David Gergen

This is potentially going to be a major setback for the United States.

I think from his point of view the most important thing is his numbers are holding. He's not descending, even though there's a sense of chaos in the Middle East, he's not sliding badly.

But very importantly, Anderson, there's no significant overall improvement in the president's numbers.

Let's stand back a little bit. Let them settle it themselves. And maybe we ought to be thinking more seriously about pulling back from Iraq sooner, rather than later.

How is it we have created a democratic government in Iraq, and a moment of truth seems to be on the side of Iran, not the side of the United States and its friend Israel in this conflict?

Yes, absolutely. I do believe, Anderson, that when Tony Snow says, from the White House podium, that the administration has believed in four- -- six- power talks in North Korea for a long time, that's absolutely right.

But this one has run smack into reality, and the reality has been much tougher than he thought.

You don't hear much about that anymore either.

That's the ultimate insult among conservatives.

You also don't hear any more talk about an American empire, do you?

But there's no question that there has been a tone -- a real change in tone from the earlier days. Gone is the talk of axis of evil. Gone is the talk that we can't wait; we have to act.

But when he's talked about it, he's said it's defined by actions, not by words, and so that he's not following his own doctrine right now.

The president obviously does not want to rush into any military action against North Korea or Iran. He's got his hands full in Iraq.

I think it presents bigger burdens for some of the would-be democratic president candidates for '08, Mark Warner or Tom Vilsack.

I think it's gotten a little over heated, hasn't it?

I do think that the conservatives are using this in a way to whip up their base and they are gaining the upper hand politically in this fight.

What would help the Democrats -- I think the Democrats ought to be supportive of trying to see this through and to a successful conclusion.

Vacillation is always a weakness in politics, and that's, of course, why John Kerry got so hurt.

I just think this cut-and-run argument, they do not want that label on their party.

I think Bill Clinton is the best candidate.

They've gotten a little complacent, starting to measure the drapes in the speaker's office and over in the -- and the Congress, and thinking that maybe they're going to sweep in.

I think it's right on substance. I didn't think it merited an indictment.

They need somebody who is, who's higher stature, broader, and with a broader base to be the spokesperson for the party.

I think they're being smart about going to Camp David, but I would not expect much substantive progress out of Camp David.

I think the tide of events has been moving in the president's direction, partly because of the accomplishments of his own team.