Video: Tim Pawlenty — AFP
Florida Summit speech | Interview
ONE name has risen to the top of John McCain’s shortlist for vice-presidential
running mate. Tim Pawlenty, the governor of Minnesota, a trucker’s son and
advocate of Republicanism for the masses, is the favourite to join his
ticket, according to sources close to the McCain camp.
They believe that Pawlenty, 47, has the youth, working-class credentials and
executive experience to attract independent voters and disaffected Democrats
who find Barack Obama, 46, the Democratic party nominee, too exotic and
untested and McCain, 71, too old and too focused on national security.
It is a case of “Tim Who?” outside his home state for now, but Pawlenty is the
thinking man’s blue-collar conservative, a political moderate and
environmentalist who possesses “proletarian chic”, according to The New
Republic, a centre-left magazine.
In a clue to his possible intentions, McCain said on a visit to Minnesota last
week that Pawlenty “has a place in the future of this country as well as our
Republican party”.
Pawlenty has already pioneered the concept of “Sam’s Club conservatism”, named
after the popular discount stores founded by Sam Walton of the giant
Wal-Mart retail chain, which holds out the promise of good value, small
government catering to working people.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Pawlenty said he was “honoured to have
his name mentioned” as a possible vice-president, while adding that he was
delighted with his “day job”. It is bad form to lobby openly for a place on
the ticket - “I’m going to be very demure about it,” he said - but a
combination of geography, temperament and ideology has lifted him to the top
tier of candidates.
“I believe the Republican brand needs refreshment,” he said. “Our principles
haven’t changed but the country is changing in terms of demographics,
culture and technology and we need to make sure the Republican messenger has
a modern message.”
It is no accident that the Republicans have picked Pawlenty’s state for their
national convention in September. Minnesota, which narrowly voted Democrat
in 2004, is one of many upper Midwestern swing states that they hope to
carry.
The governor, who will host the convention, could help McCain to win farming
and industrial heartlands from Iowa to Ohio. Recent polls show Obama leading
McCain in Minnesota by 50% to 41%.
One confidant of the governor put his chance of being selected vice-president
at 50-50; but some Republican insiders place them higher. Pawlenty has been
co-chairman of McCain’s presidential campaign since its inception and stuck
by the Arizona senator when his White House bid imploded last summer.
For McCain, scarred by his imprisonment as a naval pilot in Vietnam, fidelity
in adversity is highly prized. Pawlenty, an evangelical Christian who backed
George W Bush in 2000, said his loyalty to McCain was never in doubt. “I
endorsed him early because he has the character traits, values and ideas to
be president, commander-in-chief and leader of the free world,” he said.
Pawlenty is a firm believer in the heroic age of Republicanism, but his role
models are presidents who brought their party into the modern era. “I
consider myself a common sense, main-stream conservative in the tradition of
Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln,” he said.
In one off-colour moment last month, he joked that his wife Mary, a former
judge, shared all his passions - except one. “I have a wife who genuinely
loves to fish,” he told a local radio station. “She loves football, she’ll
go to hockey games and, I jokingly say, ‘Now, if I could only get her to
have sex with me’.”
However, Pawlenty has sound relations with the conservative wing of the
Republican party without being a perfect fit. He admires Ronald Reagan more
for his flexibility than his ideological certitude. “He had an independent,
pragmatic streak and I believe I have some of those characteristics as
well,” he said.
McCain joked last week that the job of the vice-president was “to inquire
daily as to the health of the president”. Pawlenty has little national
security experience but fills the gaps in McCain’s domestic qualifications.
“He would be a very good, safe choice,” said Todd Harris, a former spokesman
for McCain. “He’s been an extremely effective governor and he’s able to
articulate conservative principles in a way that is not scary to moderates
and independents.”
Pawlenty’s working-class background helps: “My father was a truck driver, my
mother was a home maker, one brother worked in a grocery store, another in
an oil refinery, my sister is a special education aide and my other sister
has been a secretary for her whole career.”
The young Pawlenty had bigger ambitions. His mother died of cancer when he was
16 and it was her wish that he should go to university. “She was very
education-oriented and she was hoping somebody would go to college and Tim
was her last hope - because it wasn’t going to happen with us,” said Rosie
Atkinson, his sister.
He dreamt of becoming a dentist so he could have a Buick Riviera car like one
in his home town: “I went to college thinking it would be a wonderful career
but I developed a strong interest in history and public service was a way of
pursuing it.”
He put himself through university and law school. “I worked my tail off,” he
said. “I have kind of this attitude that if you are able-bodied and
able-minded, you should get some fair shakes in life.”
During his campaign for governor in 2001, Pawlenty coined the phrase “Sam’s
Club conservatism”, urging conservatives to resist “the stereotype of the
Republican party . . . that we’re all a bunch of wealthy snobs” and to
appeal to members of “Sam’s Club, not just the country club”.
The idea was taken up by conservative intellectuals in The Weekly Standard
magazine, who argued that it could rescue a tired and discredited party
“from the wreckage of Bush-style, big government conservatism”.
“Sam’s Club is a metaphor for hard-working, middle-class people who want
government to be effective and to deliver value,” Pawlenty said. He is
nearly a quarter of a century younger than McCain, but cites the Republican
nominee’s popularity in an MTV poll as proof that he can attract young
voters.
“He has boundless energy,” Pawlenty said. “I’ve travelled to Iraq with him and
he has tremendous leadership skills and is a forward thinker. He has
proposed the most daring, cutting-edge initiatives coming from the
Republicans.”
Obama will enjoy a huge financial advantage over the cash-strapped McCain,
potentially outspending him by five to one. The Arizona senator, who is
accepting public financing, will be able to spend $84m in the two months
between the Republican convention and election day on November 4, while
Obama will have up to $500m at his disposal by remaining outside the system.
Pawlenty believes McCain has “many advantages” over Obama: If you look at the
way Senator McCain has lived his life, it’s an incredible expression of
commitment, duty, valour and patriotism. He’s forged compromises and
achieved great accomplishments in a way that Senator Obama has only talked
about.”
If Pawlenty sounds star-struck, it is no bad thing for a running mate whose
job is to make the presidential candidate look better than he is.
Pawlenty has been a fabulous governor here in Minnesota. He would make a wonderful Vice President.
E. Trashorama, St. Paul, United States
Tim Pawlenty vetoed the transportation bill that was then passed over his veto. Since then, bridges in St. Cloud, Winona and Duluth were closed because of their condition. Tim prefers that taxpayers jingle a few extra coins in their pockets whilst driving 60 mile detours around his closed bridges.
Steve Marquardt, Lake Lillian, Minnesota, USA
I am sick and tired of hearing about Pawlenty. NO ONE KNOWS WHO THIS IS!!! GO AWAY!!! McCain is lost if he doesn't choose someone with some charisma, not just the nobody-cares-about conservative "principles". McCain was POW for more than 5 years, and he'd better stop playing that role now.
Drew, Rochester, USA
Survey USA polls are showing that between Huckabee, Pawlenty, Romney, and Lieberman, Governor Mike Huckabee is the best man for McCain in terms of winning votes.
And even though Pawlenty won the poll in Minnesota in particular, Huckabee was the runner-up.
Mrs. P, anonymous,
The only logical choice is Huckabee. He brings the blue collar workers to the table better than any other.
Angela Gibson, New Hope,
May this please not happen...please! His stance on illegal immigration is so harsh--in brazen contrast to McCain's recent leanings toward "comprehensive immigration reform." Again.
Fence/border barrier/call it what you will: these men don't jive.
Maggi, Miami, Florida
Pawlenty ? Typical McCain pick...and his genius campaign will wait till late August to announce someone nobody knows. This GOP campaign is the most amateurish since Ross Perot. If McCain is truly a CEO, he must have run the weakest company in the universe
Craig Startt, Atlanta, USA
If the Reps want to win they should float Hillary as the VP.....take away all of the wind in Obama's sails....she'd say no so you wouldn't have to do it....but it would endear all of us angry, bitter women who are clinging to our candidate yet another reason to vote for McCain over Obama
kris, boulder,
I am from Minnesota and I believe Pawlenty is a good choice. He is very smooth and has a calming demeanor about him. He can also handle the press well. Pawlenty has a relatively high favorability rating here, and this is a democratic stronghold.
steve, Minneapolis, usa
He should check the tickets of the governor of Alaska.
Richard Burkhart, Marana, USA
Last time around, Pawlenty won the MN governorship with 47% of the vote; rather unimpressive, to say the least. He only won because his opponent lost the election in the last week of the campaign. And as an ex-Catholic (is there any such thing?). he will not be the favorite of Catholics voters.
harry mckone, Boston, USA
As a North Dakota resident who lives on the western border with Minnesota, I can tell you that Tim Pawlenty is a hard-core right winger. The Republican Party in Minnesota has crashed and burned since he got elected. Roads, bridges and schools are crumbling under his "leadership".
Brian, Grand Forks, ND, United States
Trouble is, Pawlenty was barely reelected, not even winning a majority. I have to wonder if he could deliver Minnesota in the general election.
Besides, I prefer Costco to Sam's Club. :)
Anthony, Los Angeles, United States
If McCain is going to pick a younger white male then Mark Sanford is a better choice than Pawlenty. McCain needs to worry more about losing in the South than picking up states Bush didn't need to win. But regardless, if Obama gets $500 million it doesn't matter who Mac picks...he loses.
Andrew, Plano, USA
It cannot be Mike Huckabee. The reason is that every sermon he gave will be scrutinized and linked to McCain. And, there is a lot of things that Huckabee has said that if repeated outside of the church would be devasting to the republican party.
McCain should choose a woman, like Condi Rice.
Angel, Miami, USA
It's got to be Mike Huckabee. I think McCain will die in office, and Huckabee is the person who has the skills and background to bring the country together after a loss of that nature.
mary contrary, Oregon, USA
Pawlenty is a safe not dynamic choice. During the primary season he could not deliver Minnesota to McCain so how can he do that in the general election? The dream veep choice would be a female southern conservative, yet, that person is a fantasy. Palin or Rell would be great. Jindal as well.
Rob, Tyler, TX , USA
Clarke, "too exotic" refers more to Obama's life story and attitudes than his skin color. As for "untested," compare their positions and accomplishments.
Ken Howe, if you lived anywhere but a battleground state, I would say casting a protest vote is a good idea.
Sarah Palin is not the best choice.
Jeanne, Toronto, Canada
I live in Minnesota. Pawlenty would help to guarantee OBAMA'S VICTORY.
Alan Davis , Moorhead, United States
Bobb Jindal is the only viable VP choice. Selecting a moderate to placate all the "independents" and to hopefully pry away red-state dems from Obama is a delusional strategy. McCain is going to further alienate his conservative base, and lose in November by 7-9 percentage points.
JMB, dallas, USA
How is Obama exotic? Is that code for something else? And who said he'll have $500 Million dollars?
Michelle Davis, Naperville, USA
Mike Huckabee is the logical choice...Pawlenty can't carry the south, evangelicals, or african americans...Huckabee can. He's proven that he can win....In fact he would have won had it not been for the divided "conservative" vote splitting between Fred, Mitt, and Mike. McCain needs Huckabee-badly!
Marc, carlock, usa
Sarah Pallin or Jodie Rell or Tom Ridge would all be better picks than Pawlenty
Ed, Clearwater,
Sarah or Carly; take your pick---a new face is the way to go--please take a moment to listen them speak and hopefully where they answer hard questions. A woman would strengthen the ticket more than any man could and the youth would take care of the age issue (if there is one).
Jim, Seattle, USA
Minnesota...? The chances of him helping carry that socialist state for John McCain as VP is nil. What's his value?
pnkearns, Cardiff, USA/California
We need to be the party of solutions and nobody has the solutions like Newt!! I think he would get independents and the Republican base. He is the most intelligent, most articulate and ready from day one. He also brings a large group of support from his American Solutions project.
rebecca Quenzer, Duluth, United States
As said above, it doesn't make much difference whom is chosen as running mate.
Age 68 and a seriously WIA Viet-Nam veteran I younger in some respecs than my children don't appreciate derignating references to John McCain's (or my) tender years made by inexperienced young whipper-snappers.
Dave Livingston, Galena, Kansas, USA
Can't see him being a big hit among Catholic voters, whose religion he renounced, in the Midwest and Northeast.
Michael Vaughan, Preston, United Kingdom
Governor Pawlenty is an attractive choice. However, the Governor of Alaska orTom Ridge both offer equally attractive options. Governor Palin is a young, liberal Republican, who can send a message about inclusion. Tom Ridge is a safe pair of hands and very strategic for his voter appeal.
Noel Hadjimichael, Sydney, Australia
I don't want McCain to be President but even more I don't want Obama to be President. I will vote for Bob Barr for President and I will do it just so someone will notice not everybody thinks this two mirror parties are desired or wanted. I want a real change not more of the same.
Ken Howe, Clearwater, USA
I have to believe that Sarah Palin, Gov of Alaska, is the better choice for McCain as VP. She give disaffected Hillary supporters a reason to support McCain and her credentials are every bit as soild as are Pawlety's. If McCain wants to shake up the race she, not Pawlety, is the better pick.
Mark, St. Louis, USA
Pawlenty is the governor of my state. I voted for him the first time he ran, but not the second. Here's why. He is a one trick pony. Namely no new taxes. That simple mindedness has put our infrastructure and schools in serious decline. He will leave our state in far worse shape than he found it.
Pat, Minneapolis, US
It doesn't really matter who McCain picks, so long as she's not a criminal. The race is Obama's to lose, and he will do that because of his three "A's" -- Accomplishments (none), Attitude (elitist), Associates (unsavory).
Alan, Boston, MA, USA
Pawlenty is the dullest politician I can think of. His milquetaost style would be a drag on an already weak campaigner in McCain. While I don't hink McCain has a chance in this election, he surely doesn't need a charismatically challenged lodestone like Pawlenty. There are far better picks.
Peter, Saint Paul, US
Pawlenty would be an awful choice. He has no name recognition and McCain would still lose Minnesota. Romney would excite the base and help secure wins in Michigan and Colorado. A Huckabee pick (ugh) would at least sure up the South.
Cary, Poway, USA
No matter who the choice for VP is on the republican side, it will not change the fact that the republican brand has been turned into toxic wasste by the Bush clan.
But if McCain keels over and Pawlenty has to take over (not unrealistic considering his age), how tested is Pawlenty for the job?
Hans-Erik Iken, Roosendaal,
To D. Clarke, Chicago: The "exotic" reference is not to Obama's race. What's exotic, and creepy, with Obama is the swooning masses hanging on his every vague word, the whole messiah-thing going on. As for "untested"... he's not even halfway through his first term as a senator yet. Untested.
Ken Sears, Zaporozhye, Ukraine
Nice guy.........But he barely carried his home state......McCain needs more help than this state.....McCain needs someone to get some votes....Without a vote getter he will not even win the south.....
Ken, College Station, USA
The perfect Vice Presidential candidate for McCain would have been J.C. Watts from Oklahoma. Conservative, an ordained Baptist minister, and a class act. He might even have reminded America's black voters that Obama is not "black enough."
Ron Adolph, Sanger, Calif.
Sounds like a clever choice. If McCain can win the working class, white males of America who would support Clinton but not Obama then his chances of succeeding become a whole lot easier.
David Lea-Smith, Edinburgh, U.K.
Interesting intro to your article. Voters who find Obama too exotic and untested? Too exotic? There is nothing exotic in being black or of a different race other than white. Obama untested? When was McCain tested in the presidency position?
Clarke, Chicago, Illinois,USA
D. Clarke, Chicago, USA
I have no problem with Pawlenty. But, I do feel that McCain, whom I admire very much, should select Condaleeza Rice as his running mate. In Rice he would get a highly intelligent and proven individual who would also secure women's and blacks' votes.
Ed Molloy, Coastal Georgia, USA
"If Pawlenty sounds star-struck, it is no bad thing for a running mate whose job is to make the presidential candidate look better than he is."
I presume this remark was meant to be clever, but frankly it stuck me as just plain nasty.
Nona, New York City, USA
As a hard right winger,I'd be happy with Pawly and he'd be a safechoice and not overshawdow McCain like some others would. I have to say though I'm not big on republicans who fully embrace environmental whackoism.
John, Salisbury, USA
Can't be any worse than Cheney, can it.
Matt, Berlin, Germany
Pawlenty's better than alot. I like Carly Fiorina, who CAN articulate conservatism with a pure gift of communicating smartness & prudence. Google Flora TV & Carly. I also like
Fred Thompson, Chuck Hagel, Colin Powell, and Sarah Pallin.
Sean Marsdon, Kokanee, Wash, USA