August 22, 2008
Posted: 08:15 AM ET

From
CNN

Watch Pawlenty's interview on American Morning Friday.

(CNN) – Less than a day after the Obama campaign put out a new ad about Sen. John McCain’s recent inability to state the number of houses he owns with his wife Cindy, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is defending the presumptive Republican nominee.

“Barack Obama made over $4 million last year, has his own million-dollar home in Chicago that involved some dealings with a pretty shady character,” Pawlenty said Friday on American Morning making a reference to Obama’s ties to convicted Chicago businessman Tony Rezko. “And now you have him saying he’s more in touch with the common person in the United States than John McCain?,” Pawlenty asked rhetorically. “I mean, give a break. Give me a break.”

Pawlenty told CNN’s John Roberts that McCain “was trying to be accurate” when he told journalists recently that McCain’s staff could answer a question about how many homes the McCains own. “He has a home he lives in Washington, two in Arizona and one in California.”

“But it gets more complicated than that,” added Pawlenty “because Cindy’s family has family homes.” “And some of those other homes are not for the exclusive use of Sen. McCain.”

Pawlenty also told Roberts that he did not think McCain had forgotten how many homes he owns.

The Minnesota governor is widely regarded as being on McCain’s short list of potential running mates.

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain • Tim Pawlenty


kayla   August 22nd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

SO! IN OTHER WORDS ONLY GRANDMA BARBIE IS WEALTHY. SINCE IT'S HER MONEY ONLY. WHAT MOOK!

jazzer   August 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

This is news because the demobats are upset bacause he and his wife actually paid for thier property.Not in a shady deal. Has any one noticed

Steve   August 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

I think Obama should learn to speak in a laymans’ language. I saw where it was explained that Obamas' above my paygrade Saddleback comment was quite appropriate. "It showed at the same time that he highly respects the opinions of both scientists and theologians, and that it isn't his job to play God". And the question as to when a fetus is 'entitled to human rights' is an unsettled question among theologians. I initially thought Obama was dodging the question, I have now realized he gave a very thoughtful answer. Unfortunately, the 6th grade mentality of the majority of the right-wing bloggers, with their one-liner bigoted hit machine, won’t see that.

Obama thinks before he speaks & shows no angry or irrational behavior but he knows he can't go through this campaign playing nice. The umms and awwws show that he is an intelligent guy, it has nothing to do with "not requiring a teleprompter." Instead it shows competency. This is as opposed to the cowboy McCain, with his canned simplistic remarks, who is very dangerous for America. Do some research on McCain….he has demons inside that surface from time to time. He gets very angry and his use of profanity is like no other politician in a public setting. Some of this can be searched & viewed on YouTube. Oh yea, and he is morally bankrupt as well…cheating on his disfigured first wife…WHO WAITED 7 YEARS FOR HIM TO COME HOME….and then marrying Cindy 3 weeks later, WHILE HE WAS STILL MARRIED carrying a marriage license from his first marriage. McCain – An all around nice guy! NOT !!

McCain should be scrutinized…just like Obama has been. His character is in question, so are his ethics…John McCain has some 59 LOBBYIST running his campaign, that's not "America first." John McCain gave up important Military info after 4 days while a POW, that's not putting his country before his own person, is in fact treasonous. John McCain committed adultery, that's not a leader you can trust. John Mccain has lived off of the American people all of his life, owns 7 homes worth 13 million, personal wealth of over 110 million, thinks being rich is making 5 million collects SS and disability. Why disability? Yet he want us to believe he knows our pains…he failed to pay the taxes on his southern CA home. John McCain has the highest absent rate in the Senate, the worst voting record for Vets and women, became a “war-hero” in an immoral and unjust war (the Vietnam War), supports another iillegal war in Iraq, wants war with Iran and Russia, has no clue about economy, saying that "all in all we are doing better than 8 years ago". He says he knows how to "win" a war but has no record to back that claim up. Being a POW just means that you are one of the worst of the fighter pilots…how many US fighter jocks have lost 3 or more aircraft???? The mission he flew on where he became a POW was a bombing mission over civilian territory. This makes him a "war hero"????? John McCain is running on his war "hero" status, but he pushed legislation making it impossible for families to get info about their MIA/POWs…and still refuses to release his Military records…AND HE WANTS THE DRAFT back !!! Why hasn't CNN had a headline about this???

Truth   August 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Another rich Republican hypocrite has the audacity to question shady character when Gov. Pawlenty was fined over $607,000 for illegal campaign donations.

Obama did nothing illegal at all but still had the decency to donate the funds to charity.

John Starnes   August 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

There is "Pawlenty" of difference…..Obama EARNED his money, McCain MARRIED into his by cheating on his first wife as she lay ill! "Give me a break?" Hey, give US a break!

ANGIE   August 22nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

THE MCCAINS;
7 HOMES
JOHN-500 DOLLAR SHOES
700,000 THOUSAND DOLLAR CREDIT CARD LIMITS
MCCAIN CHILDREN-50,000 CREDIT CARD LIMIT (NOT MCCAINS FIRST CHILDREN FROM HIS FIRST WIFE)
PRIVATE JET AS CINDY SAYS TO GET AROUND AZ
AND DIDNT CINDY AND JOHN OWE 4,000 BACK TAXES ON SOME OF THEIR HOMES THE AVERAGE AMERICAN WOULD OF LOST THEIR HOME WITH THAT MUCH TAXES OWED!!!!!!!!!! THE MCCAINS ARE SOOOOOOOOO OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE AVERAGE AMERICANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ginger   August 22nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

On the CNN special McCain/Obama revealed. It was stated that McCain went to the armed forces college and his grades weren't good enough to get in, but through is father and granfather's connections he was admitted entrance into this elite college.

I'm really starting to dislike this fellow McCain. He has education and wealth given to him on a gold platter and he mocks Sen. Obama who earn a Ivy league education because he studied hard and applied himself. Sen. Obama could have worked on wall street yet he walked the streets of Chicago to help the poor live a better life.

McCain is clueless!

vb   August 22nd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

I love how McCain's Sedona, Az house was on the cover of Architectural Digest..He has an amazing house..I woonder who the elitist is? Let me give you a hint. He is a partial owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks babesball team

Rose   August 22nd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

McCain, how many houses do you own?

POW, POW, POW, POW, POW, POW . . .

Independent from FL   August 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Both men/candidates are rich. McCain is richer than Obama because of his wife but it's like the cattle calling the other cattle story…
Nice try but the only advantage for Obama is that it did put McCain off message for a bit esp with the VP buzz.
The upcoming debates will be the deciding factor.
Obama/Clinton(only) 2008 or Mccain 2008

Lesley   August 22nd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

And what's with the kool aid chatter? That's so 70s. We're in the 21st Century now. Get a new slogan will ya?

Change NOW`   August 22nd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

how about the last illegal fundraising party mcbush went to from someone who was indicted?? GOP has short term memory, god help us all if mcpain gets the red button; I hope voters have a longer memory, i.e. mcbush saying he knows nothing about the economy, not knowing which countries border Iraq, not knowing the names of the territories russia was attacking and being made fun of by both russia's president and georgia's!!!!

this stuff is easy to find if you choose to be objective!!!!!!

True   August 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Pawlenty is a turd with a tie on, and what comes out of his mouth isn't just air.

Dave S. In Whitehall PA   August 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

wow, just wow. I appreciate McCain's service to the US, but he is an old out of touch puppet. Even in his marriage, he doesn't know what's going on. [“But it gets more complicated than that,” added Pawlenty “because Cindy’s family has family homes.” “And some of those other homes are not for the exclusive use of Sen. McCain.”]. I like how it says some of those homes are not for the exclusive use of Sen. McCain. Not sure about the rest of you, but If my spouse or I owned a house there would be heck to pay if it was not to be used by spouse. What is going on in that family anyway? Sorry I don't feel comfortable having someone who doesn't know how many houses his family owns, regardless of if they are for his "exclusive" use or not. I'm not singing Obama's praises here. Non of us are perfect, but come on. McCain is just going to be a puppet to the same broken system that has been dragging our country down. Of course this is all just my opinion. Hope you spend some time and come up with your own and vote accordingly.

Lesley   August 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Give ME a break. The point is that with all that money, together with his family connections from earlier years, he has never had to be concerned about where his next meal is coming from or how to make ends meet. He's never had that experience. That's more important to Americans right now than his war experience. Obama's background is much different, working his way through school, racking up student loans, living in hole-in-the-wall apartments while attending college, and working in the community in Chicago after graduation, seeing firsthand what it's like to struggle, and struggling most of his life himself. That's the experience that tunes one in to what's going on in America today. And btw even McCain's staff couldn't come up with the proper number of houses.

John in Ohio   August 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Pawlenty told CNN’s John Roberts that McCain “was trying to be accurate” when he told journalists recently that McCain’s staff could answer a question about how many homes the McCains own. “He has a home he lives in Washington, two in Arizona and one in California.”

“But it gets more complicated than that,” added Pawlenty “because Cindy’s family has family homes.” “And some of those other homes are not for the exclusive use of Sen. McCain.”
——————–
Yeah, that will *really* help average Americans think that McCain has anything at all in common with him.

"Well, he's got 4 homes, but he's also got all the homes that his rich heiress wife has through her family. They're palatial estates, rich and luxurious, but they're not, y'know, exclusive for McCain use."

Barbara - NC   August 22nd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Squirming. Guessing. Reading tea leaves. These are "self-describing terms" used by whom? CNN News anchors

Phil in KC   August 22nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

I wish I were in a situation where I was fuzzy about the number of homes I owned vs. the number I have access to but are not mine exclusively. Actually, the Republicans are trying to obfuscate. Because the question was quite clear – how many do you own? Not how many do you use or have access to? I suspect McCain was trying not to answer the question. It doesn't look too good to own 4 expensive homes at at time when many Americans are just trying to make the mortgage payment on their more modest dwellings.

4Obama   August 22nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

This Rezko thing has been investigated for years and there is nothing there. However, the Keating 5 issues is a different case. The fact that they can sit up there and lie with a straight face is disturbing.

Venus   August 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

He,he,he! Trying to clean up grandpa mess?

It's funny because the GOP is trying to make Obama look like he is too rich!!!

Hit him hard Obama!

Tony   August 22nd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

McCain cheated on his first wife, divorced her, and married his fortune, just like so many others.

Sandy   August 22nd, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Obama made 4 million because he wrote a best-selling book. Until then, he and Michelle were still paying off their student loans. McCain came from a privileged background, then divorced his disabled wife to marry into a beer fortune. Quite a difference.

No, Gov. Pawlenty, knowing how many homes you own is not that complicated. McCain should have had a much better answer to that question, but he simply can't think quickly. I'm not a young person either, so I have no qualms about stating McCain is a little too old to be taking on the most powerful and demanding job in the world. He can't think on his feet and often sticks one of them in his mouth. I don't trust his judgment, his finger on the button, or with the lives of my grandchildren.

M. Winners, Mesa, AZ   August 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Give ME a break Pawlenty. With all this real estate and family money McLame is the very elitist he's trying to say Obama is.
And guess what? Even with all his multi-millions McLame still cashes his Social Security checks! Can you believe this old geezer?
Bottom line: The only thing McLame has in common with me (I only make $70K a year) is that we both live in Arizona. He's the rich, out of touch, saber rattling "old dude" that we here in Arizona have come to know him as.
This lame response from Pawlenty is the typical "fear, smear, mock and lie" response McLame always has besides "noun, verb, POW"…

Tony   August 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Why do republicans have so much trouble with teh TRUTH?

Pawlenty says he doesn't think McCain had forgotten how many homes he has.

Give me a break!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone who heard mcCain's response to the very direct question, "How many homes do you and your wife CIndy own," he had no clue, and now we have a potential V.P. candidate already covering McCain's butt!

RDS   August 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Good way to try and deflect attention away from McCain on the housing issue, but you're a little too late. First, Rezko has been fully investigated and convicted. Throughout all this investigating Obama was found to have done nothing wrong. Besides the public has been beat to death about Rezko, in essence we don't care anymore. McCain and his wife both have various shady dealings in their past. Trips, property, banks with convicted felons as well. So were exactly is this going?!

BR   August 22nd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Look at the socialist crybabies whining McCain has more than them. How many homes do your liberal socialists like Kennedy and Pelosi have?? The Messiah has a brother living in a shack in Kenya. Do you see him sending money over?? Keep drinking up the Messiah kool-aid.

Tony   August 22nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Of coure he does. He defends him on the economy, the war, taxes, etc. Just like McCain defends Bush.

Why is this news?????????????????????????????

Brian   August 22nd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

What Obama has made is peanuts compared to McCain. In addition, he has made it only relatively recently, mainly off his book sales.

Nobody is saying you don't have a right to become wealthy in this country… but when you look at the sheer volume of wealth of McCain and how long he has had it… it begs the question, "Does he really understand what is happening to ordinary Americans? Is he going to respond as earnestly as possible to help?"

If you want to ask him, you might have a hard time getting ahold of him, since you'll have to call SEVEN HOUSES before you get an answer.

2pacolypse Now   August 22nd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

McLame is a McLush. He could answer every question at Saddleback when it was clear his questions and answers were prepared in advance but you hit him with something where he has to think (yes, actually use his limited knowledge), then he gets tongue tied or has to refer the question to his campaign staff. Like the Viagara question in why men are covered by all insurers for Viagara but women aren't covered for birth control, a bill he actually approved in the Senate, he just sat there with a strawberry red look on his face and basically never answered the question. Obama has to step it up and make McCain play ball by his rules by debating him on things that aren't prepped for. The $5 million dollars being rich and the "I don't know how many houses I have" is a start and actually is showing McCain's age and mental accuteness more than anything. Keep hammering away from now until November.

Vivienne   August 22nd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Has anyone noticed that the John McCain's bunch now thinks that having a mansion and 4 million dollars is now rich. Oh, and Barack Obama has never been implicated in doing anything wrong when it comes to Tony Rezko. Believe me they did try to find something but, there was nothing to find. On the other hand, John and Cindy Sue were both involved in the Keating affair. In fact, John McCain was one of the Keating Five. I suspect that his relationship with Keating was far more involved than Baracks relationship with Rezko. Finally, John McCain's Bush administration is one of the most corrupt in recent history – Beats Nixon's admin hands down.

Nunya   August 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Give me a break… Obama commenting on this at all is motivated by previous accusations of elitism by the Republicans – the point being that accusations of elitism coming from someone who has multiple homes is downright absurd. That does not translate into him claiming that he is 'the common man'. Stop twisting people's words.

So… if McCain said he didn't remember and you say you don't think that he 'forgot', does that mean you think he's a liar? Is being a liar somehow better than being forgetful or ill-informed?

The Oracle   August 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Hey, I think if they want to rehash Tony Rezko; then Obama should bring up the Keating 5. The way I hear and see it, Obama was cleared of any wrong doing. If we all couldn't get jobs because of who we knew, America would be right along with North Korea in terms of significance. But McCain from what I know only beat the rap because he was in Congress. Everyone else involved went to jail. Tell me what you think…….

M&M   August 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

yeah he is out of touch with America

7 homes ? Obama has had his house since June 2005. Before that he lived in a condo. Obama went to school on scholarships and loans not paid for by his Admiral father. He only paid off his loans after he wrote 2 bestselling books. His wife doesn't own a plane is they are not worth over 100 million dollars.

GIVE US ALL A BREAK PAWLENTY.

Mike in Houston   August 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Uh Gov. Pawlenty, the whole issue came about when you and your buddies start calling Obama "Out of Touch". It's hard to convince the average American like myself that John McCain is just "a regular guy". Now do I care that he has 13 cribs, no not really. Do I care that he married a rich chick, no not really. Heck if I could, I would have also. The reason why we clown McCain is he and his staff are trying to paint this "all American regular guy" image and trying to paint Obama as and out of touch elitist. We know Obama has money just like McCain. What you are pissed about is you, the Repubs, started this nonsense and now you look like fools. I really like the fact how Obama is chosing not to play this game, although, he is on boderline of stupidity for even jumping this issue. And now with your silly new ad, it makes you look more of a fool. Mr. McCain I have been tradtionally a moderate Independent and I was happy when you won the nomination but you have serverly disappointed me and I just can't see myself supporting you. I lke the idea of a new and fresh view of governement that Obama is pledging, he has my vote.

WeBoDave   August 22nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Was it so complicated that Senator McCain could not say something like Governor Pawlenty said? Oh, I'll have to check with my staff before answering that.

AA   August 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

I would really like to know how the GOP actually gets away with saying that their candidates are in touch with common people.

It baffles me how the average person swallows this.

Heir Bush comes from a family that has not only been the president, but has a multi-multi-million dollar net worth.

The latest adopted child McCain spent 5 yrs as a POW, trashed his first wife, married an heiress, has 5+ homes (investments or not), and also has a net family worth in the 100's of millions of dollars.

I personally do not know, nor "hang out" with people like that. If I did, I do not think you would consider me in touch with the average american.

Just because someone drinks beer does not make them buds (pun intended) with the < 50k a year person whom they claiming they are akin to.

Wake up citizens, wearing jeans does not mean that this person shares any of your views beyond wearing jeans.

Peace.

al in memphis   August 22nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Okay, I did it too. I confess, my brother and I brought a land together because nether one of us to afford it separately. I did pay less than the total value– BECAUSE I BROUGHT LESS. Now if my brother doesn't pay his taxes, does that make it a shady deal.. Give me a break and stop insulting the voters with this garbage.

Chris   August 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

What it seems we don't want to touch on this issue is, the fact that McCain is too old.

marvinj   August 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

His name say's it all Pawlenty …… And he probably has plenty come on gang less vett this guy…..What is Mr.Plenty hiding, I'm sure he loves the Bush tax cut also..

Abraham   August 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Obama made over $4 million last year…..this means, by McCain's standards, that he is not rich, right?

Alan Boyer   August 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Pawlenty is a loser. He can't honestly believe the crap they tell him to say. Bill Gates doesn't have 10 homes. Funny how McCain didn't have the answer to that question, a much more personal one. But he was quick on the draw at Saddleback. Makes you wonder if he had the questions in advance.

Obama 08   August 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

I cannot believe that in a time when thousands of people are losing their homes due to foreclosure McCain would say that he does not know how many homes he has and to ask his staff. I don't understand why anyone would want McBush to run this country he is seriously "out of touch" with the American people.

Ian MN   August 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

God I can't stand pawlenty, I know you wanna be veep, but come on, a man who doesn't know how many million dollar homes he has? Be a real man, and do the right thing for once in your political career. And next time don't cut so many mental health budgets while your at it….fascist.

Biffington, Biff   August 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Guess the answer to the question wasn't on McCain's now famous cue cards he uses to "stay on message" .

Credit that to the Bush campaign people now running Exxon-John's campaign.

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