Daniels is candid: he’d be less inclined to launch a White House bid if Barbour does the same.

“My first inclination would be to help Haley,” said Daniels, adding: “It would be unusual [if we both ran]. On every past occasion we’ve been teammates.”

Asked if the prospect of facing his old pal would make a presidential run less appetizing, Barbour is less uneasy about the idea.

“If I thought we would have some falling out it would, but I really don’t think we would have a falling out,” said the Mississippian. “I think too much of him.”

And Barbour said he’s even urged Daniels to get in the race.

“I told him that, even if I run, you ought to run,” he recalled. “The public needs more good choices.”