peterbakernyt

I think they're smart in different ways. President Clinton has an eclectic mind and a searching intellect who sees connections in ideas others might not have linked. President Bush is mischaracterized because he scorns intellectualism and plays down expectations but in fact he can be very sharp and has what people describe as an emotional intelligence. President Obama thinks with the logic of a professor or a lawyer, drilling deep in a dispassionate sort of way.

That's a big concern these days. The Obama administration is overseeing more leak investigations than all of its predecessors combined, including some that threaten my colleagues.

Yes and no. Definitely not a hugger. At least not with reporters. But then who would want to hug a reporter?

Actually it was a secret plan to fight inflation. But he learned his lesson, right? CJ Cregg seemed like a good press secretary, but it's kind of a no-no to have a romantic relationship with a reporter.

He's certainly not another person, nor will she be if/when there's a she. But I wouldn't say star-struck, no. There's a natural intimidation factor that probably everyone who doesn't work with or live with a president -- he's the guy with the armed guards and the big plane and the music that plays when he comes in the room. So for reporters, it's always a challenge to put that aside and ask the tough questions any president needs to be asked.