>> possibly. >> let me ask you, robert. >> it's a crowded field. it's a crowded feel. >> is he for real? >> i've been following him on campaign trail and i know what it's been. it's been a book tour and huckabee knows it's a tough time for him. cruz was at liberty university. evangelicals are looking at a lot of different contenders. ron is right. huckabee may explore for a while and may end up not running. >> thanks so much robert costa. you're becoming my favorite straight reporter out there, very much so. thank you, and ron rage answer, thanks for coming on my friend. >> till ahead, roundtable and where the presidential race is headed it is a comes out of the chute. what a first week and they are all joining in this race. up next, some of the biggest news stories of our time through a reporter who covered them, john parmlmer, and this is "hardball," the place for politics. the up all-nighters. and the ones who turn ideas into action. we've made our passions our life's work. we strive for the moments where we can say, "i did it!" ♪ ♪