The only year Barnett sat out was 1996 - because his wife, CBS News reporter Rita Braver, was covering the White House at the time. He is reluctant to reveal details or offer reviews of candidates' performances. I owe my candidate a duty of loyalty and confidentiality. Then he tries to help them deal with tough questions. The toughest part, he said, can be preparing a candidate for the unexpected.
Nobody knows the exact way the question is going to be phrased.
It's not about having someone who can pounce in on you. It's about making the champ a better debater or fighter.