Bush Says He'll Miss Campaigning

President Bush says he is out of the punditry business, at least for the time being.

After a series of interviews, both on the record and off, in which he has mused about the 2008 presidential field, the president steered away from a potential question on the subject at this morning's press conference from USA Today's Richard Wolf. He did, however, sound a bit wistful when NBC's David Gregory asked whether he missed the campaigning.

"Yes, I'm going to miss the campaigning," the president said. "I like campaigning. If somebody ever says they don't like campaigning, they're not telling you -- either that, or they're a lousy candidate. I mean, it's fun. I enjoy it. I enjoy the crowds, I enjoy the noise, I enjoy giving that message, I enjoy the competition. And, yes, I'm going to miss it."

Bush also emphatically rejected the premise of another question, from the Chicago Tribune's Mark Silva, suggesting he seemed dispirited. "No, I'm feeling pretty spirited, pretty good about life, and have made the decision to come before you so I can explain the NIE," Bush said, adding a bit later: "Psychology 101 ain't working. It's just not working."

---Michael Abramowitz