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I think it's time we had a president who carried the same life experiences into the White House as most ordinary Americans.

The White House used to belong to the American people. At least that's what I learned from history books and from covering every president starting with John F. Kennedy.

But presidents matter. That's one of the biggest lessons I learned being in the White House.

What's missing is leadership in the White House. And the story that Barack Obama does tell, forever shifting blame to the last administration, is getting old. The man assumed office almost four years ago - isn't it about time he assumed responsibility?

The White House is the people's house. When you do historical restoration, that must be what it is.

As someone who has more than a passing acquaintance with most of the 20th century presidents, I have often thought that their accomplishments have little staying power in shaping popular views of their leadership.

I've had some wonderful times at the White House. I've been with Ford, Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush.

President Obama had a few historians at the White House for a couple of dinners. I was lucky enough to be one of those asked, and he was very interested in Ronald Reagan, and I came away feeling that.

Presidents have an impact on the nature of our nation.

White House cultures inevitably reflect the president's character. Jimmy Carter is a thoroughly honest, good person. So was his White House.