Comments on: Pawlenty: GOP needs to 'freshen up'

By: 17 year old future politician

17 year old future politician — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:06:33 +0000

Oh yeah since Gun Control and the progression of Car Companies really appeal to the young voters....uh not really Pawlenty...however I think your parties' issues are a big negative for young voters, refusing to change those may get you no where with the new age, and I praise you for actually wanting to change your parties' politics as usual stance.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 02:05:53 +0000

Pawlenty's is only partly right - Republicans DO need to change their values and not be so beholden to the anti-tax and religious fringe if they want to"freshen up" the party and atttract younger, more progressive, more tolerant voters.

By: Henry Miller, Cary, NC

Henry Miller, Cary, NC — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 02:03:56 +0000

“I don't think we're doing a very good job reaching out and attracting the support of young people right now..." I don't think you're doing a very good job of reaching out to, and keeping the support of, decidedly former Republicans like me who vividly remember Barry Goldwater. Get rid of the bible-thumping bigotry and the arrogant, paranoiac, jingoistic, America uber alles foreign policy. Return to a decent respect for the Constitution and the freedoms of American citizens. Do all that and I might consider becoming a Republican again.

By: An Independent

An Independent — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 02:03:38 +0000

"Doesn't mean we dilute our values or change our values." Hmmm...I'd say it's the values that most need to be changed. What I see as the values of the current Republican Party are things like: - "Every human life is valuable" - but only until birth. Then, if the child's not in a wealthy family, who cares about them? - "We need to cut taxes" - but still make sure all our pet projects get funded. Of course, the government can't afford that, but we'll just stick future generations with the bill. We'll be dead by then, so why should we care? - "The science on global warming is inconclusive" and "We need to drill for more oil" - because we don't want to sacrifice anything now, especially if it cuts profits for our donors in the energy industry. By the time the full effects of global warming kick in, we'll be dead. Yeah, future generations will suffer, but we only care about ourselves right now, not other people or the future. Stuff like that is why the Republicans are losing support. Changing the way you say the same selfish short-sighted things isn't really going to help.

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:47:41 +0000

You need more the fresh for the Republicans, you would need an entire makeover. Oh, wait, The Republicans would stillstink! Obama 08!!!

By: America for the People

America for the People — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:33:34 +0000

Gee - how about another flip floppinng, lying republican!

By: curtis in WI

curtis in WI — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:26:33 +0000

I hope McCain does pick Pawlenty. He will lose the entire Great Lakes and Upper Midwest, then. Pawlenty IS NOT loved in MN. And all the neighboring states are glad he's not ours.

By: Jo Ann

Jo Ann — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:17:50 +0000

What is amazing to me is if Obama had suggested that Michelle be in
cowchip contest= the media especially Fox would be playing that day and night including you CNN but since it was McCain that made the statement you hear it one day and it's not news. When will the media ever be fair in their reporting?

By: Joey, MN

Joey, MN — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:14:56 +0000

Pawly: its not that young people aren't hearing your message properly: they're hearing TOO WELL!!! Anyone paying attention knows you're full of it.

By: henry

henry — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:12:25 +0000

Why dont John McCain hold press conferences anymore, the Republican are afraid he might loose his cool. Ha–Ha–Ha.

By: David Newport, OR

David Newport, OR — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:10:38 +0000

we are more educated...we can look at the facts and make our own decisions. That means the Republicans will have to 'uneducate' us.

By: Drew from Green Bay, WI

Drew from Green Bay, WI — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:09:21 +0000

Gov. Pawlenty is absolutly right. They do need to target young voters better, because right now the Democrats are winning a large majority of the younger generation. On a side note, I wonder if the reason for Bush's adminstration to suddenly be in sync with Sen. Obama is because they are trying to make Sen. Obama look more like Pres. Bush and Sen. McCain to look less like Pres. Bush. Oh well, I don't think the Republicans have an honest bone in them and that's why I'm for Sen. Obama. Obama/Hagel '08!

By: RB

RB — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:09:14 +0000

Kinda hard to start anew with old fogey leading the way!

By: Mark G

Mark G — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:03:58 +0000

The Repugs are so out of touch with the needs of the public. This is the worst I have seen since I have been voting for over three decades. The rich are richer, the rest of us trying to make a living every day are getting poorer over these past eight years. As long as the Repugs have big business in their back pocket, the trend will continue. Time for new blood. Obama 08/12

By: dennis from chicago

dennis from chicago — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:02:12 +0000

luckily the world is not built on the youth or we would all be soylent green.... turn around and read what you write and you will see how radical you are... your space in time is between your ears.... wake up you are not alone on GOD'S GREEN EARTH///

By: henry

henry — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:00:40 +0000

Mr. McCain, only words are Senator Obama said, Senator Obama said, Senator Obama said.I think McCain eats, sleep and dream those words.

By: New Yorker

New Yorker — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:58:14 +0000

Why do CNN moderators allow offensive Democratic vitriole, but censor reasonable McCain supporters?

McCain 08

By: Jody Monroe

Jody Monroe — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:55:08 +0000

I'm a Christian and voted Republican all my life due to Christian values. But these Republican media moguls are really damaging our country with hatred, and I can't support it as a Christian.

Sorry, REPUBS, you're going to lose the Evangelical vote this year!!! That was the swing vote that got Bush elected the last 2 terms.

By: Cling to Your Gun

Cling to Your Gun — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:54:39 +0000

The right-wing conservatives like Rush, Glenn Beck, Hannity, O'Reilly, are really stirring the pot. Instead of spewing hatred (and pretending it's because they don't like Obama's policies), they should be working overtime to heal the divisions in our country. What's going to happen when Obama DOES become president and they've created an internal war zone in the U.S.A. for their children and grandchildren? Then no one will be safe!!! Don't they see what they're doing??? Can't they STOP??? If your candidate is so great, talk about him, and stop dissing Obama!

By: Nathan from Texas

Nathan from Texas — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:53:32 +0000

Pawlenty said the government “[b]can[/b] be in the business of bailing out every large company that's in trouble.”

is that a misquote? cause it seems from context that he meant to say "can't"

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:53:28 +0000

As a young Republican myself, the party needs to branch away from the social-conservative issues which make it so abrasive and focus on what Barry Goldwater wanted, minimal government in private life, free markets, and strong national defense. Gay marriage, gays in the military, abortion, the death penalty, etc all contradict the core of the Republican Party, Government should not be telling people what to with their own personal lives. If young people realize you can be socially liberal and economically conservative then there would be a huge increase in young participation.

By: steve-MN

steve-MN — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:53:04 +0000

He is not different. Once a rethug always a rethug. He agrees with Bush in almost everything. So Pawlenty/ McSame=Bush third Term. We are not fooled here in the land of 10000 lakes

By: Bruce A., South Carolina

Bruce A., South Carolina — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:51:23 +0000

Many good options for VP. Senator McCain should consider Sen Joe Biden. I remember telling my wife during the early days that JB is a Dem that a Dem or Rep can vote for. His ideas really make sense and could mesh well with Sen McCain with some hard sitdowns.

By: Pam

Pam — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:45:40 +0000

Reach out to younger voters with Grandpa Munster as your candidate?? Not gonna happen!

By: mary

mary — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:44:16 +0000

Headline from Minneapolis paper. Seriously.

"Pawlenty says he likes Paris Hilton's way of thinking"

By: AA

AA — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:42:08 +0000

How about if you start by giving your republications geography books, then teach them how to use computers and the internet and exercise sending and reading email via devices like blackberry and iphones, then get them off offering their wives for topless contests at bikers rallies and for a one step closer to being a modern person, get off alcohol. I think thats a good start.

By: Peter

Peter — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:40:13 +0000

Pawlenty must really want to be VP if he says this...

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:31:43 +0000

They can work on that for the next eight years and by that time the Democrats will have gotten this country back on track

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:31:25 +0000

you're not reaching voters because the mccain camp is a pathetic joke.

By: M in MN

M in MN — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:31:01 +0000

Given the "state of the state" in MN since Pawlenty took office: downturn in economy, loss of jobs, extreme increase in property taxes, and need we mention the fact that Pawlenty VETOED increased spending on transportation in a state where a major freeway COLLAPSED, I don't think Pawlenty would be much help to McCain. (Not that we wouldn't be happy to get rid of him...) Oh well, doesn't matter anyway, because McCain/Whoever will be out of jobs in November, anyway.

By: Biased Journalism?

Biased Journalism? — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:27:33 +0000

– When asked if car companies such as GM, Ford and Chrysler – who have fallen on hard times with a sagging economy – need a bail out, Pawlenty said the government “CAN be in the business of bailing out every large company that's in trouble.”–

Pawlenty said that the government canNOT be in the business of bailing out every large company that's in trouble. Come on CNN. Proof read your articles.

By: Gogo

Gogo — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:26:36 +0000

Don't you think there is a typo in this article ['can' should be 'can't"]? When asked if car companies such as GM, Ford and Chrysler – who have fallen on hard times with a sagging economy – need a bail out, Pawlenty said the government “can be in the business of bailing out every large company that's in trouble.”

By: Bruce W. Krafft

Bruce W. Krafft — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:22:29 +0000

The only problem with Pawlenty is that he ticked off 56,000+ permit-holders in his state when he failed to keep a promise he made in November of 2006. He said that he would inform the Department of Public Safety to actaully start following the MN Citizens Personal Protection Act (the law so nice he signed it twice). We are still waiting, and a whole bunch of us have been busy telling GOP fund raisers that the GOP will not get one thin dime until the Governor keeps his promise.

By: Yinka

Yinka — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:18:46 +0000

No amount of freshening-up would help a candidate (Senator McCain)who is so out of touch with the American people.
He
(1) He makes fun of the American people concerning the value in inflating tires.
(2) His campaign wishes another 9/11 attack for their political gain
(3) He thinks the economy is great as it is
(4) He wants the troop to stay in Iraq for another 100years or more
(5) His advisor believes that America is a nation of whinners
(6) His campaign is packed with lobbyist
(7) He wants to give billions of $ of tax break to the oil industry
(8) He has no knowledge of the world
(9) He would rather 'bomb, bomb, bomb Iran' and 'wipe out Iran with cigarette'
(10) All he is good at is mocking Obama and his plan, but he has no idea of his own
(11) He has flip-flopped million times: on troop withdrawal, on talking with Iran , on value of proper tire-pressure etc

Senator McCain would be the worst thing to have happened to America, if he were to be elected as President.

By: Adam, Los Angeles

Adam, Los Angeles — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:12:30 +0000

You can't fool us!!!!

By: Fed up with the lies

Fed up with the lies — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:12:20 +0000

Doesn't matter Tim, Sen. McCain isn't going to win anyway. Give it a rest!

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:08:38 +0000

John McCain did a good job of looking for a younger vote by his attack ads which featured Paris Hilton. Now she has young America which we know that she owns calling McCain the old white hair guy. For the republicans I think getting the young vote well lets just say "that ship has already sailed".

By: Wisconsin

Wisconsin — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:01:20 +0000

that was a higher % not a higher 5.

By: Wisconsin

Wisconsin — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:26 +0000

We need to reach out to the youth of America, so here is the oldest white guy we could possibly find!

I relate to Obama and Edwards both talking about making it easer to pay for collage.

I relate to stopping the war.

To ending the Bush tax cuts while I have to pay a higher 5 of taxes then most CEO's

I relate to a campaign that can do more then lie about the person they are running against.

In short there is no reason in the world for me to McShame no matter how you try to spin him.

By: shaik

shaik — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:58:36 +0000

Listen to what Paris H said....that's indicative of what young people think of your candidate and the party. Wrinkled old man/party!
In contrast, 220,000 young people mostly showed up for Mr. O in Berlin, and they are not even voters!!

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:58:02 +0000

It's a shame Pawlenty isn't running for president. His gun control policies aside, he has some good ideas for this country and comes off much better than McCain. Maybe he can go for it in 2012 when all the "yes we can" is long since for gotten and people realize Obama "can't"....

By: Seattle Aaron

Seattle Aaron — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:57:18 +0000

HA Good Luck GOP!? We the younger, modern generation support gay marriage, like the environment, are anti-war, more secular than religiously affiliated, demand responsibility in gov't, prefer alternative energy research and investment, and don't really care if one big corporation goes down the tubes because of their old worn out beliefs in business or questionable business practices, nor do we make grandios, megalomaniacal claims such "moral majority." hmmmm...... Query: Who would Jesus Bomb? Who would Jesus kill? What people's rights would Jesus impinge? After all those questions, I wonder who Jesus would pick to be more moral? GOP, it's not your message that needs changing, it's your entire perspective of the world.

By: Gary

Gary — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:55:51 +0000

Listen to yourselves, you speak of a hate filled republican party?

By: California Gold

California Gold — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:55:27 +0000

It's not the Republican image that's the turn off, it's the message that is a turn off. Sometimes you can't put enough lipstick on a pig.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:53:00 +0000

Translation is not the problem. The younger voters are educated and much more politically savvy than their elders in a lot of ways (I'm saying this as a 56 year old man). Younger voters clearly understand the Republican message. No translation necessary. Younger voters are bombarded on a daily basis with erroneous and distorted information from all sides. They have excellent BS detectors as a result. They smell the very, very strong odor of BS in the Republican message. Freshen it up a bit, and all you've got is fresh BS. Still unsavory.....

By: Bayou Joe

Bayou Joe — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:51:38 +0000

Hey Alex, one out of Three, and I am a Republican.. Not Rich, Not White, Just an American that believes that my money that i earned belongs go me and my family. I get to decide who gets it from me and not theGovernment. I support my country. Volunteered to serve in Vietnam, My son is a Marine. Socialism is not what i want for my country and I am a Citizen of the United States not the world.

By: Allen in Hartwell GA

Allen in Hartwell GA — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:47:08 +0000

Is it possible that the reason the Republican Party is having trouble reaching young people has something to do with the Republican president and Republican congress that created the mess in Iraq that is destroying the lives of thousands of these same young people?

By: Keven Bennett

Keven Bennett — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:47:07 +0000

Hells Bells!

I for one want to flush the toilet on the Grand Old Party.

After 30 years, I OWE you for the Un-American hatefest that you spawned!

I hate to say it, GOP, but the election, er, extinction is coming!

By: Lacy

Lacy — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:45:35 +0000

please o please o please, put this guy on your ticket Sen. McCain! After all your hot air about Obama's lack of experience in Washington and stumping about your alleged eperience, putting a man with zero washington experience on your ticket would be a dream come true.

By: jason, tx

jason, tx — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:45:04 +0000

I can smell your stink from here, so, don't bother!