the two "get along" even as he absorbs the brunt of the president's impatience with the chamber's limits. He's simultaneously trying to advance a government funding bill, a Russia sanctions package, judicial and executive nominees, and possible movement on cryptocurrency and college sports legislation — all before senators leave for a five-week recess.Politico then asked the GOP leader about Trump's questioning whether he was “the man for the job” of leading Senate Republicans. Thune gave a surprising answer. "[If Trump could find somebody else to do this job," he said, "it might be a big relief.”