August 6, 2008
Posted: 03:45 PM ET

From
Gov. Pawlenty spoke at the National Press Club Wednesday.
Gov. Pawlenty spoke at the National Press Club Wednesday.

(CNN) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who is widely rumored to be on Sen. John McCain’s short list of potential vice presidential picks, displayed his skills as a political attack dog Wednesday.

Watch: Pawlenty compares Obama and McCain

“Senator McCain’s life experiences are epic, they are legendary,” Pawlenty said in response to a question at the National Press Club. “They are a life story. Not a life oratory but a life story,” Pawlenty added, in an apparent reference to Obama’s much-discussed public speaking skills.

“That stands in contrast to Senator Obama,” Pawlenty said, turning his attention to the presumptive Democratic nominee. “It is simply a matter of fact that less than four years ago he was a state legislator.”

“It’s not even a close call in my book as to who you want in sitting in the Oval Office as President of the United States, leader of the free world, commander-in-chief.”

Pawlenty was also asked about the qualities he thought a vice presidential candidate should possess and he kept his response to the point.  "Discretion," the Minnesota governor said.

In an appearance before a conservative group Wednesday morning, Pawlenty had more praise for Obama.

"People want to follow hopeful, optimistic, civil, decent leaders," Pawlenty said.  "Say what you will about Barack Obama . . . people gravitate when you got something positive to say," he added.  The potential Republican VP pick also told the gathering that McCain had a positive approach to politics as well.

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain • Tim Pawlenty


Jose'   August 7th, 2008 10:36 am ET

What a bunch of juvenile haters the Obama fans are!

Is this his entire base? A bunch of whining complaining morons??

mark   August 6th, 2008 8:55 pm ET

the bridge fell down because pawlenty blocked an increase in the gas tax of 1 penny while he was state rep.

Bub   August 6th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

Wait a second–People flock to Obama because he has something "positive" to say? Obama is one of the few politicians actually acknowledging the seriousness of the real problems we're facing domestically and abroad–one of the few politicians who is somberly confronting very complex realities, rather than spewing an over-simplified propoganda illusion.
The *positive* part comes in because he possesses, exudes, and backs up a hope that we can resolve the complex problems we're facing with nuanced and intelligent policies.
That is a positive message.

They say Obama is arrogant, but he speaks to us as if we were intelligent adults. He encourages us to be intelligent adults.

Obama can talk the talk–and you can question whether he can walk the walk. But I am still waiting to hear McCain even talk the talk.

LINDA   August 6th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

HA HA HA McCAIN JUST GOT SLAMMED ON …..CNN…..FOR SAYIN'G THAT OBAMA,S 'ECONOMIC SURGE' WILL NOT WORK…HA HA HA BUT IT WILLLLLLLLLLLL……..GET A LIFE McCAIN

OBAMA 08

NORA, FLORIDA   August 6th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

At this point the Republican party does not need to be slamming anyone but their own for all of these government officials are turning out sour. AND GUESS WHAT???? THEY ARE REPUBLICAN!!!

McWhine   August 6th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Shannon:

Sorry, your pro-Bush comments were deleted by Neo-Con e-mail monitor by mistake.

Cynthia   August 6th, 2008 8:42 pm ET

If Senator Mccain had a positive approach to politics he most certainly has lost it and from what seems to be their political strategy won't be able to find it.

McWhine   August 6th, 2008 8:39 pm ET

Peter E:

Bush is a "common folk"?? His grand father Prescot traded with Nazi to enrich himself. Daddy bush get connection to send GW to Yale. GW ran oil company and this country down to the ground. Love to hear you lie. Lie here, lie there, and lie now.

Out with McWar   August 6th, 2008 8:34 pm ET

Problem is its McWars life not our life and looks as if last Bush years all he has to offer is jealousy,hate,lowest road ads he should be ashamed of himself ,no substance just more war,surge surge surge till the cows come home.there is no negotiation anyplace with him he is a warmonger and likes the sound of War and Bomb Bomb Iran is unable to remember what he said in last 5 minutes and mistakes when he speaks continually .
One look at him would tell anyperson he belongs NOT IN THE OVAL OFFICE with his bagggage…………..
Everyone else has to find something else when they are his age so let him find that something else he is in no shape mentally,physically or any other way he is dreaming .

LINDA   August 6th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

(RAN…I am with you) I feel sorry for them also . If you vote for Sen.McCain you will have 4-8yr,s of more hell and what you going threw right now.If you PUMAS…do Not vot for OBAMA then you will deserve everything you get. But i know you really don`t want to do that right because who in there right mind want,s to keep going through this hell for the next 4-8 yr,s.So you will do the right thing right and vote for Obama..HMMM……I wish you all well,

OBAMA 08

The Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   August 6th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Hey I am for Mitt as in the former Governor of MA. He's the one to lead McCain to victory in November. No one else has the credentials of a Romney,

The pollsters and punsters make one sick. Don't you know how the voters will vote once they get behind closed doors. No one knows what happens behind closed doors. Hopefully the voting booths will have door closers.

Now for the news: I heard Obama decided to have a Muslim coordinator. I am sure many of his supporters are Muslim and that is okay. I think bam is a closet muslim himself. He quit his Christian Church and for what reason? Who knows? By the way, I just heard B'wana threw the new coordinator under the bus with his grandma.

BTW: Paris and obama are celebs without a portfolio. Both are famous for being famous for accomplishing nothing.

Obama is risky so is Paris; Obama has a funny name so does Paris; Obama sounds foreign, duh so does Paris.

Two birds of a feather if you ask me.

victorhill   August 6th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

McCain’s insisting we have to drill now is very reminiscent of Bush’s insisting we had to invade Iraq now. It is about time we had a president who analyses situations, draws a conclusion and acts. What we need is an energy policy. If there is to be drilling which even McCain has not said will significantly lower oil prices, its time to to pas that legislation along with other measures to solve the energy problem. For eight years Bush did not look at the entire problem and now McCain wants to do the same. Only the oil companies have benefited from Bush policy.

What is going on here, why the rush and what is all this shouting about? McCain is acting too much like Bush to give me comfort. If he thinks that the problem is that urgent then he should be seeking to trade oil reserves with the national repository. But that is not what he wants. It is time to take a deep breath and listen to Obama. He wants to treat the problem and not make a splash with some quick action. An action whose outcome will help big oil but may do the people little good.

Its time to start with projects for alternative energy and to initiate gas efficiency standards that are higher than at present. If we allow drilling in the same legislation then we can get a bipartisan support for what this country needs.

Thanks Ron M

FactCheck   August 6th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

> Obama never was called a Bit*h or a CUN* or the N word.

Just keep on hiding with your head buried up your rear… Obama has been and is continued to be called some of the worst kind of things I've heard and this is from a fairly cosmopolitan part of the Midwest.

Lisa in GA.   August 6th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

All of the snakes are coming out of the closet now because they are running scared…….. all these people have something to say but none of them have the balls to run for president to help straighten this mess of america out….. the reason why other republicans did not run is because they dont wanna make fools of themselves after Bush's mess…. as we see what they came up with is McCain… this is truly a sad year of the republicans… they make themselves look dumber by the day………

and besides being a POW does not qualify McCain to be president…… out of all the years he has been in the office… he has done nothing but stole from the American people. Keating 5 remember?

NOBAMA for me   August 6th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

I don't know about the rest of you, but I can't afford to have Obama as president. With all of his proposed ideas, we will be taxed to death. His Global Proverty Tax would add an additional $845 Billion in taxes to the American people. Sorry, but I don't have it. Mr. "Change" and "Transparency" feels like trouble to me. With his transparancy I have been able to see that he is nothing more than an empty suit and change is what he does every few days. I want someone who actually knows how many states there are in the USA (not 57).

I would also really like the MSM to dig into Obama's birth certificate issue. Something smells rotten. And why aren't we hearing about Obama being 50% caucasian, 43.75% arab and a mere 6.25% african black? I don't care what the color of his skin is, but at least be honest.

Too bad that Ron Paul didn't get a fair shake from the brought and paid for MSM. That is who America really needs.

God bless the USA.

CAW in MD   August 6th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

Hey Jay,

A community organizer is a person who actually goes and talks to people, to find out how they are doing, what they are thinking, and then shows how s/he (or the candidate s/he is organizing for) can help them. Think McCain ever did something like that?

I'm not sure I can handle another three months of the Republicans constantly chanting about how "inexperienced" Obama is. Truth of the matter — there is no "experience" that prepares you to be President of the United States. There just isn't. Neither one of them has the experience to be President. Nobody does. That's why it was such a useless argument when Clinton was trying it on, and it's such a useless argument now when McCain tries it.

Brad   August 6th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Who is Pawlenty, a 48 year old who has never served outside the state level, to say anything about Obama's experience? If Pawlenty were the VP pick and had to take office, he'd bring no greater experience than Obama (or less).

On top of that, sorry…epic experience in war, anger, failed policies, and divisiveness is NOT what this country needs.

Canada supports Obama   August 6th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

Sounds like he fits right into the Republican playbook of running smear plays.

What does the Plenty guy have to offer the American people? What's his experience and track record?

Retired Veteran from New York City, NY   August 6th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

The Good Governor of Minnesota was never known to the American peiple except in his homestate. All those Republicans barking is nothing more than a little Chiwawa barking.

They have absolutely nothing to offer to America but destruction. Take it from Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh, all they have are their hates for the Black Man running for President and he really has a chance because the Republican Party is in such a bac shape, no one can rescue that Party. The Party even called upon Newt Gengrich to help them after Washington expelled that guy Gingrich for corruption.

I hope McCain picks that Governor Pawlenty to be his VP. The election will be a landslide like Ronald Reagan did to Jimmy Carter back in 1980.

I further hope that McCain picks Mitt Romney, certainly he'll be able to deliver couple of Momon States other than that, the rest will be history, landslide for Obama.

Amanda   August 6th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

"Got into the Naval Academy because Daddy was an Admiral and things snowballed from there" isn't much of a life story.

Chuck, Montgomery, AL   August 6th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

This guy looks like he should be Romney's running mate - both snake oil salesmen. Bet they both abuse their wives too.

Oh well.

RJ, CA   August 6th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

RIGHT ON, SIR! Obama is nothing more than an Internet phenomenon created by David Axelrod (his "brain") — and his wife Michelle's corrupt, left-wing Chicago "hood ."

But, in the end, folks simply don't vote for a "mirage." Americans are realists and understand the difference between substance and hype –because electing the president of the United States is serious business and not some game show.

The smart American voter WILL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER and will vote McCain! (And we coulda had Hillary, who's a centrist like McCain and NOT an ultra-liberal nut job like Obama!)

Rufus from NC   August 6th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

The difference is Obama is smart enought to surround himself with the best and the brightest–just as JFK did–and will make sound decisions based on good information. It's obvious that McCain is a lightweight and, like Bush, will surround himself with partisan yes men like Pawlenty.

And the winner is:   August 6th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

What an odd duck this dude is. Good luck Pawlie.

Ironic   August 6th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

To Former GOP,

Yeah, great isn't it, kinda like when Obama dumped Islam to pretend to be Christian, or when he dumped Wright after public opinion turned against him, or when he dumped "no domestic drilling" when public opinion turned against him.

Shannon   August 6th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Are you filtering out conservative views on these posts so that it skews overwhelmingly liberal?

Shannon   August 6th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

Where's my post CNN?

From PA   August 6th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

Obama Sucks!!!

Lynne   August 6th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

Hey, me too! Where's my post, CNN? How do you decide what goes up? You allow all sorts of profanity, but disallow some very benign remarks.

Former democrat disgusted with DNC   August 6th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

hello

ran   August 6th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

I NOW FEEL SORRY FOR THE PUMAS. HOPEFULLY YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GET THE HELP YOU NEED. HATE CAN BE SO CONTROLLING AND IF YOU LET IT FESTER IT CAN RUIN YOU. I AM SADDEN THAT YOU CAN NOT GET OVER HRC NOT WINNING. MAYBE YOU COULD HELP HER WITH HER DEBT. THAT MIGHT MAKE YOU FEEL BETER. FOR YOU REPUBLICANS OBAMA IS GOING TO BE OUR NEXT POTUS AND UNLIKE YOUR GUYS (BUSH MCAIN) HE WILL HELP YOU TOO BECAUSE HE KNOWS THIS IS THE UNITED STATES.

Ron Nebraska   August 6th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Say what you will about Barack Obama . . . people gravitate when you got something positive to say," Pawlenty added. The potential Republican VP pick also told the gathering that McCain had a positive approach to politics as well.
YES, POSITIVELY RIDICULOUS AND DEMEANING OF A MAJOR PARTY CANDIDATE!

Dave, Illinois   August 6th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

Funny, CNN, how you allow jerks like John post felletio remarks about John McCain. Yet, you censor most anti-Obama remarks. As an experiment, I have posted an equal number of posts negative to both candidates, under different names. Twice the number of remarks that were anti-McCain got through! Hmmm, see a pattern?

Peter E   August 6th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

I guess I've been black-listed by the CNN editing team for not being pro-Obama enough. They no longer post any of my comments. What's wrong? Too factual and issue-oriented for you?

Mike   August 6th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

The liberals will have such a wake up call when McCain wins!

Shannon   August 6th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Hey CNN, it's been 20 minutes. You are "reviewing" my post for its appropriatness. What's taking so long? You've posted 7 after me. Nothing I wrote in my post was profane or inappropriate. It just represented the other end of the political spectrum in terms of what CNN is about. Am I out, then?

Reality Check   August 6th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

The problem with Democrats they are missing common sense. Liberalism is truly a mental disorder, all they want is handouts and more entitlements, Uh excuse me! At who's expense, us the hard working Americans, we pay our bills, we pay our taxes and there are many of us who still believe in God, not Mohammad. Obama, will lead to socialism period.

Stacy   August 6th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

I think Pawlenty just want to be VP of Mc Cain.
The fact is this Obama my not have the experience of Mc Cain but does he need it?
He has the talent he’s clever and he has good judgment.
In four years took Obama to do what Mc Cain took 26 year to do.
Obama deserves a lot credit.
Pawlenty is an idiot who could not even dream to reach where Obama has reaches in four year.

Peter E   August 6th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

So… whenever McCain votes with Bush he's 'kissing up in a spineless way' but when Obama votes with Bush (voted for the domestic spying program, voted for more Iraqi war funds, voted for tax breaks to oil companies, voted for the re-authorization of the Patriot Act, praise Bush's controversial No Child Left Behind program, wants to exdpand Bush's public funding of religious outreach groups, and now flip-flopping on energy policy and troop withdrawal, and the list goes on and on) he's being a 'uniter, reaching across party-lines?'
I am against McCain because I agree that he's being too much like Bush. But to claim that Obama is giving us a real alternative is being both blind and a hypocrite! Check his records. I dare you! Check his own website for his policies.
Vote Ron Paul! Change you can TRUST in! (unless CNN erases this comment, again, for not being pro-Obama enough)

aaa   August 6th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

go obama !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2008

Joe Reg   August 6th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

Too bad you are going in a hand backet. No more repubs this year.

This is the year of the Democrats.

Obama 08/12.

Reality Check   August 6th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

There are so many of you who are delirious, just as Obama is all talk and show. He does not have any experience in life per say, his oratory sounds great, but it's performance that matters. He has not performed, nor is he experienced.

Franky   August 6th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

“It’s not even a close call in my book as to who you want in sitting in the Oval Office as President of the United States, leader of the free world, commander-in-chief.”

Yeah, well played out. Just say it fast, and RUN!!! LOL!!! Just give the Conservative message out…..and by the way, there's a reason why he's(Pawlenty) not hesitating why he wants to be VP…….TRUST ME, is gonna be tough for them. But you know what? I think I know who Senator McCain is gonna pick…..let's just say it the first letter is M and the last letter is Y………

Let's just say Senator McCain needs a Conservative who could play within the game, not outside against the game…there's a difference.

Lim   August 6th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Come on now.

Surely Obama has given a lot of hope to many of our fine state
legislators in America who are chanting: YES, WE CAN.

MikeH   August 6th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

He looks like the 40-Year Old Virgin.

Alex   August 6th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

This Governor from Minnesota is not the person to "seal the deal." McCain needs someone who knows and understands economic issues like Romney. If it ain't gonna be Romney, I'm not voting for McCain plain and simple, not that anyone would take notice. These politician never cease to amaze me. They'll do and say just about anything for a vote and not what is in the best interest of our country and the people in it.

Shannon   August 6th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

Who is editing these comments? I just made a post 5 minutes ago. My post was pro-Bush. It appeared, posted, and then it was quickly removed. Is this not the United States of America that I live in where free speech is valued? Men and women have died so that I can voice my opinion. CNN, do you believe otherwise?

Oh, perhaps I am too naive. I thought this was a news organization. Its just a propaganda site. Poor America. What's happened to us?

MikeH   August 6th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

Pawlenty, ignorant (or just plain ignant) and proud of it.

Obama. Obama, Bla...bla...bla..bama...   August 6th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Nice try. If all professionals here on a board and media, will continue to push Obama deep into american's throats, the result will be just opposite

True   August 6th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Oh yeah, Epic? He got shot down in a plane during a war and was a POW for 5 years. I call it BAD LUCK.

PaulC   August 6th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Compare JFK and Ronald Reagan's experience.
Let's talk about GW's experience. A lot there…right?
McCain has had 26 years in Congress and now has
suddenly decided that we need to do something about
the supply of oil.
Give me a break.

wam   August 6th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

oh my goodness………..did he say "epic"………..wow………….now if Obama had used that word to describe McCain, McCain would have cried that he was being called "old"……..

tina   August 6th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Pawlenty looks like the guy who played in 40 year old virgin.

whyPeopleForget   August 6th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Experience!!!! that's funny. Why Obama camp has not taken up the incidence that out of mischeif McCain wet started his jet to scare the person behind him and that led to a rocket fired from the airplane behind him that struck the central fuel tank of McScare who in panic jettisoned two bombs that exploded and that cause the death of 140 plus american navy men??? Also he has crashed aircraft 5 times. He gave the secrets so openly that vietnamese name him, "song bird". He has been a total failure. Had it not becuase of his admiral father and millionaire wife he would be just an average joe. Give me a break for his experience. And he is emotional too.

TonyinKentucky   August 6th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Anyone who sees McCain as anything above inept is ether lying, unaware, or dumber than their candidate.

McCain is a mental lightweight, surrounded by utter incompetence, and in lockstep agreement with stupid and toxic policies that have a generation long track record of creating debt, division, animosity from our allies, and ruin for the common citizen.

No Republican!!!! No more voodoo economics, no more wars of misguided choice, no more trying to replicate the poison environment of Red China, no more avoiding dealing with an energy crises that has been coming since Carter was in office and scoffed out of Washington for suggesting we do what we now have to do at a much higher cost. NO MORE LIES AND MISDIRECTION!!!!

McCain:SmallWeakCowardlyMan OffersMoreOfTheSame TearsOthersDownToBuildHimselfUp   August 6th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Yes, let's hear more about JohnnyMac dumping his sickly first wife for a rich beer heiress with questionable investments overseas. Let's hear about all the crap talk with regards to women including his own wife Johnny is so famous for. Let's hear more about the Keating Five scandal that the press has chosen to ignore. Let's hear more about his own Republican senate colleagues - ("Sends cold shivers down their spines") - dreading his anger and potential occupation of the White House. Let's hear more about all the votes John McCain doesn't show up for even when he allegedly is favor of the measure. Let's hear more of the lies he tells with no fact checking (Ya, right, CNN - you're sure keepin' 'em honest - NOT! Just the facts - NOT!)

jo   August 6th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

who you want in sitting in the Oval Office as President of the United States, leader of the free world, commander-in-chief.”
My answer to you sir. somebody who know about economy (mccain doesn't) knows the world as today not as cold war (Chekoslovakia), voting for the G.I bill, Voting for equal pay for male and female. I respect Mccain but I don't want him in the Oval office.

Lynne   August 6th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

All of these comments are overly emotional and infantile. I believe that most of these comments are coming from very immature 20 somethings? Grown-ups debate issues with facts. They don't make crude personal attacks to try to score points. But, perhaps you have not bothered to educate yourself either on the issues or on intellectual debate. We need to choose leadership with our heads not from irrational emotional reaction.

Pat Riot   August 6th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

CNN you let some people say some pretty vulgar things about John McCain on these boards. Don't you monitor for language and threats?

prairieguy   August 6th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Pawlenty can't even carry his home state for the ole fart!!!

Repugs can only go slimmier!!!!!!

bohica   August 6th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Unfortunately, and as with so much of Obama's self-told story, what we are given to believe does not jibe with facts and reality. Obama"s life story may not be as heroic as Axelrob would like to portray. He is a cult of personality who's larger than life facade will fall to scrutiny as more cracks appear. Hope and Change may have been a great theme for winning a Democratic primary, but how far will " Yes, We Can!" take him when the policy questions on the table involve what exactly he plans to do about issues such as taxes, abortion, energy, and national defense. WAKE UP AMERICA

Shannon   August 6th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Democrats seriously overestimate the number of Americans who think Bush is stupid, evil, etc., and that Cheney and Rumsfeld are the devil incarnate. Even though the liberal media and Democrats drive this notion into the ground day after day, the reality of the level of true hate sentiment for the Bush administration is just not what you wish it would be. This will be your undoing. By the way, CNN, you need to monitor for profanity on this website.

Sylvia   August 6th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Here is your contrast, Pawlenty, the old senile geezer oppose to handsome, charismatic, articulate, intellegent, good judement, and presidential.

Mike   August 6th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

"Leader of the free world"? Surely they don't mean the president of the United States, whomever that ends up being. Maybe "Leader of the free world minus certain places and under certain circumstances."

I also don't understand the logic of wanting a career politco. There's no requirement that says the President must have been a senator or career politician. I'd rather vote for a farmer. Thomas Jefferson would have preferred the same.

Big D   August 6th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Sorry Tim - but epic life experience isn't the only factor to consider. And for McCain, we really have to ask: what have you done lately that would qualify you for President? McCain is touting his experience at the same time that he's trying to say that Congress is at fault for our current problems. So for 26 years he's been part of that problem. If he couldn't work on solutions before, how can he claim to be a leader now? McCain seems to be grasping at any ideas he can lately, but random ideas and gimmicks aren't enough.

California Gold   August 6th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

This guy looks and behaves like a muslim!

ROTFLMBO

Laidetea   August 6th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Vote Obama. McShame is not for the people anymore. He is only for big money for him and his CEO Oil buddies.

phil, philly   August 6th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

i wonder what mccain's first wife has to to about his epic life story.

Arkansas Undertaker   August 6th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

I really HAte all Republicans! They are stupid and proud of it.

rob   August 6th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

CNN you call him a "political attack dog" because he is pointing out the obvious differences in experience? I agree with "Voter" above, I never hear you call any Dem an "attack Dog"…Please. I guess they are not allowed to say anything that might be considered remotely negative about Obama without it being called an attack.

George from Minneapolis   August 6th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

As someone from MN, this state is going for Obama in the general election. Pawlenty had better be careful before he find himself voted out of office.

Ali   August 6th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

You know every time i watch or read the news, all i hear is Obama doesn't have experience. Let me ask this what experience did Bush had before becoming the pres. if its all about experience how come John Kerry didn't win in 2004 election. Its very clear that GOP all the have and offer is the same thing bush and his dad used to over.. If i remember J.F.K was younger than Obama. so its not about experience, but judgment, and its very clear that Obama has better judgment. Obama said Iraq will be a big mistake and McCain supported pres. Bush. So where was his experience or when he said we will stay in Iraq for 100 yrs. What the hell was he thinking Iraq is? for sure not Hong Kong where British stayed. But in Iraq our men and women are dying everyday, not to mention how much money we spend, but I'm more concerned about our respected men and women in uniform who are being killed everyday. So one thing is certain and that not only America, but world is ready for change. Even though I'm not voting, because I'm only 17 yrs old. So please don't listen to what media tell or the internet, but ask yourself who will offer your needs .

anonymous   August 6th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Here we go again. Go ahead insecure democrats, you're just as bad as the rest, with you critical nasty remarks. Looks like you had better take a look in the mirror and see if you are so perfect. Don't judge a man until you have walked in his shoes. OHHHHHHHHHH that hurt didn't it ?
Well, doesn't sound as if you are a leader and thank God you're not, you never know when to keep your mouth shut up and listen big boys and girls. Hope you all watch Glenn Beck as he tells it like it is. If you don't want the truth then better not watch. I love Glen Beck, wish he were in a political seat. He would be GREAT.

dan   August 6th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

To the people who think McCain's divorce of his first wife is relevant I have one question for you to ask yourself. When Bill Clinton was running for President did you believe Bill's cheating on Hillary was relevant or was it a personal matter that had no importance to his campaign? Just a thought.

john   August 6th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Get John McSame Dick out of you mouth.

EC   August 6th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Ahhh Geeezzz Gov. Pawlenty, it NOW becomes very CLEAR just how far up Sen. McCain's behind the kisses from you flow? I mean the lost weight, the new hair cut, wow… all for John McCain. Hummmmm…

I mean seriously, for you to state Sen. McCain's experience is epic, is just too much CRAP. Sen. McCain has been in the Senate for 30+ years AND he has voted in SUPPORT 99% of the time with guess who? Mr. Join-to-the Hip George W. Bush. I find it really funny that he claims he's NOT like Georgie Boy, but yet is stating in front of the camera "in his own words" that he voted 99% in support of George Bushes FAILED POLICIES. John McCain has done nothing but played himself out with all this hogwash. I'm NOT voting for a President who doesn't even know how to use the internet. Geeez, clearly McCain is still living in the PAST.

Docb   August 6th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Sounds like a shoe in for VP…Wonder if he can do BOMB BOMB BOMB IRAN? and surge surge surge….. and does her disparage his wife and women? Does he not support veterans…perfect…

Charlotte   August 6th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

I will write in Hillary, I don't care who the VP's might be…

Julie   August 6th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

The man is old of course he has more life experiences, I don't think I would call them "epic"
This man obviously is wanting to be VP.

Lesley   August 6th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

How can you compare somebody 47 with somebody 72 when it comes to life experiences? Give me a break! And while we're at it, let's examine all of McCain's story, the good, the bad, and the ugly. There's a lot of all of it to go around. Even in McCain's book, he said that he lied during the election in 2000 in South Carolina just to get votes. He graduated 4th from the bottom in the naval academy and it was only through the influence of his admiral father that he got into flight school. While there, he partied some more instead of taking advantage of the opportunity that was wasted on him. It was horrible the account of his POW years, but he was not alone in that. Then came the divorce, then the Keating 5 scandal, then he became a good person, and now in the last 8 years he's become a Republican puppet. That about sums it up.

Eric, Washington   August 6th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

I like this guy and McCain should pick him. He might attract to the young voters because he's more handsome than Obama.

Peter E   August 6th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Hey 'Former g.o.p.' (which you aren't, and you're not helping your precious Obama by lying about it) lay off personal attacks! There is a reason why Obama himself never brought up McCain's personal life! Because Obama doesn't want his own brought up about how his own father abandoned his mother, and how his mother abandoned him!
It's irrelevant and disgusting! If you are an example of what Obama's campaign is about (low-blow personal attacks) then thank you, I'll look for 'change' elsewhere.

Jeff, South Bend, IN   August 6th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

I have no idea who the F this guy even is, but he's right - there is only one obvious choice of who should be sitting in the Oval Office, and it's certainly not the angry, vindictive, morally and ethically challenged, flip-flopping, veteran-hating, war mongering, math-inept, dim-witted John McCain. Not after letting a man with the IQ of a hamster run the show for the last 8 years.

Latinos for Obama   August 6th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Here is a hint on who Pawlenty really is:

Pawlenty's Campaign Received $600,000 in Penalties, the Largest in Minnesota History, in 2002 for Illegal Coordination. "The state campaign finance board leveled $600,000 in penalties against then-Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Pawlenty to settle a board finding of illegal collusion on TV ads. The State Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board fined the campaign $100,000 and charged it with $500,000 in ad spending." [Star Tribune, 10/15/02].

Oh, and there is more, much more!

"Pot, Booze and Blow when I could afford it" Obama 95   August 6th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

That's correct governor… and a few years before being a state legislator… he was smoking weed and doing cocain… so he is experienced… if your looking for a dealer, hustler, crook etc…

Gotta go… buying a tire gauge so I don't need gas anymore!

Plenty   August 6th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Attack dog…… call it for what they are…. pathetic. McShame and plenty of Pawlenty already!

Hans-Erik Iken   August 6th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

I think this guy is jealous of Obama for being able to get people excited and commited to his cause without having to re-hash events from the Vietnam era.

What has McCain been doing in DC all these years besides lining his pockets and supporting the failed politics of GW Bush for 95% of the times he had a vote?

Is that the epic story he referring to?

McCain=the draft   August 6th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

McCain's "experience" has left him angry and bloodthirsty.
He is not mentally sound enough to be commander-in-chief.

Peter E   August 6th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Obama is a 'poor, hard-working, downtrodden Civil Rights hero' exactly the same way George W. Bush is a 'simple common-folk.'

Ex-Republican for Obama   August 6th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

McCain's sure are legendary:

Betrayed his ailing wife: Unloyal
Helped the enemy make 32 propoganda films: Traitor
Voted against almost all Veteran Benefits: Uncaring to our Soldiers
Voted 95% in line with Bush: Poor Judgement
Graduated 894 out of 899: Incompetent
Avoided voting on his OWN energy bill: Irresponsible/lazy

Thanks Pawlenty, you too are now considered a moron!

Obama '08

victorhill   August 6th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

epic?

Snerdly says   August 6th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

I wonder what his real name was with that nose on him.

Peter E   August 6th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Unfortunately in the public's eye 'republican' immediately means 'privileged' and 'rich' while somehow they believed the myth that Obama came from a poor downtrodden family and had to work his whole life. Obama's own biography will tell you that other than some community volunteer work he never did anything through his school years, (very priveleged schools, I might add) which were paid for by his modestly wealthy father.
I don't know why people get this 'Obama is a Civil Rights hero' impression. But then again Americans believed George W. Bush to be a 'common folk' so I guess they will believe anything.

Foreign Observer   August 6th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

“It’s not even a close call in my book as to who you want in sitting in the Oval Office as President of the United States, leader of the free world, commander-in-chief.”

Right. And it's not the guy who'll overturn Roe vs. Wade, ruin the environment, give more tax breaks to Big Oil, and help destroy the planet.

voter   August 6th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

McCain votes 95% of what Bush does - nothing epic/maverick about that

I'd also rather have someone I can relate to. Not someone who thinks he can win wars because he was a POW and never lead anything in his life, married rich, road on his fathers coat tails (and made bad grades in school) and has never been a civilian (lacks experience of what "most" people do in their lives) or had to work his way up on his own.

26 years of "bad" experience. No one at the end of their career makes significant strides to make things better. Look at any aging company's management - stagnant!

gary   August 6th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

OBAMA WHAT A JOKE. BOUGHT THE DNC ETC, SO THEY WOULD SWIFTBOAT THE BEST CANIDATE OUT OF THE RACE(HRC). AMERICA GETSWHAT THEY DESERVE.

bill for barack   August 6th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

McCain's a legend and an epic all righty.
If memory serves me correctly those are both just works of fiction - just like McLame's 'qualifications
".
1. the war hero votes against veterans' benefits
2. the 'man of family values' who, the New Testamrent says, is an adulterer.
3. the 'maverick' who votes with Bush 95 % of the time.
4. the man whosays he would vote against his own immigration legislation proposals.
5. the man who was against everything he stands for now before he realized how wrong he was - no votes
6. the man of high morals who was a member of the Keating 5
7. the low road rider who promised us all a highly moral campaign
Yeah, he's a legend all right.
A liar.

Amy   August 6th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

And just waht did you expect this guy to say?! Of course he will brown noise imself with Mccain…he wants to be VP>

Former GOP member for Obama 08-12   August 6th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

Well it is a good thing that our election system is not based on the Tim Pawlenty book now isn’t it. McCain life was and is not epic no more than any other POW.. Tim stops trying to make it more then what it was, if that is the case and POW could be President. McCain life story is that of an immoral man truth be told, a man who does not honor his vales , example to his first wife and to GOD! If this man will do his own wife dirty what will he do to the people of the United States??? McCain is a joke stop trying to make out to be a good person.

Sherry, Atlanta   August 6th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

I agree with Gov. Pawlenty, John McCain does have a life history-that includes:

LEFT HIS HANDICAP WIFE CAROL, TO MARRY CINDY. And that's not all…Ross Perot paid Carol McCain's medical bills.

Is this Value System that we want for President?

Rob - WA   August 6th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

LMAO I'm sure McCains 1st wife thinks he was "legendary" as well. You Tool.

dr. yes we can   August 6th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

what a weasel.we dont need another republican in office ever.

Jack Jodell, Minneapolis, MN   August 6th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

No need to listen to a single thing THIS guy says—he's just another partisan Bush clone with nothing to offer America but the same old give tax breaks to the rich junk. Take it from a Minnesotan who KNOWS: Pawlenty was barely re-elected here last time, and now we have had a belly full of his nonsense!

Obama Supporter from Texas   August 6th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Its not going to matter anyway. Everyone states that this election belongs to Obama…

Seattlites for Obama 08'   August 6th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Remember when Sen. McCain Said This;

"McCain said in April, “I’m sorry to tell you that the price of oil — as far as I can tell — is not gonna go down anytime soon until we eliminate our dependency on it. We can do that as a nation — we can turn out the lights five minutes earlier, we don’t have to drive the extra block.”

What’s wrong with this? Nothing in particular. In fact, it’s probably about as sensible as what Obama said about inflating our tires and getting regular tune-ups.

The difference is, Dems didn’t spend a week getting “giddy” about using lightbulbs as a political prop and insisting that McCain’s entire energy policy is composed of turning off the lights.

Seattlites for Obama 08'   August 6th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

Remember when Sen. McCain Said This;

"McCain said in April, “I’m sorry to tell you that the price of oil — as far as I can tell — is not gonna go down anytime soon until we eliminate our dependency on it. We can do that as a nation — we can turn out the lights five minutes earlier, we don’t have to drive the extra block.”

What’s wrong with this? Nothing in particular. In fact, it’s probably about as sensible as what Obama said about inflating our tires and getting regular tune-ups.

The difference is, Dems didn’t spend a week getting “giddy” about using lightbulbs as a political prop and insisting that McCain’s entire energy policy is composed of turning off the lights.

Thank you writer for the enlightenment…….

Now he has his elitist speaking for him. What a failure to the RNC. Race Card Huh?

OBAMA 08*

annie   August 6th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Good for him. No one wants obama for president except obama and his terrorist loving friends and the biased news media!

Roger from CA   August 6th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Sorry, but getting shot down and held prisoner by the North Vietnamese, while certainly a real test of a man's mettle and character, does NOT constitute a qualification for the Presidency of the U.S. If anything, it raises concerns that the trauma may have damaged him emotionally (it certainly did physically).

We've already had one idiot who thought he was chosen by God to be President, and look what came of that….. We don't need someone with obvious emotional problems (and who has demonstrated some cognitive decay as well) with the finger on the button.

McCain's no maverick. He's just angry.

And Pawlenty: Exactly how long have YOU been in office? If you think you can VP with such limited experience, how do you dare criticize Obama with a straight face?

Alan Boyer   August 6th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

someone needs to start moking McCain's lack of speaking skills.

B.Brown   August 6th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Paris Hilton made more sense than this guy!

R.I.F.   August 6th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

"Voter" - I was just about to type exactly what you said. Pawlenty actually praised Obama this morning and that's what stood out. Every republican hack out there is slamming Obama so that's not news. The news was that he actually praised Obama for being positive and giving Americans something positive to think about.

WOW!!!!! CNN IS IN THE T.A.N.K. FOR MCCAIN.

Alan Boyer   August 6th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

funny how everyone slams work at a state legislator.

BV in Minneapolis   August 6th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Hey Tim, how about you and Norm Coleman take the first jet out of Minnesota. I would tell you to take i-35, but the Bridge is collapsed because our Governor didn't feel taxing people to pay for maintenance…or education…or health care…

Rapha TEXAS   August 6th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

I agree 100%. Obama is a joke that needs to get some experience under his belt.
Obama is so full of himself he thinks he can do no wrong. Obama switches his opinion on important issues (troop surge,drilling) on a daily basis. How can you trust a person like that to be the leader of the free world.

Hillary Democrats for McCain

Enough!!!   August 6th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Pawlenty, you remind me of one of those state birds. I can't think of the name off the top of my head, but when I see your face, it just reminds me of a bird photo that I once saw.

Michael - Sacramento, CA   August 6th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Looking at 20th century Americans, Martin Luther King was epic, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was legendary, and Cesar Chavez was both. But John McCain? That his life story is interesting I'll readily concede, but "epic" and "legendary" it's not. Fifty years from now, no one but historians and old voters with good memories will know who John McCain was, and the historians will mostly remember him as the candidate who ran against first-term President Obama.

Mike in MN   August 6th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Tim Pawlenty for VP. He's been great for Minnesota and would be for the US.

This country would have to be nuts to elect the flip flop less than one term Senator Obama.

Oh, and I do love all the clever negative Mc—- names all the Demolemings use. So I came up with a few of my own that are more descriptive of the true John McCain.

I'll be voting for McCares, McAnswers, McIntegrity, McNationleader, McCain. He is our only McHope. And I hope Pawlenty is part of the ticket.

Enough!!!   August 6th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Governor George W Bush had how much experience? Republicans, youall are weak, weak, and weak. Know ye not that Americans are becoming freethinkers for themselves and your opinions are just that, opinions, and quite unwarranted. Just continue w/your obvious ads that target that section of caucasian voters who are on the fence and need a reason not to vote for Obama. You don't have to be a racist to play the card. You will only damage yourselves in the process. Your ads only speak of the persons that youall really are.

syl parbe   August 6th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Pawlenty definitely got it right. Obamam is a risky disaster that the US can ill afford.
It would be helpful if the Obama supporters discuss what other than his teleprompter speeches qualify him for the white house. Certainly is not his ability to play the race card and to think he is above scrutiny.

How does CNN determine who gets posted?   August 6th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

McCain's story is epic? Crashing a jet five times is epic? Five years as a POW is epic? Lying and cheating is epic? Supporting war criminals Bush, Cheney, Rice and Powell is epic? Does he know what an epic is?

Chickens coming home to roost   August 6th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Don't you just love it when the chickens come home to roost?

Obama never was called a Bit*h or a CUN* or the N word.

Hillary was.

Thanks to the haters for hope, unity and change. Hypocrits forgot your own message and turned to vitriol to steal a nomination.

Shame on you
Shame on Obama for letting you
Shame on the DNC for allowing it.
Shame on the Media for encouraging it.

SHAME ON AMERIKA FOR ITS SILENCE.

Do you HEAR us now?

edw   August 6th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

In 2007, McCain missed all 11 energy-related Senate votes considered key by the League of Conservation Voters, including votes related to automobile fuel economy, offshore Virginia drilling, refinery construction, renewable electricity mandates, energy efficiency, liquefied coal and support for biofuels. The absences prompted the League to give McCain a "zero" rating for the year—–WOW and he has the nerve to demand congress to "get back to work"…..this man is unbelievable…

Huh?   August 6th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Yeah, I really respect people that make it to where they are today on someone elses coattails. John S. McCain is no different than GWBush - if McCains last name was Smith, and his dad wasn't an admiral pulling strings for him, he wouldn't be where he is today. Sorry, McCain isn't deserving of my respect - his status was given to him, it was not earned.

I respect Obama's journey, he's a self made man, whereas McCain is a product of his fathers legacy and his wifes money. There's nothing respectable there. The POW stuff, the flying missions - that was your job and you did it, end of story.

Jay   August 6th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Obama's experience is a "Community Organizer" what ever that means

There He Is, Mr. VP America   August 6th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

He really wants to be VP badly, he didn't lose all that weight for nothing. Like Huckabeast, you lose weight, look younger and get chosen by morons.

Commander In Cheek, McSame   August 6th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

The would-be Commander in Chief who wants to talk about Paris Hilton and Britney Spears? John McCain would be a Commander in Cheek. He's Mr. Funnyman with zero chances of changing this country.

jet in memphis   August 6th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

why dont you sit down somewhere mr. governor, am sure your state is facing this gas hike and downturn in the economy.

shup up and find real solutions to the problems, is been 8 yrs of same old story.

GO OBAMA

voter   August 6th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

you forgot to mention cnn that he praised Obama saying he is positive and believes he has a winning campaign. Funny that all of the news online are discussing how Pawlenty praised Obama and cnn talks about how Pawlenty slammed Obama. CNN get it together and be honest.

Eric   August 6th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

“It’s not even a close call in my book as to who you want in sitting in the Oval Office as President of the United States, leader of the free world, commander-in-chief.”

THIS IS THE TRUEST STATMENT IN THE WHOLE ARTICLE. IT IS A CLEAR CHOICE.

OBAMA '08

bridgette   August 6th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

You are right. It is a pretty easy choice. Obama. McCain has been in that Senate fo r30 years can you tell me what he has done that has helped the American people. All he talks about is what he is against what is he for. Can someone please tell me.

Former g.o.p.   August 6th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

I seem to recall that President bush had a few years as governor before the 2000 selection. I guess the g.o.p has learned from their mistakes or maybe it's the pervasive smell of republican hypocrisy.

KC   August 6th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

That's right, you need the words surge, bomb, attack and drill on your resume to run this country!

Tony, Miami   August 6th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Some will do and say anything to be VP

Rob   August 6th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Yeah, I believe experience is the only thing that should count in a presidential election, I mean think about it,

Remember the extremely experienced politicians like Bush and Cheney? And no one had a greater, better resume than Rumsfeld!

Wait a minute…

Balls.

EPIC FAIL.

Former g.o.p.   August 6th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

I love the part of McCain's life story, when he dumped his crippled wife and married the young blond heiress. What a maverick!

Chris, Silicon Valley, CA, USA   August 6th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Watch Glenn Beck's interview w/ Jerome Corsi about Obama.

Scott L   August 6th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

I am starting to like this guy a lot…

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