Video: Pawlenty addresses WCPAC
posted at 3:39 pm on October 17, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty gave last night’s keynote speech to the gathered conservative activists at Western CPAC, and delivered a lengthy, policy-rich speech that highlighted his strengths on experience and ideas — and his current shortcomings as a national campaigner. I’ve highlighted a three-minute cut from a 36-minute speech that caught Pawlenty at his best in terms of leading and encouraging grass-roots outreach to centrists and independents while maintaining and defending core conservative values. By explaining what conservative ideals mean in real-world applications, Pawlenty argued, we find that many more people support those values than we expect:
Governor Pawlenty has a middle-class authenticity that serves him well in connecting with people on a personal basis, and a grasp of policy that makes him a formidable presence for television. However, if Pawlenty expects to inspire the kind of movement he needs to make a serious run at the presidency, he needs to find a way to generate energy and enthusiasm in these kinds of grass-roots settings. It’s not even really the speech itself, which would read as exceptionally good on paper, or his delivery, which is natural and engaging. It was probably too long by a considerable amount for this kind of event, which really needs exhortation and inspiration more than reflection and policy.
Pawlenty has a handicap in that Minnesota mostly rewards politicians who avoid that kind of passion on the stump. Al Franken deliberately made himself boring to build credibility as a serious candidate, and Amy Klobuchar came by in naturally. Even Jesse Ventura, the obvious exception to this rule, ran more as a “none of the above” candidate in 1998. If Pawlenty wants to move to the top tier of potential presidential candidates in the next electoral cycle or two, then he needs to find his internal fire and learn to spread it better.
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No, he’s white rice.
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 3:42 PM
It can’t help that he’s staffing up with McCain retreads either. Not only were they not effective, but it raises questions that I’m sure he could do without in a primary campaign.
AUINSC on October 17, 2009 at 3:43 PM
We need the fire right now.
He’s not the guy.
Nessuno on October 17, 2009 at 3:47 PM
I guarantee you that most African Americans and Hispanics are conservative.
African Americans and Hispanics will NEVER vote for a Republican. . . but they would vote for conservatives.
The Repbulicans aren’t conservative. The myth of the century is that Republicans are conservative. They never have been. They want power as much as the Democrats. They just spend the money differently. We need someone to say STOP SPENDING MONEY THAT YOU DON’T HAVE!
ThackerAgency on October 17, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Yep. Dixie sure is excited about Paw…yawn…lenty.
kingsjester on October 17, 2009 at 3:51 PM
I am from Minnesota and I wouldn\’t walk across the street to see Pawlenty. I\’m a conservative – he is not. Neither is Huckabee. We want Sarah and maybe Mitt.
suzyk on October 17, 2009 at 3:55 PM
He is the only candidate who can beat Obama. Lament it or not.
Nyssan on October 17, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Uh, did I hear him right but when talking about Second Amendment rights did he say “We like to hunt fish in Minnesota!” The sound quality isn’t the best so I couldn’t have misheard him.
terryannonline on October 17, 2009 at 3:58 PM
HornetSting on October 17, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Tim Pawlenty for secertary of Education !
William Amos on October 17, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Funny!
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:07 PM
I like Gov. Pawlenty, and there’s really no need to trash him. But I do think that the next go-round he’ll be more suitable as a VP candidate. He just doesn’t inspire very much at this point.
ddrintn on October 17, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Why would a conservative load up with McCain retreads who LOST!
If that was the best of a 36 minute speech, that’s sad.
Why do some people have such a problem with defining core principle. “We can’t just be the party of the country club, we have to be the party of Sam’s Club.” Very weak and plain populist. That statement is an attempt at a sound bite but does nothing to explain core principle.
We have the Democrats shredding the constitution before our very eyes, pouring gasoline on our rights and stomping our liberties into the dirt and the GOP has nothing real to say accept half baked commercials and “We can’t just be the country club party, we have to be the Sam’s Club party!”
JellyToast on October 17, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Homer Simpson’s endorsement is pretty heavy.
“Pulentee? BOORRINNGG!!!!!”
“Sarah? RRRRRAAAAARRRR!!!!
“Mitt? That pretty boy?”
Sapwolf on October 17, 2009 at 4:08 PM
The GOP is lamentably still too much a good ole boys club. That is the reason that the GOP women are sounding more conservative than GOP men. (Maine women exempt from this example)
William Amos on October 17, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Screw the pastels.
BOLD COLORS!
Sapwolf on October 17, 2009 at 4:10 PM
In my experience, the politicians who need to be told this are the politicians who fundamentally never understand it.
rrpjr on October 17, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Actually, he said “we like to punt fish.” Fish punting is a popular Minnesotian sport that’s part ice fishing, football, curling, and ping pong. It’ played during the winter on many of their 1000 frozen lakes. I’m sure Ed can tell you all about it.
As I side note, I’ve head that fishing for moose is also a favorite past time up there, isn’t that right Ed?
Rod on October 17, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Pawlenty seems just like Mitt, but younger. Jindal seems like Steele, without any real meat.
Heck, I’d vote for Lindsey Graham over any of them.
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Suz..stick with Palin, Mitt is a loser
Jeff from WI on October 17, 2009 at 4:14 PM
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
bill30097 on October 17, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Pawlenty…boring. Who cares about your family.
By the way, eat something, you look puny like an underfed Ethiopian.
Jeff from WI on October 17, 2009 at 4:17 PM
McCain retreads? Then Pawlenty must be shooting for a loss. They’ll probably select a dynamite woman, like Liz Cheney, for VP then muzzle her.
Another recipe for disaster.
darwin on October 17, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Amen!
I am so not interested in Jindal, Pawlenty, Romney…they are simply retro-politicians.
It is the GOP women who are shaking the peach tree.
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Face it, white men in the GOP. This is NOT your year. :)
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:23 PM
yaaaawwwwwnnnnnn….
I will take…
President Sarah Palin
Vice President Condi Rice
Sec. of Treasury Mitt Romney
Sec. of Homeland Security Rudi G
Sec. of Defense Petraeus
Sec. of State Richard Shelby
Sec. of Education Jeb Bush
One can dream…
tatersalad on October 17, 2009 at 4:23 PM
You got that right. But after the experience of having our affirmative-action community organizer in chief in charge, I think 2010 and especially 2012 will be “our year”.
Marcus on October 17, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Well said!
INC on October 17, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Quit trolling…you Obamabot.
AUINSC on October 17, 2009 at 4:26 PM
I am very … excited … about GOP women shaking peach trees. Really.
Rod on October 17, 2009 at 4:26 PM
I want to see more of Haley Barbour. Oh, how the media-Hollywood complex would hate him more than Governor Palin. Probably more than they hated Reagan. His southern accent alone would be worth hundreds of thousands of KKK comparisons.
Marcus on October 17, 2009 at 4:29 PM
I am very … excited … about GOP women shaking peach trees. Really.
Rod on October 17, 2009 at 4:26 PM
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:30 PM
You express latent democrat racist tendencies. Simply saying GOP men would have gotten your point across. Plus, Jindal isn’t really white.
darwin on October 17, 2009 at 4:31 PM
I’m liberal, well….old liberalism.
But I didn’t vote for him. I thought he was too inexperienced.
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:31 PM
The best thing Nobel ever did was to give us those fish huntin’ sticks.
unclesmrgol on October 17, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Who is this drippy zero.? If this guy wants to be exciting he should have a cage match with
PiyushBobby Jindal and Eric Cantor. 360 lbs. combined battling it out for the soul of ‘conservative’ America.simplesimon on October 17, 2009 at 4:33 PM
He seems like a nice guy. His speech was awful. He’s got the same issue, in my opinion, as Palin.
He is young, politically speaking. He gave a completely laughable performance on his “key” moment.
I think Jindal has a future in national politics, maybe. We’ll see.
So far, I’m really not impressed. What do you think he really brings to the table?
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:34 PM
Too many in the GOP just do not understand the stakes. They do not have the flame of liberty burning in their gut! They think the only differences between us and the Dems are just, as McCain says, “political disagreements!” No, sir,,, we are beyond just “political disagreements!” Those who founded our nation had more than just “political disagreements” with the King of England! You do not go to battle, you do not risk arrest, loss of property, fortune and life over a political disagreement!
The opponent, Obama, has stated he wants to fundamentally change America! He is working feverishly to make these fundamental changes to our nation! Fundamental changes sir!! Fundamental! Do you understand what a fundamental change means??!!
That is beyond political, that is foundational! We need leaders and candidates who are ready to defend the fundamentals of our nation because it is the fundamental principles that are under assault!! That means understanding, defending and articulating the fundamental concepts of freedom and liberty because that is where the battle is! Political differences are about where to build the highway!
Fundamental differences are about whether to throw those who dare disagree with you about the highway into jail!
God help us all!
JellyToast on October 17, 2009 at 4:35 PM
A Spork?
Rod on October 17, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Jindal? I’m not really sure. All these guys are saying “safe” things right now. I’d like to hear someone lay it on the line without worrying about the mythical “moderates”.
darwin on October 17, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Oh, for heaven’s sakes. Lighten up.
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Yeah, that affirmative action presidency really worked out, didn’t it Ann. Please stop trying to think, I can smell the smoke all the way to New Mexico.
HornetSting on October 17, 2009 at 4:41 PM
I think this is a joke.
another hint?
Seriously, he’s a perfectly fine politician, dealing with a terribly conservative state.
He’s got talent.
But…..nationally?
*hmmmmm
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:42 PM
He’s your kind of republican, Ann. A DEMOCRAT.
Need a refill? We have plenty of hot air here…
HornetSting on October 17, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Hey, amazing that you haven’t been blastin me on a personal level all day.
Soccer game for the kids?
:)
In short: Hornet Sting weighs in that he hates AnninCA.
*yawn*
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:43 PM
That’s Minnesotans for you. Using a Remington 870 12 gauge to “hunt” walleye.
Jeff from WI on October 17, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Rats, I’d like to hear more of his description of how he took someone who agreed on 7/10 issues from Democrat to Republican. He just started to list some of the obstacles in overcomming that.
AnotherOpinion on October 17, 2009 at 4:45 PM
<—applauding
Jeff from WI on October 17, 2009 at 4:46 PM
I’m a she and you’re an idiot. You have nothing to contribute to this conversation but shaking your a$$ in the air and trying to get attention, probably like you did when you were younger.
And, I don’t have kids. Never will.
HornetSting on October 17, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Palin’s little girl, I forget her name, the sweetie that slicked her brother’s hair back with some spit at the convention, could take this guy in a boxing match.
Jeff from WI on October 17, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Pawlenty is almost as mushy as Huckabee. Please stop pretending these are opposition leaders!
modifiedcontent on October 17, 2009 at 4:48 PM
I think the Stinger is a she, which would simply reaffirm the interesting phenomenon of strong conservative women.
jimmy2shoes on October 17, 2009 at 4:53 PM
Pawlenty comes across as a solid, respectable conservative policy wonk. That would make him terrific for a Cabinet level post. Not so sure it makes him a great candidate for the top job.
As to tatersalad’s roster…I’d take a couple of them, but I’d change a few. :)
President Sarah – Palin
Vice President – still open to the possibilities, possibly one of the stronger conservative players in Congress who doesn’t mind kicking some shins.
Sec. of Treasury – Mitt Romney
Sec. of Homeland Security – Rudi G
Sec. of Defense – McCain
Sec. of State – Liz Cheney
I know McCain for SoD will raise eyebrows but think for a moment…his biggest weakness has always been his squishy domestic policies and his biggest strength is foreign policy/military matters. Making him SoD would suit his strengths AND would get him OUT of the Legislative branch and input into domestic policies.
Besides, the foreign policy team of Palin, McCain & Liz would NOT blink in a staring contest with Putin. :D
Kirin on October 17, 2009 at 4:53 PM
I so get you now!
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:53 PM
Thanks for sharing. Please accept either my sympathy or congratulations as it fits your declaration.
Rod on October 17, 2009 at 4:55 PM
And by the way, there have been MANY days when I wished I’d have got your route.
Kids can really be a pain in the behind.
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Do us all a favor and go away.
Grahamnesty is exactly what this country doesn’t need.
ladyingray on October 17, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Ditto here. I think he has talent, although it’s a bit of stretch to imagine exactly what.
But he’s as sharp as some Czars, for sure.
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:57 PM
FIFY
ladyingray on October 17, 2009 at 4:57 PM
Pawlenty is a joke. The state of Minnesota is a joke for electing losers like him, Franken, and Ventura. Trot out the next candidate please. Just say no to Pawlenty.
Percy_Peabody on October 17, 2009 at 4:57 PM
Not even close, Lib. You’re not intelligent enough. I didn’t have children by CHOICE.
HornetSting on October 17, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Amen. She gains my own personal respect for finally “coming out.”
Until you’ve raised a kid, you don’t even know the meaning of compromise and failure. *haha
They bend all of us to our knees, frankly.
And unconditional love heals it all.
You simply can’t imagine this process until you’ve been through it.
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Bachmann is the exception to the rule. I like her a lot.
jimmy2shoes on October 17, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Oh goodness, time to switch topics.
Now, if this one ever outs herself/himself?
:)
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 5:00 PM
This is just about the most insensitive thing you have ever said, and you have said plenty (remember your rapist “joke”??). I don’t know this to be the case with Hornet, but if I had wanted to have children and couldn’t, this would have been very hurtful.
ladyingray on October 17, 2009 at 5:02 PM
That was hard to get through; it was just plain boring. T_Paw does well in interviews, but he has a long way to go in learning how to give a barnstorm speech.
I’ll give him props for not using a teleprompter, but jeez, his excitement level is at zero. In fairness, so is Romney’s. Huck is better at speeches and Palin is simply the best at captivating the audience with her speeches.
yogi41 on October 17, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Most women can squirt out a child. Whores do it all the time. It’s the aftermath that makes you a Mom, Ann. You know nothing. I figure with your promiscuous past, it wasn’t hard for you to get knocked up and squirt one out yourself.
HornetSting on October 17, 2009 at 5:03 PM
One thing’s for sure; it’s the conservative women that ignite. Pawlenty’s certainly a better choice than Romney or Huckabee but I still think he’s too soft on this environmental BS although he does understand cap&trade is a bad idea. Palin/Cheney 2012!
Alfresco on October 17, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Pawlenty’s certainly a better choice than Romney or Huckabee but I still think he’s too soft on this environmental BS although he does understand cap&trade is a bad idea. Palin/Cheney 2012!
Alfresco on October 17, 2009 at 5:04 PM
So he’d be better off in a dress?
Jeff from WI on October 17, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Again, I thank you for finally sharing. I so get this attitude.
I made every single decision in life to raise my only child. He’s an adult now, and I can go back and count the ways that I messed up, but he’s doing OK.
Honestly, that’s how most people who really raise kids, really get out of the box of judmentalism, arrive.
Boy, did I mess up. I also totally laugh at any parent of any adult who doesn’t admit this.
Raising kids is just such the ultimate experience.
I wouldn’t have missed a minute.
And I’m truly sorry you haven’t gotten to experience this.
Truly.
It’s not a judgment, either.
I’m sure there are reasons.
AnninCA on October 17, 2009 at 5:12 PM
Don’t think you ‘Get Me’. Unlike you and your ilk, I don’t go around mewing and living on ‘feelings and unicorns’.
I never wanted children. But, I don’t need your affirmations. Save it for your Chicken Soup club.
HornetSting on October 17, 2009 at 5:15 PM
I have to cut AnninCA some slack here … she likes Palin.
darwin on October 17, 2009 at 5:18 PM
I’m sorry– I guess you all expect a fire-breathing Jimmy Swaggart type. Keep the fireworks– I want a thinker, a communicator, and a leader. I see it on display right here. Sorry Ed, you may be bored with him but I am not.
leftnomore on October 17, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Not really. After all, Palin is not pro-choice.
ladyingray on October 17, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Yeah,, you’re right, I guess I need to get a grip on things. Our constitution’s no big deal. Taking over the car company, Wall Street, the bailouts, health care, truth squads, Czars, expanding hate crimes, free abortions, death panels, giving up America’s sovereignty, open borders and, what else?? Am I forgetting something?? All of that and the best we can do is “We gotta be the Sam’s Club party.”
Whatever.
JellyToast on October 17, 2009 at 5:20 PM
I like Pawlenty . . plus he is very electable. Plus he didn\’t resign from being a Governor in the middle of his term . . . hint, hint.
MitchFlorida on October 17, 2009 at 5:20 PM
WOW.
This post seems to be an ENDORSEMENT OF PAWLENTY for POTUS2012.
So, this explains why HOTAIR is so lividly attacking Sarah Palin.
TheAlamos on October 17, 2009 at 5:21 PM
The governor makes good sense. This is the way to reach the lower middle class, by telling them how all the laws effect them personally.
DL13 on October 17, 2009 at 5:22 PM
She’s also a fan of Grahamnesty. That just tells me Ann is a real conservative thinker.
/s
HornetSting on October 17, 2009 at 5:25 PM
So would I. Ouch, I just got hit in the head with a tomato! :)
NathanG on October 17, 2009 at 5:25 PM
I like Pawlenty . . plus he is very electable. Plus he didn\’t resign from being a Governor in the middle of his term . . . hint, hint.
MitchFlorida on October 17, 2009 at 5:20 PM
YOU MEAN … HE’S IN THE LEAGUE OF SANFORD AND CRIST?
That politics is all about power … and never giving up that power … even if it’s already taking a toll to its constituents, in terms of costs.
PAWLENTY 2012! NEVER GIVE UP YOUR TITLE. POLITICS IS ALL ABOUT CONTROL.
Question: Why have there been so many street people in Minnesota in the last 4 years?
TheAlamos on October 17, 2009 at 5:25 PM
She may like her, but she has repeatedly said she couldn’t vote for her because Palin is pro-life. AnninCA is a one-issue voter.
yogi41 on October 17, 2009 at 5:28 PM
That does seem to be a defining issue for Ann.
darwin on October 17, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Pawlenty, like so many of the GOP men, seemingly go out of their way to speak methodically and impassionately.
They are so focused on NOT offending anyone, particularly the so-called independents and moderates. They listen to pollsters as if they’re high priests.
Most of these indies/modies are conservative and will respond positively to strong conservative principles and outright attacks, for that matter, if explained with passion, real straight talk (not the McCain BS), and with a good dose of genuine humour mixed in.
Reagan, of course, wrote the book on this, but why most of the GOP boys don’t get it remains to me a mystery still.
Our ladies, Palin and Liz Cheney and Michele Bachman to name a few, get it and know how to bring it.
Yes, being gals, they can get away with a little more on the attack side, but there’s no reason that a Pawlenty or a Romney or a Jindal, etc., can’t figure this out.
Get some ‘nads, guys, and laugh like you mean it.
TXUS on October 17, 2009 at 5:35 PM
well well well…
a lot of these anti-pawlenty comments are plants from the DU and DNC. and move on.
pawlenty is GREAT!
he or mitt or sarah – they all kic=k the crap outta barry soetero.
may the best person win.
and may s/he be a conservative!
reliapundit on October 17, 2009 at 5:38 PM
2010 and 2012 will be defined by conservative women. They are the heart and soul of our revival right now. They are the forces to be reckoned with, and the best face for us.
rrpjr on October 17, 2009 at 5:41 PM
It’s a defining issue for me, 180 degrees from Ann
Jeff from WI on October 17, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Ann, what would you call someone who posted as you are, but from the other direction?
Funny?
What are you doing? And why are you doing it?
Loxodonta on October 17, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Off the meds Ann is.
Key West Reader on October 17, 2009 at 6:01 PM
People elected someone they thought was exciting and charismatic, and we’re stuck with him for the next three-plus years.
I’ll take unexciting and competent any day.
redfoxbluestate on October 17, 2009 at 6:03 PM
Oh… one more thing: Pawlenty is a nice guy? But he is also B-O-R-I-N-G to watch.
Key West Reader on October 17, 2009 at 6:03 PM
Be gentle, guys. I think AnninCA is really Betty White.
Rod on October 17, 2009 at 6:09 PM
If you have to tell a politician to be energizing, then you’ve already lost.
Lehosh on October 17, 2009 at 6:15 PM
Well at least he didn’t say… “My Friends”
Bulldogger on October 17, 2009 at 6:21 PM
^^ Yet!^^
Bulldogger on October 17, 2009 at 6:22 PM
I need to invest in Kleenex. There’s going to be plenty sold when conservative blogosphere commenters realize that Palin isn’t going to be the nominee in 2012.
Hollowpoint on October 17, 2009 at 6:23 PM
Save the Ann Fund. To donate, call 1-800-Save-Ann
Or, just hit the “donate” button on LG eff
Key West Reader on October 17, 2009 at 6:26 PM
Betty White is dead. Which would describe Ann’s brain.
HornetSting on October 17, 2009 at 6:29 PM
Headline:
You Can’t Tell Someone To Show More Fire.
Just that dampens them down even more in the public mind.
Pawlenty. Polenta. Whatevah.
Like Al Gore roaring forth his wind-up Elmer Gantry voice.
Forgetting that Gantry was the icon of a manipulative, craven scumbag.
(Hey, maybe Al was on to something…!)
Go Sarah!
profitsbeard on October 17, 2009 at 6:41 PM
Summer 2012: The MSM is furiosuly trying to pick the GOP nominee just as they did in 2008. RINO’s will rise to the top only to be decimated by the thunderous boom of conservative voices across the country who cry in unison NO MORE RINO’s!
The GOP will have to bow to pressure or lose again. Palin will graciously accept and deliver another knockout acceptance speech at the RNC convention.
darwin on October 17, 2009 at 6:42 PM
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