“I have morphed in my life from a moderate Republican to a right-wing extremist, but I have never been for intervening around the world to make replicas of Iowa,” he said. “I don’t think that is a practical ambition for the United States or the United States military.”

Novak also made predictions about Democratic candidates for vice president. He ranked the question of whether or not Sen. Hillary R. Clinton, D-N.Y., would be the running mate of Kerry as one of the top five questions he is frequently asked.

“Not a chance,” Novak said on the odds that Clinton would be selected as the vice presidential candidate. “She would be most desired by the Republicans because that would really guarantee a Republican win, but sometimes you don’t get what you wish for.”

In the question and answer session, Novak offered up another contender to be vice president.

“I think if you want somebody who is dedicated, diverse, and witty...that would be Al Sharpton,” Novak joked.

In his discussion about the presidential election, Novak also talked more generally about differences between the Democrats and Republicans, highlighting their conflicting views on government. He supported the traditional Republican view that more government is part of the problem, not part of the solution.

Novak told audience members that his two favorite presidents of the 20th century were Ronald Reagan and Calvin Coolidge—both of whom took a hands-off approach to the Oval Office.

“Neither one of them could have ever been accused of being a workaholic,” Novak said. “I personally believe that a president has never hurt the country while making zzz’s in the White House bedroom.”

Novak also talked about his reputation in Washington, D.C., referring to himself as the city’s “prince of darkness.”

“Is the Washington news media really as liberal as it is made out to be?” Novak asked. “That’s like asking, ‘Is Pope John Paul II really a Catholic?’”

Near the end of last night’s talk, one audience member attempted to probe Novak for more information regarding the sources who leaked Plame’s name to him, but was immediately struck down.

“I said I wouldn’t answer any questions,” Novak said. “This story is going to break some day, and I will answer all of your questions.”