Today’s Conservative Bloggers Briefing, hosted by Robert Bluey @ Heritage featured Robert Novak and Republican Leader John Boehner. Novak came by to talk about his new book, The Prince of Darkness: 50 Years Reporting in Washington, and Congressman Boehner talked primarily about earmark reform.

Read more after the jump...

Boehner

The Congressman, fresh off a vote on the House floor, called in to talk about his efforts to ensure that earmark reform is also applied to authorizing and tax bills.

Boehner was asked if he heard a lot of public outrage over earmarks and wasteful spending. He answered:

I’ve receive criticism in my home district, because I don’t bring home the bacon.

But he added that he receives more emails and letters from people telling him to “keep the faith”.

Jonathan Rick asked if earmark reform was nothing more than a symbolic gain in the fight against government spending. Boehner agreed, saying that,

Based on the way it’s been handled thus far, you’re correct.

Novak

Robert Novak chatted about his memoir, which weighs in at a hefty 672 pages, shared his insights on politics, and prognosticated on the '08 elections.

On who he admires most-

Ronald Reagan. It’s cliché now, but when I was admiring him, it wasn’t cliché. The presidency isn’t a management job, it’s a leadership job.

On technology-

I don’t recognize technology... I’m pessimistic about technology changing the fundamental nature of politics…

On politics & baseball-

Politics is more of a business then a game. It’s a game like pro-baseball is a game.

Prognosticating on ‘08-

I thought John McCain was the establishment candidate, but it didn’t work for a couple of reasons. The War - nobody likes it... and issues like global warming and stem-cell research where he wasn’t in touch with the base.

Giuliani-

I’m amazed he’s in first place.

Romney-

He’s mister perfect, he’s every girls dream. He’s the only Mormon in the race, and the only guy with one wife. That’s his problem, he’s a Mormon.

Fred Thompson-

Is he just a chimera, a spectre in the dark? We’ll soon know.

He added that, “If you give me good enough odds, I’ll bet on Thompson.”

Our own David All asked Novak if he thought Congressman Ron Paul could make the leap from out of the top of the second-tier of presidential candidates and possibly win the presidency. Novak's answer:

I don’t know. I like him. I’d like to see him as President. Can you imagine Ron Paul at the United Nations?

If after all this, you're still craving more Novak, he was on him Meet the Press a few weeks ago.