Washington (CNN) -- It should come to no surprise that Jim Messina, one of the masterminds behind President Obama's successful presidential campaigns, is ready for Hillary Clinton in 2016, but he also has a few Republicans he hopes will throw their hats in the ring. 

In an interview with Ozy's CEO Carlos Watson, Messina jokes that he's "really rooting hard" for Tea Party favorite Sarah Palin, before pledging his support behind Sens. Rand Paul and Ted Cruz. The full interview will publish on Ozy.com on Wednesday. 

As the co-chairman of Priorities USA Action, a super PAC already anticipating Hillary Clinton's run, Messina said a Clinton and Cruz race would be a "wonderful gift" for him. 

Get ready: 2016 starts now 

When asked about Rand Paul's chances of securing the Republican nomination, Messina thought it was a far cry from reality. 

"I think if you look at his statements and you look at his record he would be the most right wing candidate that any major party has nominated ... He is that far off the spectrum," he said. "I think his chances of winning swing votes in battleground states are my chances of being the starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos." 

GOP 2016 hopefuls weigh in on midterm results 

Messina thinks the Republican tide that overtook the Senate last week isn't a paved path for them to get to the White House in two years. Obama's former chief of staff thinks the party will destroy its own chances of winning in 2016. 
Who was behind Obama's campaign?
Jim Messina, one of the masterminds behind President Obama's successful presidential campaigns,