Hillary: I think that would be a tough standard (to NOT have committed adultery) for most of American-- history to be able to meet, when we look at people who have made a big difference in our country. I think there's more to someone's honor and integrity, and to their public service. I think sometimes we confuse the private and the public in ways that are not necessarily-- useful. So, of course, it's a deeply personal matter that I take personally. But I think on the public stage-- there are a number of people who have-- represented our country, led our country-- accomplished great achievements on behalf of our country who might have some-- challenges in their personal life, but have made a great contribution.
Edwards: I think the most important qualities in a president in today's world are trustworthiness-- sincerity, honesty, strength of leadership. And-- and certainly that goes to a part of that. It's not the whole thing. But it goes to a part of it. (KATIE COURIC: So you think it's-- an appropriate way to judge a candidate?) Yeah. But I don't think it's controlling. I mean, I think that, as you point out, there have been American presidents that at least according to the-- to the stories we've all heard-- that were not faithful, that were in fact good presidents. So I don't think it controls the issue. But I think it's certain-- something reasonable for people to consider.
Giuliani: You know, they look the every single part of us. And the only-- only thing I can say to people is I'm not perfect, you know? And I've made mistakes in my life. And-- and that-- not-- not just in that area. In other areas and I try to learn from it. I try to-- I feel sorry about them. I try to-- I try to learn from them so I don't repeat them. Sometimes I even repeat them and you-- you try again. I mean, you-- you-- so-- I have a-- maybe a more generous view of human beings and a more generous view of life. I mean, it comes from growing up as a Catholic. I mean, we're all sinners. We're all struggling. We're all trying hard. We ask for forgiveness, and then we try to improve ourselves again. And I've-- relate to other people that way. Relate to the world that way.
Huckabee: If-- if you violate the promise that you made to the one person on earth to whom you're supposed to be closest to, and this vow was made in front of your families, your closest friends, and God, and you don't keep that, then can we trust you to keep a promise that you made to people you don't even know? And I think that's the parallel. And that's-- that's the concern. Is, that a promise you make to a spouse is the most sacred one you ever make to anyone on this earth. And if-- if you don't keep that, and you break that-- then I think there's a good reason to be afraid that you might break other promises, because your credibility has-- has really been damaged at that point.
Obama: Well, I-- you-- you know, I-- I do think that-- public morality and-- and private morality are not sum-- you know, or not equivalent. You know, we-- some of our greatest presidents haven't always been terrific husbands. And some who have been wonderful husbands have been (LAUGHS) rotten presidents. So, you know, I think that-- other countries have typically taken a little more-- casual on approach when it comes to-- the personal lives of-- of elected officials. And I think that there has to be some space for privacy.
Romney: You know, I let people look at me any way they want to. I'm not gonna give advice to the American people in which aspects of a person's life they look at. After all, the president of the United States is gonna be under a microscope. He will be. The first lady will be. The whole family will be. Every mistake will be open to the world. In some respects, you respect the nation. In some respects you represent an example to the children of America. So we're gonna get looked at in all sorts of ways. And I'm not gonna try and counsel the American people as to what to look at. I know they look at my faith, for instance. And I'm happy to have them do so. Some are critical. Some are positive. It's just part of the package. And-- take me as the-- the whole character that I am.