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Thoughts on Pawlenty

By Aaron Goldstein on 8.14.11 @ 1:21PM

All things considered, Tim Pawlenty did the right thing in ending his presidential bid now rather than to prolong the agony.

Although he provided two terms of competent, conservative government to Minnesota, it wasn't enough. His appeal could not translate beyond Minnesota.

President Obama plays for keeps. It is going to be a nasty and brutish race. We need someone who can give as good as they can get. Pawlenty wasn't that person as was amply demonstrated when he went after Michele Bachmann during the GOP debate a few days ago or when he characterized Romneycare as Obamneycare and wouldn't repeat it in Mitt's presence. He was trying to be something he wasn't and it showed.

It remains to be seen how far Bachmann will progress in the race but she is in a far better position to not only stand up to Obama and but land body blows. The question is whether she will be able to absorb his punches.

View all comments (16) | Leave a comment

Thom| 8.14.11 @ 1:57PM

This presidential race will be between sharp contrasts not pale and pastel differences…. T-PAW was very pastel on too many issues some of which stand in the way of economic growth and prosperity into the future…..

Mike Rogers| 8.15.11 @ 8:13AM

Indeed so - time for more of the Reagan approach - remember that "Conservatism wins every time it's tried".

For those who think the judgements on T-Paw are too hasty, I've been following the man for more than a year on the ground in NH, and the initial good impression quickly faded as the wobbly fiscal record, and global warmist history were supplemented by speeches that were way too "samey". He does not inspired.
Try listening to Herman Cain, and you'll stay inspired :)

Jay Farrell| 8.14.11 @ 2:00PM

At least there's nothing pale or pastel about Michele Bachmann. She's a spiritual warrior who can go head to head with the ungodly political forces that now run our blessed country. To the fore, dear lady!

They Lie| 8.14.11 @ 2:33PM

It doesn't matter who the republican nominee is, he or she better be prepared to have a thick skin when it comes to being mauled with the race card and if it's Palin, Bachman, or Perry, the far right evangelical label. The candidates need to be able to take those blows below the belt and counterpunch in an effective manner by not getting defensive. In fact, I would be going on the offense starting on day one, by bringing up the religious and racial crap and painting Obama as being a secularist, and a racial divider who is adept at playing the class warfare and race card. The campaign is going to be ugly on the democratic side, and we need to be prepared to be on the offense. Talk Radio is so popular among folks because the talk radio hosts/pundidts are always on the offense. I think that's why Allen West and Herman Cain did so well. Americans do not like a wimp, and see a wimp as being weak. Who would follow a wimp? No one, voluntarily.

The candidates need to take a page out of Newt's last debate in which he slam dunked Chris Wallace, and start calling out the media Jackasses for asking gotcha dumb questions. If they can't do that, they need to avoid those interviews. They know they are going to be treated unfairly by the media, and if I were them, I would only do LIVE interviews with no editing and I would hold the interviewer's feet to the fire. Once the word gets around that the candidate is not going to be demeaned, it will help the candidate. The majority of Americans have a low opinion of journalists anyhow. So, smacking one or two down, will be applauded.

Bring it own, Obama, we will not have a self deprecating McCain type candidate in Perry, Palin or Bachman. Romney, maybe. And he will lose if he tries to be the nice guy..

Oldefarte| 8.14.11 @ 3:12PM

Well stated, Aaron. The core principle should be WHO/WHAT REPUBLICAN will have the youknowwhats to do what Hillary, McCain [and others] have been too politically correct to do??????????????????

PCC| 8.14.11 @ 3:20PM

Dear Mr. Goldstein,

I agree with your conclusions.

Besides, I thought his exchange with Ms. Bachmann at Ames was demeaning and shameful.

In my opinion, violating the 11th Commandment during this electoral cycle will be political suicide.

Has he done enough to be picked for the VP slot? Maybe.

Mike Rogers| 8.15.11 @ 8:06AM

After wimping out over "Obamneycare" and then attacking the girl in the race, Pawlenty looked both weak and mean - the people in Iowa are better than that, and he was done.
It seemed to me that there were a higher proportion of Pawlenty shirts than Pawlenty votes at the fair - potential indicator of a late turnoff due to his debate behavior.

martin j smith| 8.14.11 @ 3:32PM

One reason for the primary and vetting process is exactly see who can take the heat and articulate the opposition to Obama. What troubles me is this: Pawlenty shows the kind of weakness endemic to "our side" in many cases. In particular our lame leadership the house and senate.

Romney needs vigorous vetting as do others who are near the top of the possible candidates.

Finally there are some blog sites which jump to conclusions about who will win. This extremely counter productive and fails to give the voters a chance to see all candidates and participate in primaries.

simon templar| 8.14.11 @ 3:41PM

Very good points, Martin!

simon templar| 8.14.11 @ 3:37PM

Aaron, you may be correct that Bachmann might do a better job standing up to the incumbent but do you hear yourself?!

"Although he provided two terms of competent, conservative government to Minnesota, it wasn't enough.."

What the hell is wrong with some republicans?
Why is two successful terms as a governor not enough but 2 years voting present as a Senator just fine and dandy? I suppose you do not see this? You do not get what I am saying?

Mike Rogers| 8.15.11 @ 8:27AM

The record was "competent" rather than inspiring.
The back story showed that the fiscal competency wasn't quite so stellar, and the global warmist tendencies were hard to dodge.
He was also too pleased with himself when he made smart-alec cracks like Obamaneycare.
In short, there's nothing wrong with Republican primary voters - they know we can't afford a nominee who wavers on either principles or purpose - we must win, and he's just not quite got what it takes to win.

Mimi| 8.14.11 @ 6:18PM

Simon...Consider this..he had TWO bad debate nights! I personally think he should have hung on for longer. He had an inspiring film before he spoke to the crowd yesterday. Someone was DOING right by him that put that film together!

Mark J. Goluskin| 8.15.11 @ 12:59AM

I think that he should have stayed in the race. Could Perry end up being not all that? Could Romney be damaged goods as the race goes on and Romneycare gets a serious look? I also wonder if a poll like the Ames Straw Poll is something that candidate should put way too much into. I note that three of the winners did not win the GOP nod. So, it is a good barometer, but not nessesarily the best reason to drop out of the race. And I do not even support T-Paw.

Mike Rogers| 8.15.11 @ 8:29AM

The main reason he is dropping out is that he invested almost all his campaign cash in Iowa for a mediocre result, and instead of inspiring his backers, he was losing them.
He would need to attract a lot of money very soon to stay in.