I don't aspire to have high approval ratings. I aspire, in light of my two predecessors, to be the most honest governor I can be. I'd rather focus on honesty than popularity.

I have a job to do on policy. And I think that's what people want their governor to do. Not politics, policy.

I had a very brief conversation with Todd. It's all about trying to maintain our focus and we aren't going to let outside things interfere with what we're trying to do here. As Todd said to me: 'I'll look after it when I get home.' There's nothing he can do about it at this stage other than maintain his own concentration.

Richard Nixon coveted, to the point of obsession, a controversy-free, stage-managed coronation.

I'm as honest as I can be.

The president's still got substantial approval and popularity among the conservative base in this country, and this is one of the most important issues for that group. I don't think this is a winning issue for Democrats, and I suspect that the president feels very comfortable making this decision based on what philosophically and substantively is right for the country.