Transcript of Roundtable Interview

No, I'm just not going to get involved in the race. They're both friends, they're people I've run with before, they're people I've worked with, and I'm just not going to -- and I've told both that we're not going to get involved.

We'll go this way. I was going to start with Hutch, but Jackson jumped the gun. Action Jackson. (Laughter.)

Q On NASA, given the problems with the shuttle this past week or so, do you think NASA should retire the shuttle program before 2010? And, also, do you still feel comfortable the agency can pull of your moon and Mars initiatives?

THE PRESIDENT: The NASA decision on the shuttle will be made by the experts there. I read very carefully their comments. Andy Card has been in touch with the administrator, who believes that -- the comments tell me, and the administrator says that -- that is, the comments in the press -- that they can clear this problem up. But that decision will be made by the experts at NASA as to whether or not the shuttle will be retired prior to 2010.

And, secondly, I am confident that NASA will be able to implement the vision I laid out, and that is to use the moon as an exploratory base to go further into space. I'm confident that we'll develop the engineering and the rocketry to do so. I'm confident the astronauts are fired up about the program. But, most importantly, I'm confident this will give the American people a reason to be engaged and rooting for NASA's success.

Q On the campaign trail last year --

THE PRESIDENT: This worries me. (Laughter.)

Q No, no. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: This is a frightening moment. (Laughter.) By the way, you're looking fit. Are you still riding your bike?

Q Yes. Not as fast as you. I hope to get a second shot at you this summer; I am training.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, absolutely. Are you interested?

Q Sure. Embarrass myself again, but nonetheless. Last year on the campaign trail --