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Carrie Dann / NBC
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Saturday addresses Young Republicans at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics.
MANCHESTER, NH -- Three video cameras and about 50 people were on hand Saturday morning to see Tim Pawlenty perform a familiar but painful role as the GOP's most dutiful good soldier.
Pawlenty, who until Friday was widely believed to be a finalist for Mitt Romney's vice presidential selection, appeared as scheduled at a small breakfast speech just hours after Romney instead unveiled Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., as his running mate before an audience of thousands in Norfolk, Va.
Calling Ryan "a great bold leader," Pawlenty urged the group of Young Republicans at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics to help the swing state turn red in November under the Romney-Ryan banner.
"They're going to be a great team for America as president and vice president," he said of the newly announced ticket.
The former Minnesota governor, who was attending four public events in the state Saturday, told reporters that he received a call on Monday night from Gov. Romney informing him that he would not be the nominee's choice for VP.
"We had a great discussion about it" at that time, Pawlenty said. "So I've known for about a week."
Asked if he would continue to be an active surrogate for Romney, he referenced his work in the private sector but said he'll continue to advocate on the ticket's behalf "as I can."
"It depends on the week," he said. "I kind of have other things I have to do too, but I am absolutely committed to doing all that I can to help Gov. Romney and Congressman Ryan win this election."
In his remarks, the famously self-deprecating former governor did not reference his VP audition, but he poked fun at his short-lived GOP primary campaign, which brought him to the Granite State about a dozen times in 2010 and 2011.
He even compared his run to the brief nuptials of Kim Kardashian and Minnesota native Kris Humphries.
"I go around Minnesota and say don't feel sorry for Kris Humphries," he said. "His marriage lasted longer than my entire presidential campaign!"
After speaking, Pawlenty stood patiently on stage as organizers conducted a lengthy presentation of local awards. He looked on as a young GOP awardee gushed about Ryan as "the first great leader of our generation."
The governor and his wife shook hands with supporters and local politicians before and after the event, as some lamented to him that he had been passed over for the job.
One regretful backer's consolation: "It's like being the other woman, at least it's something."
"Well," Pawlenty replied, laughing loudly. "I hadn't thought about that."
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Oh Tim is still going play the opening act for what is now a complete clown show. What a pathetic character.
One of the most telling things about Romney's character was how Pawlenty and others being considered for his VP were told that Romney had selected Ryan.
Did Mitt give each contender a call telling each how qualified and important they were but that he, Mitt, had decided to go another direction? No. One of Mitt's sons called each of them and gave them the news.
Really classy, Mitt.
Its been a really increadible weekend for me. I got to see Romney and Ryan in Manassas, Virginia where overload crowd of 11,000 supporters showed up to what was thought would be a 4,000 person event... The one thing that stands out in my mind tonight is that we are going to win this election for the simple reason that all Romney and Ryan have to do is tell the truth and stick to the issues.
I read the posts from the liberals and all they have is conjecture and unfounded lies and distortions about our candidates. They really have nothing factual on the real issues that they can attack without distorting the truth or slinging mud at two exceptional men who are out to turn this country around. They are not liars. They are honorable men. The axiom that time always allows thruth to prevail applies here I believe. In the end, Democrats can distort, lie, divert and run, but they can't run from the truth or hide from the real issues for the next 86 days...
I'm confident we'll have a new President come January and I'm just as confident we gain the majority in the Senate... There is somthing so reassuring in knowing right and truth are on your side...
ROMNEY/RYAN 2012!!!! Leadership for a CHANGE!!! YEAH BABY!!!
Goodnight All...
HEY EVERYONE....
A quick True or False test about Ryan's proposed changes to Medicare... Its not what Obama has told you it is:
(True or False) - Both Democrats and Republicans UNIVERSALLY agree that Medicare in its present form is unsustainable
TRUE - By 2017 ten thousand Americans per day will be retiring... In this day of polarized partizanship, THIS IS THE ONE ISSUE THAT BOTH PARTIES AGREE WITH!
(True or False) - Rich people get free Medicare today -
TRUE- Everyone today, over the age of 65 ,recieves free Medicare benefits REGARDLESS OF INCOME!
(True or False) - The Ryan Budget takes Medicare Benefits away from current Medicare recipients or requires current Medicare recipients to contribute to the costs of their Medicare policy:
FALSE - All current Medicare recipients and Americans 55 and older are grandfathered into the current Medicare program FOR LIFE so nobody is throwing Grandma under a bus.
(True or False) - The Ryan Budget allows the wealthy to recieve free Medicare benefits-
FALSE-The Ryan Plan proposes that in TEN YEARS that new Medicare applicants undergo a "means test" that will evaluate the income and assets and require those that can afford to contribute to their Medicare costs, to contribute! The wealthy will no longer get a free ride on Medicare.... For those that cannot afford to contribute, they will be issued vouchers to offset or cover the costs of their Medicare plans...
WE CAN EITHER SAVE MEDICARE OR DESTROY IT BY DOING NOTHING TO REPAIR IT! THIS SEEMS TO BE A PRACTICAL SOLUTION TO ME... WHAT DO YOU THINK???