For Charles Krauthammer, Donald Trump vs. Hillary Clinton is a real dilemma.

The conservative columnist concedes the obvious — electing Clinton president could tilt the balance of power on the Supreme Court in a liberal direction for a generation. Then again, Krauthammer said, filling federal court vacancies is not the only thing that presidents do. Running U.S. foreign policy is among their chief duties, and one they are charged with carrying out virtually unobstructed by Congress.

"It is a real dilemma and I respect people on both sides that will give different answers," Krauthammer said during a special extended interview with "Examining Politics," the weekly podcast from the Washington Examiner. "I don't think I could vote for Donald Trump, but perhaps I could be persuaded."

Krauthammer, 66, is a nationally syndicated columnist, Fox News contributor and author of the best-selling book Things That Matter. In an interview with "Examining Politics," the influential thinker discussed his transformation from Great Society liberal to small-government conservative.

Krauthammer talked Middle East affairs and how President Obama's nuclear deal with Iran could impact the future prospects for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. And of course, Krauthammer talked about U.S. domestic politics, and the rise of Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

Some of the highlights: