to feel people out. they're trial balloons, if you will. float these names and see what the reaction is. house speaker, kevin mccarthy, without question has developed a close relationship with the president. he was asked this morning on capitol hill if he's up for the job. watch what he said. >> i understand you've had some conversations with the president recently. wondering if you can confirm that you've talked to him about exploring the opportunity for chief of staff. are you interested in that position at all if he offers it, and would you serve him if you are asked? >> he got called on just because of the jacket. >> first of all, i have not spoken to the president about anything about a job and i never have. there is no job opening. >> so making clear there is no job opening, saying he's not spoken to the president about the job, but we do know kevin mccarthy is close to the president, and he has worked on a close relationship, even giving him his favorite skittles. so john, the reality here is if there is a change at some point,