>> what i try to do is tell a story with visuals instead of words. i am basically writing paragraphs that does happen to be with images. >> she has won the pulitzer prize more than any other journalist. >> the great thing about being a journalist is the variety we get to experience -- >> she will talk more about her craft tonight. you can download a podcast of the program, one of our many signature in deprograms available online. >> and joining us on "newsmakers" is jack kimball and

matt strawn. here at the table is jonathan carl from abc news and the national correspondent for politico. jack kimball, let me begin with you to -- with donald trump's visit to new hampshire. what impact will it have on the other republicans in this field? >> it's hard to tell. it was an interesting visit. he certainly draws a crowd but what we will see in new hampshire, and we do a good job of it, we tend to do a good job getting the candidates. he will have to get out in front. we have a broad field and a good feel than donald trump is going to find these going to be successful in new hampshire, he will have to return many times and do the retail politicking. >> that is strong in terms of organization in terms of on the

ground in iowa. has that had an impact? >> whether talking to the county committees, the chamber of commerce or the rotary clubs, there's an interest in mr. trump. but we do have a very wide open field and i was just like new hampshire in that it requires retail, hand-to-hand campaigning. whether it is mr. trump for some of the other potential candidates, the real test will be are they going to be in our coffee shops and community centers, talking to farmers, asking for their votes and giving iowa caucus goers a chance to ask difficult questions one-on-one. there is that expectation that you will not only get to meet the purpose -- meet the person you caucus for but also ask them question. >> i want to ask you about someone who did quite well last time around -- mike huckabee. the conventional wisdom is that

he is not going to run, but now that you have had others step out, have you seen any indication he is ready to make a step? >> we have not seen many indications on the ground. there is a seemingly organic group, stuck on huck, organizing events around the state. but a number of his team from the 2008 season has been spread across various campaigns. one has signed up with governor pawlenty. it may be tough to reassemble the coalition he had from leadership perspective. as everyone knows here in iowa, is a retail-heavy process with 800 precincts where you need someone organizing in those precincts. even though gov. huckabee starts

with a little bit of a head start, i don't think he can put off the decision that much longer because we're seeing other campaigns start to organize and have town hall meetings and sign up precinct chairs. >> one was the last time spoke with him? >> i have not recently spoken with governor huckabee. >> do you believe mitt romney is the unequivocal from our order in your state and does he have to win new hampshire to win the nomination? >> he is the unequivocal front runner right now in our state. part of the reason is you live your part of the time. i've seen him many times, said he has been active. but going forward, you are going to see a lot more activity. he's going to be here a lot more and we already have ron

paul here today and michele bachmann, i think you'll see some real intense activity here and i think you'll see the same thing in iowa. >> but looking at the strategy that may not play as hard in iowa and and maybe try to win in florida, doesn't he have to win new hampshire? >> i think it is critically important. going forward, this state is going to be very critical for him and several of the others as well. >> is the organization for his campaign different than it was four years ago in your state? >> there is no question it is a different campaign going on in iowa compared to four years ago. by this time, it was ramping up dramatically, but so was john

mccain's and even rudy guiliani. we have not seen it from the in iowa yet this year. my indication as we will see him at some point. when it comes to campaign strategy, that's not for the campaign to speculate on. >> let me give you a chance to do some campaign strategy. would it be a mistake for him to skip iowa? >> i.t. gets a mistake for any candidate -- i think it's a mistake for any candidate to skip iowa. i will return to the swing state status we enjoyed. if you're going to be vigorous -- if you're going to be vigorously campaigning, i think would be great to have a head start by having a robust, vigorous organization working for you in 2011 in the state. >> it also looks like john

huntsman may skip iowa. what you hearing about him? is there any buzz about his campaign? >> i can honestly say i have not spoken to him myself. there is been a little bit of buzz, but we have not seen him either. if he is going to get serious in new hampshire, he will have to get here soon. >> if might huckabee -- if mike huckabee doesn't run, does that open up for michele bachman? >> i think we have a wide-open field. based on the republicans i talk to, we had about 120,000

republicans turn up on caucus night in 2008. in our republican primary, we had contested races up the bell ballot. the potential exists for a dramatically increased caucus electric on the republican side, especially with democrats of having any activity. the candidates better able to capture -- maybe it is the new or caucus goer or someone who is more recently involved through the tea party movement or republican politics, that will be the story going into the caucasus -- who can motivate the new caucus goers to get involved and grow the size of the electorate. it may be any of the candidates here in iowa asking for our votes. >> i know you did not mention donald trump, i know you invited him to the lincoln day dinner in june. do you believe he has real ideas to bring to the table or is he is going to raise a lot of

money? the chairman for of the party, who is neutral in this process, to speculate and the various strengths of the candidates. [laughter] i know you would love that but one thing we have tried to do is not have that major candidate cattle calls were eight candidates get 5 minutes each to speak, but actually showcase them individually. donald trump will have one on the annual lincoln day dinner at we anticipate of the largest- attended and most successful lincoln day dinner we have had. we had rick santorum in cedar rapids earlier this week and we have plans to do this throughout the caucus season. there is a lot of interest in what mr. trump has to say, but whether it is double trump or any other potential candidates, they have to make the clothes with the iowa caucus goer,

looking them in the eye and egg -- and giving them the chance to ask tough questions. the process is not one that is one giving speeches to thousands or who has the largest bank account and can run a campaign ads. that's one of the reasons iowa and new hampshire's continue to enjoy the positions we do. we are not struck -- we're not starstruck and not afraid to ask big questions of a major figure. >> yet seen the polls with republicans not release satisfied with the field as it stands. what is your sense? we are about to see the window closed. do either one of the see any indication there could be someone new coming on the scene that has not been part of the process of far, whether it is jeb bush or mitch daniels or any sign of that happening out there? when does the window really

close on that? >> there has been a lot of talk about somebody who might surprise us. i don't see who that person would be. i think donald trump was a surprise and he has jumped out on the scene and i think he's got a lot of attention here. but as far as new hampshire is concerned, not much different than iowa. you really have to come here and get past the tough questions and look people in the eye and talk to them. all lot of people talk about chris christie, and i think a lot of candidates can take away something about the way he presents himself. he's not afraid to take the gloves off. america's looking for real leadership and someone who is willing to do that.

with the broad field we have, one or two of the candidates we have -- i have met most of them but if they come out swinging, that will resonate. fifth >> first i don't sense that talking to caucus goers that there is a dissatisfaction with the field. i think it will be a very delivered this process. i'll republicans understand the stakes of making the right decision and understand the stakes of of four more years of the obama administration means to america. don't take the fact that iowa has not coalesce around a a candidate or to means they are not satisfied. they want to be discerning. they understand it is a decision we have to get right and i think you'll see more deliberative nature of the caucus process. >> let me ask about the deadline

to determine when your primary is going to be held. what is the deadline and when will florida decide whether it will hold its primaries? >> glad you brought this up. i get is critically important all states follow the rules established at the convention. florida approved their original position which would be around a first of march. quite frankly, i think they will get the support. they could be king makers, getting back to their original position. they're talking about january 31st. that backs all of us up and groups us closer together and i think that is not beneficial to the party and certainly not beneficial to the candidates. but we have a state law in new hampshire that requires us to be first in the nation. we have already met with the secretary of state and whatever

happens, we will do we have to do -- by what goes first with their caucus but we want to impress heavily upon florida that i think their original position is a much more impacting position and trying to move back to january 31st. i know that the rnc chairman will come down hard on anyone who violates the rules. we as a party should be about following the rules and i cannot emphasize that enough. >> it is a battle that you have to fight every four years. congress has been on recess and there have been town hall meetings. we were at a town hall meeting this week that was quite heated about the paul ryan budget plan. what are you hearing about reaction to paul ryan's medicare plan and how this will reverberate as we move toward

the caucuses? >> that is a great question, especially here in iowa where we have a senior-heavy population. they are among the more active voting participants as well. we have not seen the kind of uproar that is appearing in some of the town halls across the country. what i hear across the state is people understand the fiscal constraints this country is in and the long-term obligations we need significant changes we're going to need if we're going to secure medicare for future generations. on an earlier -- on an earlier question, chairman campbell talked about leadership. that's what i'm hearing, they like to hear about leadership coming out of washington. that is what the voters tried to set last november. republicans are pleased to seek congressional republicans leading and showing there is a clear difference in having a republican congress showing

leadership of some of these crises that face our country. we are preparing for two congressional races with steve king against the former first lady and i think you'll get to see if congressman boswell try the tired old attack on trying to take place a seniors' medicare or social security, i don't think it's going to be a successful strategy because americans understand we need to make tough choices and we need leadership. >> in new hampshire, and i have to tell you i'm very proud of paul ryan and the work he has done, i think he has put a lot of thought and effort into developing this budget, but the big issue of the day turns out to be the block granting of medicaid. the feedback i am getting think it is a tremendously good idea because it allows each of the

states to determine how they're going to spend that money and it saves billions of dollars. most of the republicans on talking with like that approach because of the latitude to give you and cost savings ball. >> both of you are going to have competitive congressional races. but going back to the individual members in your states, i've seen approval ratings showing both representatives with favorable ratings in the 30's. why did voters turn on them so quickly? >> i don't believe the polls. i will tell you both of these congressmen are working hard and doing a great job. i spoke to the congressman just a couple of nights ago and both of them stay in touch with their constituents here. i think right now, you see what is going on in wisconsin, the

iowa, and even here. there is turmoil going on with respect to unions and the legislation the states are in that they have to pass. i think it does have an effect, but it is temporary. >> will t party supporters sent organizers determine in new hampshire who wins the new hampshire primary? >> that is a very common question and my response is this -- the people come out of the two-party is looking for some basic things -- that is their belief in small government, reduced spending, tax cuts, fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and getting back to the constitutional values. any of the candidates, and in our party right now i see many

espouse those things. any of those candidates who espouse those things will be attractive to the two-party movement. >> will the christian conservatives determine who wins the iowa caucuses? >> each caucus has its own unique set of issues. one thing i hear on the state is your traditional caucus voters wants to know decanted shares their conviction on personal issues, but i think this time it distorts the conversation. they have the same concerns, getting back to constitutional principles, balancing the budget, and said devising private sector job creation, so while they will want to make sure it can't it shares their core convictions, the conversation does not and there this cycle because of the issue

s facing america. >> going back to the ryan program -- via understand it would be a voucher program. what we are hearing is what happens when that voucher runs out for that senior? how do you explain what happens when the money runs out for a benefit that has been expected for decades? how does the republican party explain that to the seniors showing up at town hall meetings? >> what paul ryan is doing is getting out there and explain what's happening in the legislation. that is what we are seeing with our republicans holding their town hall meetings and listening sessions.

something their democratic colleagues to not do during health-care debate last session. one thing we need to do is have that education and i think john boehner and the republican leadership has done a fine job equipping our candidates with the information to go talk to our constituents and making sure they understand we're not talking about taking away coverage they currently enjoy. we're trying to make sure success of generations have the safety net as well. >> we heard a very direct answer about who the front runner is in new hampshire. i'm hoping we can get the same for me -- who is the front- runner in iowa? >> i think it is wide open here. you don't know what the ultimate size of the caucus electorate will be in the campaigns are just starting to sign up their

legislative leaders and county chairs. we talked earlier about the window closing. we have a major event in iowa, ames straw poll, that is the kind of organizing activity where you will get a true sense of which campaigns have a ground game. >> it is fascinating to me just how wide open as in iowa. can you think back -- what was the last time we had an iowa caucus look as wide open without any clear front runner? >> you would have to go back a number of years for that. the republican caucus gore understands the stakes of four more years of at obama administration's his policies are anathema. the question has been a slower

start. we have few individuals debating on whether they're going to run, so as the field continues to shake out, you'll see more activity on the ground as these campaigns flex their muscle and try to show their viability of the straw poll. >> this week, a complaint was filed with the federal election commission, saying the mayor romney campaign has uses a political action committee to fund his campaign. >> you have heard me say he is the perceived from runner and new hampshire dynamics are different from iowa, but i think it is an attack on the front runner. that's what's going on now and moving forward, he is a smart guy, he knows what the rules are and i have every confidence is will wind up being smoke and mirrors. >> no irregularities as far as

you're concerned? >> it is not my purview. i read the article when i came in this morning and i shook my head and said it's already starting. >> if there are obvious the front runner, who is the biggest threat? >> you are going to see people like tim pawlenty and of bricks on to rome -- and rex santorum and ron paul -- they're all going to gain ground. the candid if i just mentioned and newt gingrich was here last week, it is a broad and talented and wonderful field. they are all going to gain ground and it's going to make for interesting race. >> what about john huntsman

question are can ambassador from the obama administration become a candidate? >> i don't know him very well, so it's hard for me to personally evaluate. there has not been a lot of talk so far about this, so it is hard to comment on that. >> it sounds to me like you think it is a long shot unless something dramatically changes. >> i would have to talk to him and get to know him and get a better idea of what he is about. i do not have that data information and for me, it's important to meet these folks and sit down with them and see them interact with the people here. i have met the mall and seen the mall and have a good feel for them. >> how often are you hearing

from these candidates? we of spoken about how you are a concierge service for potential candidates. how is it working in new hampshire? >> they call our office and ask for assistance. we will set up appearances for them, but they have their own independent relationships with them. individual republicans to live here in new hampshire that happen to know their stuff, they can make the calls and arrange to have them come to private sessions at their homes. they can step meetings or dinners. a lot of them have been very generous helping out with fund- raising. it really is pretty wide open. if you know the candidates or knows someone who does, if you can influence them to come to your home or to a town hall,

it's an interesting process. >> that i closed the loop on the date for iowa to set its caucuses? is there a deadline and if so, when? >> we wait to see the puff of smoke from the secretary's office in new hampshire and we will evaluate accordingly. >> let me ask you about the number of debates. there has been concerned about having too many candidates. will we see these candidates scaled-back? >> they are getting concerned about the large quantity of debates there coming at erik going to try to least control the number and i think that is smart to control to a point. you can over saturate and you

have to make sure you do justice on behalf of the candidates who are out there campaigning. but let's be honest. we are at a critical time in the country and i think this is the most important presidential election in my lifetime. there is going to be a lot of interest moving forward this coming year and i will tell you firsthand that every event i've been to and the last several weeks since i have been in this position has been packed and the people are extraordinarily enthusiastic and it bodes well. >> how early could the caucus be? could we see a christmas holiday caucus or primary? >> i hope not. speaking for myself and my wife, we don't want to be wrapping christmas gifts and taking

knocks at the door from candidates. i've been very clear with my colleagues on the rnc that the end of the day, the order is not going to change. it will be the same, but the date may change. there's time for florida and other states to are out of compliance to get into the compliance with rules passed by two-thirds of the rnc. i call the chairman at is word that he's working with the states and they understand the consequences. as the father of three young kids, constantly reminding them there are consequences to their actions. if florida does not get in line, that is something they have to consider. >> thank you for joining us. >> thank you for having us. >> let's begin with the comments about might huckabee