McCain and Obama: On the record

McCain I have a very credentialed group of economic advisors who have the experience and the background and the knowledge to give me the right kind of advice and counsel. I do not pretend that the buck doesn't stop at the president's desk.

But I'd like to specifically recall one administration - Eisenhower's - which really installed the entire decision-making process in the White House as far as national security is concerned. Long years of understanding the importance, of not only bureaucracy but also of process, led to providing the President of the United States with the options to make the necessary decisions, and I think that's reflected in the decisions he made during his presidency. And there were some tough decisions.

Obama I put together a very strong team. I insist on the suppression of ego. What I look for is to bring the smartest, most capable people together in an environment in which everybody shares a common vision, but there's no ideological predispositions in terms of how to achieve that vision. And so I think the biggest difference in my management style and George Bush's is that I want a robust discussion around the table with a lot of different viewpoints and a firm footing in the facts. I always want bad news first. Good news takes care of itself.