Mitch Daniels said today he is “surprised” that the 2012 GOP primary remains open to newcomers.

“I consider that, from the standpoint of the public, a blessing,” Daniels added during a Q & A session at the American Enterprise Institute. “Unless you’re a political professional or running a bed and breakfast in New Hampshire, it’s a darn good thing.”

He emphasized again that he had wanted to wait until Indiana’s legislative session was over before deciding about a presidential run.

And while Daniels didn’t speak directly about what that decision would be, he did show that he can deliver light jabs at President Obama’s expense.

Speaking about seeing flags at half-mast in D.C., Daniels quipped that he figured it must be because “the inventor of the teleprompter died last week and I know President Obama’s grief stricken about the news.”