republicans, in fact, in the next 4 to 8 years, if he is confirmed, i think that's certainly worrying a number of them. >> are you surprised when you hear donald trump talk about how much advice he's getting from president obama? and also whether that's true, whether that's sort of meshing with what you're hearing from democrats in the white house? >> i am surprised. i think back to that image of president-elect trump and president obama sitting together in the white house really cordally, which is fascinating to me, given the tough rhetoric on both sides. these are two men who had nothing nice to say about each other. but the idea he perhaps could be getting advice from president obama who's been in the white house for eight years might do something to soothe the critics out there who are just worried that donald trump is completely in over his head, he's not getting the lx briefings, he's not getting the right advice and not taking the job seriously. >> he says he's taking some of president obama's advice, even on his picks. what do you think? >> i think it's probably one of the best signs so far. there are only a few living presidents. there are only a few people who have been in that position.