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In a film-trailer-like, two-minute web video released on his Facebook page Monday afternoon, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced the formation of a presidential exploratory committee and made the case that his experience as a Midwestern governor well equips him to grow jobs and repair the nation’s economy.
“We the people of the United States will take back our government. This is our country,” he narrates, extolling the contributions of the founding fathers and presidents Reagan and Lincoln. “That’s why today I am announcing the formation of an exploratory committee to run for president of the United States.”
Governor Tim Pawlenty announces his Presidential Exploratory Committee on Facebook on March 21, 2011
The video is heavy on his Minnesota upbringing, with Pawlenty noting that his hometown community of St. Paul was marked by the decline of stockyards and meatpacking plants during his childhood. “At a young age, I saw up close the face of change, the face of hardship, the face of job loss. Over the last year, I’ve traveled to nearly every state in the country, and I know many Americans are feeling that way today. I know that feeling. I lived it.”
But, he says, there's hope for recovery.
“We know what we need to do: grow jobs, limit government spending, and tackle entitlements,” he narrates in the video.
With the announcement, the former Minnesota governor becomes the second third GOP candidate to form an exploratory committee. Former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain announced one earlier this year, as did former Louisiana governor Buddy Roemer.
*** UPDATE *** NBC's Lauren Selsky has the full text of the video's narration:
I grew up a few miles from here, and back then it was home to some of the world's largest stockyards and meatpacking plants but when those plants shut down so did a big part of the spirit and the soul of my hometown. At a young age I saw up close the face of challenge, the face of hardship,and the face of job loss. Over the last year I've traveled to nearly every state in the country and I know many Americans are feeling that way today. I know that feeling, I lived it. But there is a brighter future for America. We know what we need to do, grow jobs, limit government spending, and tackle entitlements. We need to encourage the dreamers and innovators, the small business owners the hard workers, the brave men and women throughout this country's history that have asked for nothing more than the freedom to work hard and get ahead without government getting in the way. For the last 8 years that's just what I did here in Minnesota. We proved that we can restore limited government in America. It takes fortitude it takes unwavering faith and conviction in faith and principles that made this country great. This country was founded on freedom. We the people of the United States will take back our govt. this is our country. Our founding fathers created it, Americans embraced it, Ronald Reagan personified it and Lincoln stood courageously to protect it. And that's why today I'm announcing the formation of an exploratory committee to run for president of the United States.
Join the team and together we'll restore America.
Leave a Comment:
Typical politician, all talking points and no substance. We, the American people know what needs to be done. Stop arguing with each other, pushing extreme agendas and get it done. Another lemming has jumped, who's next?
Do the 1st Read reporter's Ever get tired of carrying the WATERBUCKET for Republican/TP Politicians?
This has got to be the Stupidest bunch ever to be assembled, yet every Newsstation & most Blogs, put everything these cartoon characters say Up In Bold Print.
Never anything of Substance, just a couple Codewords & catch phrases, & the MSM treats it as Gospel from up High.
Everyone in America should be ashamed of what passes off as America's MainstreamMedia!
Yall are a freaking joke!
"I know what we need to do: Grow jobs, limit government spending, and tackle entitlements.."
What a pile of crap... how about something new Mr. Pawlenty, like... HOW are we going to grow jobs? What else are you going to cut from government spending? More cuts from programs that benefit the people that really need it... but cut taxes for the rich? All politicians are a freakin joke...
he leaves Minn. with a 2 billion dollar debt and he is a conservative. but it is ok if they leave a debt .
James - They're CONSERVATIVE.. if they leave a debt its because its the price we have to pay for conserving.. GOSH! get with the times....
Really Timmy? Say would one of you journalist ask Timmy who he is going to take America back from? Seems like it is still here. Wonder if he has noticed that he probably would not be able to take his home state? Truth to tell...we don't miss him.
Is he a porn star? What is he making 'official'? And why did it go straight to video?
Clara- did you say 'porn' star, or PROM star??
oh, you heard me, Buzz!
heh heh,...(that was my lecherous laugh!)
Mr. Pawlenty , the more the barking moonbats bray in here about you, the more you can be assured you are a threat to their Messiah.
Bob- you kow better than that. Mr Reagan has nothing to do with this. Take it back, and let the poor man rest in peace.
Bob, you have identified one of the barking moonbats in "drive-by". Nice job flushing one out from under their rock.
Reagan was the sorryest president the middle class has seen in the last 60 years he hurt us more than any president before him and led to the wall street melt down . he was the begining, then Bush pushed it on over > then President Obama Caught it and proped it up . we are on the right track now .
Ronald Reagan was the most overrated president in history. With his voodoo economics a term that was coined by President Bush Sr., the ridicules trickle down economic theory which we know doesn’t work and has even been rejected by Reagan’s economic architect David Stockman as a failure. I don’t even think Regain even know what day it was. The country was being run by Bush Sr., Ollie North and Nancy Regain’s Astrologer.
If Reagan "personified" America, then we no longer need ask how we got to where we are today.
Grand, you are correct, but No One in our current crop of socalled MSM, has the Cahones to ask these stupid Republican/TP'ers that very question!
"Where do you wanna take America back to or from", is that such a Hard question to ask, from at least our 1st read reporter's?
Sad state of affairs America's media is in, in these times when Tough questions need to be Asked & Answered !
Tune in to CNN -- they have it all over MSNBC -- as far as Pawlenty, he would put an insomniac to sleep -- he's going no where -- the second he begins speaking, America falls asleep!! He's a joke!! The repukes always have these catch phrases that mean nothing, "America First," "Take Back America," and so it goes -- who gives a rat's behind -- every last one of them is an idiot -- let's see:
We will have "The Founding Fathers ended slavery" (Michelle Bachmann) vs. "We must stand behind our NORTH KOREAN allies" -- (Sarah Palin)
The Wax Man Mittens -- who would vote for a man that looks like he belongs at Fisherman's Wharf?
Newt Gingrich -- "Yes, I did serve my wife with divorce papers while she was in the hospital being treated for cancer; oh, and yes, because I was having an affair while impeaching the current president for having an affair." Oh, he'll go far.................NOT!!
It's like going to the produce section and everything is rotten!! The repukes stand no chance; they have NO ONE!!
But at least MSNBC fired Olbermann; that was music to my ears! Sexist pig got what he deserved; it's called Karma -- Karma meet Keith Olbermann!
he is one of those guys that don't like for us to make more than 7.25 an hr.
no msnbc did not fire Keith . he Quit or resigned
Messiah & Thug, the two words that the right wingers throw around to make themselves feel better.
GOP/TPer 1: I just called Barry a Thug (Giggle). Gop/TPer 2: I called him their Messiah (More giggling). GOP/TPers in unison: We are so witty (Cackling ensues...long drawn out sigh to follow...empty feeling replaces elation at the quips.)
When you get your big boy pants then we can talk about why T. Paw is the best choice for the Rep. party like adults.
I hate to break to ya'll... Obama != Jesus... Healthcare "Reform" = Unconstitutional... He hasn't closed Gitmo yet... Nor has he fulfilled his 100 day's promises (slightly overdue).
Democrap or Republiscum... It's like the difference between swimming in a Port-A-Potty or a Honeybucket.
And, then, Jahmekan, I suspect it's off to the VFW for free boilermakers while they tell their tales of derring-do!
healthcare is constitutional unless you talk to a republican who is trying to protect their insurance company. the is the same malarkey they said about Medicare and SS years ago . they are still trying to use the language now .
Be yourself, be genuine, be true to real conservative principles. Get us out of debt, don't meddle in peoples personal lives. Once the Afhganistan venture has come to an end don't unleash our military again unless we're "attacked". We are not the worlds policeman, and we need to balance our checkbook before we become a third world nation. With strict environmental controls let us begin to develop our domestic energy supplies. Please don't try to out Palin Palin. Keep your eye on the ball.
You offer no plans that will ever get us out of debt. Interest on the debt, military budgets and Medicare alone would require us to raise tax revenues if we were to hope to balance the budget, let alone pay down any debts.
Larry- if Tpaw did all you ask, I'D vote for him. BUT- he would have to quit the unabashed pandering to the religious right first. Other than that, all your requests are pretty much sensible and reasonable (unless, by 'real conservative prinicples.', you mean putting it to the less fortunate in favor of the more-than--already-fortunate, of course).
Uhhhhhhhhhhhh, reduce spending, period. The number 1 way to do that would be to reverse any legislation presented by Islamobama the past 2+ years.
There's your plan!
I think you misspelled your moniker.
Independent D-R-I-N-K-E-R
It's an easy mistake to make. Your welcome.
"Islamobama..."
You know- 'barking moonbats'!
By all means do not pander to the religious right. I have nothing against religion, but that is a personal matter only. Establish a safety net, but otherwise encourage self reliance and personal responsibility. Everyone has to share the pain for getting ourselves out of debt. Entitlements, the military, agriculture subsidies, corporate welfare, etc. Actually wean ourselves off being dependent on foreign oil for the bulk of our energy needs.
LOL! That all sounds great, as long as he doesn't want to actually win the nomination!
You really believe you can run the country when you left the state of Minnesota in the worst shape ever?
It's not the GOP/ T-bagger country; only. It belongs to all of US. We all contributed to its prosperity.
How offensive can Pawlenty be? What if Native Americans said we want our country back?
How is you collecting Food Stamps contributing to its prosperity Beverly?
Please Insult Me!
JFK-2112
How is you collecting Food Stamps contributing to its prosperity Beverly
LOL!
That is funny what proof does that knuclehead have it doesn't?
Food stamps are the best bang for the buck that we have," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a luncheon attended by more than 100 Democrats who are running for Congress. "For every dollar that we spend on food stamps, $1.79 is put back into the economy. Food stamps are the best stimulus program we have."
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/06/pelosi-fires-back-at-gingrich-over-food-stamps/
Dr. Macon Paine of Michigan said-- It's high time we raised tax rates on the rich and made them buy food stamps. They need to be forced to contribute to the economy."
Like I said before, if those who don't pay taxes would there would be less poverty.
Too funy- food stamps. Ha Ha Ha Ha......always worth a good laugh. Someone too poor to buy enough grub. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha What a riot. Y'all on the right have GOT to be God's chosen people- you just GOT to be!!.
(BTW- will someone post a jpeg of one of Bevs' food-stamps you say she is collecting? I want to be able to laugh at her too!)
JFK-2112 & PIM, you think that collecting food stamps is something to laugh about? More stupid Republican talking points.
You do realize that more people qualify for food stamps because of the Financial Meltdown, mortgage foreclosures, job outsourcing and medical bankruptcies don't you? But, then again these people are just "feeding off of the hardworking taxpayers" and are "lazy-whiners" right?
Keep laughing, both of you. It just continues to confirm how heartless and cynical you far-right TPublicans are. Don't worry, 2012 will be the demise of you and yours so enjoy it while you can.
@SayitaintSo: I don't think they actually feel that someone who needs foodstamps is something to laugh about. They're just ridiculing Beverly in Chicago as a regular (and presumably) liberal Democrat poster who, occaisionally will post some insulting comments about them.
Generally, the comments are not meant to be mean and usually not meant to offend. Sometimes DBO, Beverly and the other commentors get a little carried away. Don't let it offend you. Have fun.
OH NO!!! Say it ain't so...
'secret-treehouse' dwellers are like that.
Yeah, they are.
How exactly ARE libbies supposed to respond to Beavis and Butthead style of humor?
The holier than thou crowd sure is out in full force today!
It's alright when libbies are called everything under the sun (and in most instances encouraged - see example above), BUT, God forbid we hit back and all of a sudden WE'RE the offenders...
Here's a hint, if you're going to fling mud - you damn well better be prepared to get dirty! ;o)
Has anyone mentioned that there is a real issue here: Mr. Pawlenty plans to "take back our government" but does not say from whom. His statement implies that a foreign government is in charge. Is he a birther ?
Assuming he is not a "birther" then I have to ask, take our government back to what....
1786, before the constitution ?
Citizens United is settled. Good luck with that 'taking OUR country back' thing.
Oh, I forgot about that, now I remember, they want to take our country back and give it to the corporations.
No, dirp101, they don't WANT to give it to the corporations,
they DID give it to the corporations.
Doh!!! *hand slap to forehead*
How about just getting our budget balanced ? You know where you spend no more than you take in. What responsible families do in living their lives, and what our country ought to be doing.
Take back our country? Hmmm--take it back to the Bush era, back to the fat cats on Wall street ruining the financial system, back to unfunded no child left behind, back to ignoring the poor in the Katrina disaster, back to cherry picking intelligence to invade a country, back to secret meetings with oil companies, etc. Yeah--let's not go forward with new ideas and strategies, let's go back!! These politicians are hopeless.
As a liberal, it appears Obama is doing a fine job continuing the polices of Dumbya; Afghanistan and Iraq -- still going on; Gitmo -- still open for business; Wall Street fat cats -- not one in jail and all back on multi-million dollar bonus schedules; Energy Policy -- offshore oil drilling included -- "Drill, baby, drill" Obama; Invade a country -- Hello Libya; Big business -- how far can I bend over! Yep, Obama's done a fine job -- a whole lot of change! NOT!
What always amazes me about politicians and their "fixes," is that I never see any mention of persons with disabilities. It's as though they don't exist as a "faction." We're talking about a population of roughly one in three Americans with one or more self-reported disabilities.
Imagine how powerful that segment of society could be if they truly banded together! I deal with the disabled every day, advising them of ways to solve the most basic of problems. Food, shelter, fair treatment in public facilities, medical care, social security...you name it. I've spoken to moderates, liberals, independents and I imagine a tea-bagger or two. I don't ask their affiliation, don't need to know it for what I do.
But, seems like here in Florida, the first thing cut when the lawmakers blow into town for their 60 day session every year, is social program funding. Then, right before they leave, there's always that last few hundred million they've got to deal with, so they again cut funding for programs, agencies, incentives...anything related to the health and well being of not only those with disabilities, but also the elderly. Florida is the WORST state to be in if you are disabled or old. I'm both, and I'm close to retiring. I cannot WAIT to get outta Dodge because I've seen and heard the most horrendous stories beyond your wildest imaginings.
One group, any disability, one voice. WOW! What a concept!
Be talkin' to you....................Webrydr
Sarah Palin mentioned people with disabilities, and she excoriated for it.
@Web Rydr: you aren't important to the GOTP unless your wealthy. If your wealthy, you aren't retiring. If your old and disabled, you are just one of many they call leeches on society.
The GOTP plans to take America back, to 1786, BEFORE there were women or blacks, or hispanics, Irish, Italians, Russians, Indians, Japanese, Chinese or anyone other than male White Anglo-Saxon Protestants. Read your bible, i.e. the King James Version. If you don't find it in there, it aint real. If you don't fit that version of American Leadership, you don't belong. Only reason they let Sarah Palin into the party is they think she's purty.
Hahahahahaha, Ya gotta be kiddin' us, Pawlenty drove Minnesota into a huge deficit hole, Now he wants to run the USA????
Bo- if Bush could do the same for America, why NOT Timmie, too??
"We the people of the United States will take back our government. This is our country"
What the?????????????????
Take back our government from that dark skinned man with the odd sounding name? Take back our government from the Democrats who have more military veterans in their ranks than Republicans do? Take back the country from the folks who have been putting the country back together after the debacle of the George W Bush presidency (he whose name must not be mentioned?) Pawlenty is a simpering little creep.
Obama campaign '08 said this: "REFORMING WASHINGTON: TAKING BACK OUR GOVERNMENT"
Take back the government, is a standard political sound bite...
Amy plays the race card....that all ya got?...p a t h e t i c.
Got news for you...pay attention. As to members of Congress or governors elected by majority-white constituencies (in other words, most of the governorships and Senate seats, and 337 out of 435 House seats), Democrats trail Republicans in minority representation.
Hi Amy, You are 100% correct.
Racist Amy on board again.
Amy is not playing the race card. She is playing the fact card. You hard right folks better face that fact and address this issue within your group.
Gee Amy from Portland. There's a little more to it that that. We (America) were doomed the moment (THAT MAN) uttered he was "A War President" before the first piece of debris hit the ground from the first plane on tower one! America refused to see it then and almost ten years later the Limbaughs, Becks, Savages, and even that wrom Hannity, (I spelled worm wrong because I do not wish to offend them) are making even more money off blind mistrust and ignorance. Besides, fear and hate sells if there are enough buyers and even Wall Street can cash in.
As a Minnesota Resident, why doesn't anyone notice the HUGE deficit he created for us. Scarry to think how he would handle the nation's budget.
As a resident of the US, did you notice the huge humongous excessive insane deficit Barack Obama is creating for us?
Scary to think any leftist can have the cajones to speak of fearing a deficit from a conservative Republican...
You mean like....you-know-who?
Stuff a sock in it Bob-1887910. You know good and da$n well where the deficit began and who was in office when it started.
Maybe you have short term memory loss, like most of your ilk, but the majority of Americans will never forget the true meaning of the phrase "Conservative Republican".
And there are those of us in MN, feeling the results of what happens when you make Timmy Governor. Some of our schools in MN have had to go to 4 day weeks for students. They can't afford to be open for 5. Yep, Timmy is the definition of Conservative Republican, rape the state for your wealthy friends, and then aspire to the Presidency so you can do it to the nation.
Don't worry Angel 1. He'll handle it just like any other republican. Steal from you and send the money upstairs. Remember Bush 1's campaign theme? **Don't worry--Be Happy**. There ya go.
I think it was:
"Don't Worry - Go Shopping"; but I agree with your larger point.
The campaign of 88. Some group had a hit of that song and that was the repubs. theme.
President Timmy Pawlenty. Nope, sounds wimpy.
The only thing that's missing is "Wouldn't you please? Couldn't you please? Won't you be My Neighbor?"
There will never be a "President Pawlenty." He's like soggy bread.
He's the guy on the softball team that has an allergic reaction to the grass in outfield.
He's Flanders. He's Mr. Rogers. He's Toby the HR guy on The Office.
He's soft and flaccid and UN-Electable.
President Tim Pawlenty. Nope, sounds like Tim Good And Plenty.
I am from Minnesota and have been my whole life. I grew up going through the school system while Tim Pawlenty was gov. of this great state. Tim Pawlenty brought what was the best education state in this nation down. What Tim Pawlenty did to this state's education system alone is why he should not be President of this great country. This man delayed payments to the many school districts in this state!! I understand that our state was going through tough times. But under this gov. he lowered taxes for the rich and then turned around and told school districts there was no money for them!! Thank God we now have a democrat in office or school would be a thing of the past in this state!
I seem to remember the phrase "compansionate conservativeism." I guess that meant they would tell you they were sorry before they hit you on the head and took you for everything you owned.
President Timothy Pawlenty. Nope, sounds preadolescent.
Tim Pawlenty actually committed. It doesn't matter where he is on my list lets take a look at him: A career politician since 1989; an attorney who followed Dick Chaney orders not to run for Senate, proving himself to a Republican lacky; Supports DADT, Placed third behind Mitt Romney and Ron Paul but ahead of Palin, Bachmann, Santorum, Gingrich, Pence and Giuliani at CPAC. In 2011 he came in fourth.
If Timmy were President, other world leaders would probably give him a wedgy and a swirly at his first G20 summit.
Get more hits on youtube for videos..ask Palin!
Now watch a few hundred thousand people make it offical by video they are running too for president. LMAO
Timmy, stay away from beaches. your guaranteed to get sand kicked in your face.
Sounds like the perverted bear that..........licked his PAW.
I wonder where Bill Maher would put him on the Bat Shyt Crazy Bracket? I think he doesn't advance past the first round,...just a hunch.
If Timmy wore glasses, he would look like a White Erkel.