White House Press Secretaries

That's why a lot of people stay out of politics, Anderson, because one word and then somebody's accusing you of being a racist.

Herman Cain is resonating because he's got that outsider perspective.

He can't win because people think he can't win.

But clearly there are blocs in this country who vote the way they do.

There are voter blocs in this country that for whatever the reason they decide to vote overwhelmingly one way or another.

I think he's somebody who has a good chance to end up in that third slot and nobody knows what can happen from there.

Washington needs to have fundamental substantive changes in the taxes and the spending.

What's happening in the Republican primary right now is this fascinating dynamic where there still is a search under way for who will be the leader of the Republican Party.

I think the battle for third in the Republican primary is behind Romney and Perry, the two frontrunners, is a terribly important battle because I think it is very possible one of the two frontrunners is going to stumble.

What you're also seeing, Anderson, is almost unprecedented in modern Republican politics. The no front-runner issue.

If she goes this time, frankly, and I'm neutral in this Republican primary, but it would be a dream come true for Mitt Romney.

I just think it's too late. Too much time has passed by. And it is so hard to build a successful presidential campaign.

But the president has got a problem about shoring up the center, independents. And that's where I think this -- this proposal of his is going to fall short both substantively and politically.

Well, I don't think it's that simple, Anderson. People always say make somebody else do it, I don't want to. But that's not how you build a strong nation and that's not what presidents should do.

Perry's gamble is that the American people really do want to push for greater change in entitlement programs, that they're ready for something fundamental.

I think that Republicans have to be a little careful here that Social Security does not become the defining issue that divides them in this primary.

I would put Michele Bachmann, I would put Mitt Romney, I would put Governor Perry.

I don't believe there is a Republican front runner. I think every candidate has sufficient strengths and sufficient weaknesses that nobody is in first place by enough to call them a front runner.

You know, Anderson, as James knows, campaigns are probably the most grueling thing you can do to yourself.

It's a fair fight. And this is the stuff of which campaigns are made to see who can make their case stronger for Republican primary voters.

It's way too soon for anybody to pronounce who's going to win the Republican nomination.

The thing that made my eyebrows raised, though, on that interview was when he said this is a Perry/Romney race and Michele Bachmann is in third.

That really caught me by surprise.

This is a Perry/Romney race and Michele Bachmann is in third.