The Candidates
I returned from lunch to find an invitation to Tim Pawlenty’s conference call from Denver for MN media. I joined it in progress. Everything is paraphrased when not in quotes.
Live Blog
The Governor had some generic opening statements about Senator McCain’s experience and values over Sen. Obama — the usual boilerplate. An observation: Pawlenty seemed quite tired and his voice was just a bit raspy (A bit subdued? Down?).
Q: Do you plan on staying in Eagan tonight?
A: I am scheduled to fly back late afternoon and I am staying, I believe, at the Governor’s residence. Doesn’t plan on staying in Eagan because of possible conflict with the kids schedule.
Q: Any chance you will be flying to Sadona, AZ?
A: I am scheduled to be in Minnesota.
Q: Will you be in Ohio tomorrow?
A: I am scheduled to be in Minneapolis tomorrow and through the weekend. My sense is Senator McCain and the McCain campaign are close to making a decision.
Q: Do you think you have the requisite experience to be president?
A: I served in a legislative body for 10 years, 4 years as majority leader, executive leader for 6 years, CiC of the MN Nat’l Guard, record of accomplishment. Those are some of the things required for high office.
“I’ll see you all back in Minnesota soon.”
*End call*
UPDATE: Pawlenty canceling interviews. He is either the veep or more tired than I thought.
August 28th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
confusing…
August 28th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I don’t disagree. He was subdued which is unusual for this governor and yet he made the case that he feels he has the requisite credentials to be president.
He seemed like he had been up for about 36 hours which may well be the case.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I dont take much from that. 50/50 still Pawlenty or Romney.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
He wasnt subdued on the radio here this morning in Denver. That is for sure. But Mike is right dont read anything into that at all.
Maybe he did get some bad news but maybe he is just tired
August 28th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I am convinced he was tired. The only question was if he was also disappointed. That was hard to discern and not obvious by the way in which he answered the ‘experience to be president’ question. Let me say this, if the Governor has been told he is not the pick he was acting the good soldier by going through his qualifications to be a potential CiC even while knowing he was not the pick.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
the interesting part was that he said he thought the McCain camp was “close to making a decision”. So does that mean that the decision wasnt made last night as we were led to believe?
August 28th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
FoxNews’ Carl Cameron is reporting that Pawlenty is busy clearing his schedule for the next couple of days and that Romney’s schedule has been clear as well.
Take that for what’s it worth…
August 28th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
I think the content shows it won’t be him. Unless he hadn’t gotten the call yet.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
#7, maybe they plan to govern as a triumvirate.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
#9, yes - that would work.
McCain = CEO
Romney = COO
Pawlenty = Vice President
August 28th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Maybe this unprecedented ad McCain’s running after Obama’s speech is not only to roll out his VP announcement, but to announce
his whole cabinet. That would explain the chatter on several different people. Who knows?
August 28th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
this is just getting ridiculous now-
check out this nugget gleaned from the tea leaves-
http://www.rollcall.com/news/27733-1.html
August 28th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
A McCain inside source called me and said that McCain’s surprise will not be WHO is but WHO are….
August 28th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
i said huh? somewhere else to this Ilfigo, you cant just post that and then leave us hanging
August 28th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
or is taylor onto something?
August 28th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
#13,
How would that work? McCain/Romney/Pawlenty 08? Has that ever been attempted by either party?
August 28th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
#15,
I think #11 is on to something, that would explain a lot of what has been going on, this is just crazy, I’m turning off the TV and computer until tomorrow around noon…LOL
August 28th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
#9, #10
I love it when people who rage against things like Roe v. Wade because they’re not as grounded in the Constitution as they would like blithely suggest scrapping that whole Article II thingy and going with a CEO/COO model for the Executive Branch. Simply amazing.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
McCain is going to go with independents on his VP selection by offering the following: He’s going to allow the voters the choice - simply write in your selection for VP - it doesn’t matter to McCain who the VP is - just as long as he’s at the top of the ticket - he doesn’t care who is at the bottom of it.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Someone show me where we get this by the strict constructionists.
Although, I have been contemplating that it will be a joint announcement of Romney as VP and Lieberman as SecDef. In other words, some additional “specificity”.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
#16 No. It was a joke.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I’m not a Constitutional scholar, but I’m pretty sure you’re only allowed one Vice President.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
How would the Islamic countries handle Lieberman as Sec of Defense? Could that be a problem. I’m not makng a judgement on it, but would like to know what others think.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
The source had to take a phone call. Sorry.
He called back and said that McCain is thinking about having a VP for Domestic and a VP for Foreign Affairs. Seems Romney is the Domestic and Lieberman is the Foreign policy. McCain likes it, balances ticket (lib, Moderate and Conservative), yet leaves party with a choice in 2012: Mitt!
They are leaking it to a few clsoe people to get public thought, what are your ideas on it.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Big S #18….I was using my sense of humor on that post. Not pursuing the destruction of Article II of the Constitution. Don’t get your panties in a bunch.
Would it have been acceptable if I made Pawlenty the COO? I can do that you know…
August 28th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I don’t think the Cosntituion would be agaisnt this…when written, the number 2 candidate for Pres would be VP.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
NOTE: Not really advocating for two VP’s….
August 28th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Let the record show I was the first to suggest McCain take up Romney’s proposal of a COO for the Federal Government, and to simultaneously announce Romney for that position along with the Veep. And to campaign as a troika.
I posted it here almost 2 months ago.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
#17 @ http:// race42008.com/2008/07/07/im-telling-you/
August 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I have to call a few people in the western states, if you have any ideas, let me know so I can include it.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
A COO role would certainly highlight Romney’s strengths (intelligence, organization, policy chops) and minimize the relevance of his political weaknesses (”The guy you work for instead of the guy you work with”, polarized opinions of the man, as evidenced by reading this board)
August 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Now that I look at it…Metro and others are onto something. I like the idea of a COO for the Country with Romney as the COO.
You could have McCain and VP be the visionaries who set policy and are the face of the Nation.
Romney, as COO, could be the guy to make all the policies happen and become real. The behind the scenes manager of our government. I like it.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Maybe he will choose a woman to be the Domestic VP.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Do you guys believe Ambinders leading with hints re: Pawlenty?
August 28th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
31. Umm, most the electorate probably doesn’t have quite such polarizing ideas. THey probably know relatively little about the guy.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Could McCain be looking at something like this in all reality? This would be “unconventional” and would shake up the game…something McCain is looking to do.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I want Romney is line for President, not a Lieberman a heart beat away.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
No way that McCain does something like that. It’s ridiculous speculation because there is nothing better to talk about.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
#36 NO. Change “unconventional” to “unconstitutional”. I was having fun with the triumvirate thingy and it seemed to have taken on a life of its own.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
EricB….true…but it is an interesting proposal. And something interesting to talk about. More interesting than the SlobberFest ‘08 for Barack “Second Coming” Obama.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
#39…what I was suggestion was that McCain picks ONE VEEP candidate. And only one. However, announces that if elected President will create a position (I call is COO, but there has to be something better) and says that he would appoint Romney to that position.
Nothing “unconstitutional” about saying you are going to create a position and appoint someone.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
It sounds to me as if Pawlenty was disappointed in the phone interview. He was very upbeat on MSNBC this morning. He may have been sleep deprived, but at that time it didn’t show, and he was smiling and lively.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
It’s not Unconstitutional to create a new Cabinet post.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
It is interesting that pawlenty went to specifics as to defend himself…almost like he is setting the table. I can’t imagine it was a complaint.
With that question I would have figured he would have simply said, “i’m not running for president”.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Gary how is it Unconstitutional….am I missing something?
August 28th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I think McCain has already pick a VP. This is when we will find out tomorrow. I don’t seemed to trust the Associated Press or Politico.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
You guys are getting delerious. You all need to take a good long nap between today and tomorrow morning.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Or better yet he should have responded, “according to the democrats, experience is irrelevant”
August 28th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
My source called back and I asked about Constitutionality. He sayd the Mccain lawyers have looked into it, nothing is amiss. Jmac would be willing to name Lieb as Asst. VP.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
This is all hype. Legally you cannot have two VPs in this country. The rules are black and white.
Now if McCain wanted to have a COO… perhaps if he can get Congress to authorize another department.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
#47 - Not delerious, just having a fun conversation during the incredible horrible “Ego Stroke” Dem Convention of 2008.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
#28 Metro,
I remember someone suggesting/mentioning this a while ago, if it comes to fruition, Kudos!
August 28th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Tom there is no such cosntitutional limitation
August 28th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Create something like “Secretary of Adminstration” or something. That position would see to it that each Federal Department is run efficently and cheaply. Cut the fat. Make sure all programs on implemented and adminsitered effiectly.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Don’t forget that Lieberman is not qualified by the rules to be VP.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
#45 & #49, please tell me you are joking.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
JWohio:
No there is nothing unconstitutional about it, but it does not look good. Perhaps, unfortunately, Mr. McCain cannot pull the same stunt that Canada’ PM did and leave the post vacant.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
True but are there rules for an Asst. VP? the JMAC lawyers have been working on this for 3-4 weeks according to my source with the campaign
August 28th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Ok, everybody put down who they think it will be…..one name, not two…This is not who you want, but rather whoyou think it will be. I’ll start with:
Romney (big surprise)
August 28th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
No, why??
August 28th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
#47 Joe
“You guys are getting delerious. You all need to take a good long nap between today and tomorrow morning.”
LMAO,
Great advise, I think I’ll go to bed now, wake me when McCain announces
August 28th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
This is like a scene from ‘The Office’. Are we talking about an Assistant VP or an assistant TO the VP?
August 28th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
From what I understand, McCain will be speaking directly to Obama in the ad. Hey, maybe McCain will be asking Obama to be his VP?
Kidding kidding. What other crazy explanations can we come up with? This is fun
August 28th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
HA HA…that was good Gary/
August 28th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
#44, Maybe he was just trying to say, “I would so have been qualified enough”.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Pawlenty is on Medved’s show right now.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
He’s got that Minnesota accent.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
#59 Illinoisguy
“Ok, everybody put down who they think it will be…..one name, not two…This is not who you want, but rather whoyou think it will be.”
I second that, pencil me in for Romney (fingers and toes crossed!)
August 28th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
#63, Maybe he’ll say, “I see your VP and raise you a VP and a SecDef.”
August 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Create a whole new bureaucracy (to watch the other bureaucracies!) just to make room for the great Mitt Romney? Now that’s even more conservative than scuttling Article II in a CEO/COO bid.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Drudge started this poll just this morning:
{{{{DRUDGE POLL}}}} WHO WILL BE MCCAIN’S VP?…
GIULIANI———– 2%–2,670
K. B. HUTCHISON— 18%–20,794
HUCKABEE———– 3%–3,786
LIEBERMAN ———-5%–,765
PAWLENTY ———–6%–7,045
ROMNEY ————49%–56,752
DARK HORSE ——–17%–20,050
Total Votes: 116,862
August 28th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
#70 Thank God there’s still some common sense left in the world…
August 28th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
EricB,
Well, what’s he saying? I thought he cancelled all interviews?
August 28th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Guys,
The second most powerful man in the White House is the White House Chief-of-staff. Try finding THAT in the Constitution.
McCain can organize the White House just about anyway he wants. If he wants to give power to an outside person (Outside of the Constitutional offices of President and Vice-President), he can. Just remember that he can also fire that person at the drop of a hat. His authority would come from the President.
The President cannot fire the Vice President. He can give him totally useless tasks to perform, but he cannot fire him.
Now if he truly wanted to go with a COO, he would have to convince Congress to create the office so the poor man can get paid…unless McCain wants to pay him out of his own pocket. He would also need to get security set up, staff, offices, stationary, etc., etc.
The point is, a COO is perfectfully Constitutional. You could call it, Presidential Cabinet Chairman, for example. Or if there is no time for all of that, you could just make Romney the Chief-of-staff, and expand the duties of the office. But what McCain giveth, McCain can take away.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
fwiw … Romney family gets security sweep;
http://www.rollcall.com/news/27733-1.html
August 28th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
It is really down to both of them, but unfortunately, if I had to bet, I’d bet on Mr. Romney. And since I’m not a betting man, if given a choice between Mr. Romney and rolling the dice on the feild, I’s choose Mr. Romney to be safe. Mr. Pawlenty is much more in tune with the social values of the Heartland, but Mr. Romney would be OK.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I saw that, JerryO#75. But McCain is visiting MI next week and may be coming to visit Romney in a local family’s home. If so, the S.S. are going to sweep it.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Pawlenty is off the show now. He promised at the beginning to not discuss VP speculation. He attacked Obama and Biden, especially Biden’s history of being wrong on foreign policy decisions. He discussed his background and how he was raised. He also talked about the best way to bring people out of poverty (because Medved asked) was to keep families together. He discussed FEMA and Katrina as well and how both he and McCain expect them to improve.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Mitt was originally scheduled (as I understand it) to be in Grand Rapids, Michigan on the 30th, but I assume that got canceled because they now say he’ll be with McCain and Ridge in PA on Saturday.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
77 / the article mentions the McCain visit; also something about a security detail that Romney has been traveling with recently.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Karl Cameron is going to be on foxnews next to discuss more about the VP pick….he was just on 20 minutes ago….they call it breaking news..we’ll see if it is.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
#80..Yes, it was reported that a security detail followed Mitt from Nevada to San Diego last night.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Test
August 28th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
better listen… he broke edwards in 2004
August 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Kavon:
Am I being banned?
I am unable to post certain comments
August 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Many of the commentators on tv know less than a good number of you on here.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
OHIO, you’d be one of the last to be banned. Its eating a lot of comments by a lot of people.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Anyone seen intrade lately?>
August 28th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Yeah, been watching it all day #88. Pawlenty is down to around 15 in both of them….lowest he’s been in months now.
Seems strange for one of only two left standing.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Thanks Illinoisguy:
The short version is that I am getting ticket to see Mr. Romney and company in PA Saturday.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
88, it’s way past profit taking. This is outright dumping of Pawlenty lots. And the bulls are running for Romney. Drudge is sampling showing the sale broadbased support.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Wow, so cool… pretty far for me to go..I’ll try to get one for St. Louis
Gonna be down there anyway
August 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Fox just said McCain has now told them he has made up his mind, and will appear tomorrow in Dayton with him.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Carl Cameron reporting (via Rick Davis) that MCCain has finally made up his mind. Also reporting cancelation of Pawlenty’s public schedule.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Fox News just announced that JM has made his decision. So whoever it is, it’s a done deal now.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
IllinoisGuy,
Did he say “him” or was it left gender neutral?
August 28th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I’m at work. What is the update for Carmon is saying
August 28th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
He says Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty are the top of the list…announced Crist would be in Florida tomorrow.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
#96, I can play it back to see what was said..hold on a minute
August 28th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
In Pittsburgh this morning, he said it would be a woman, but he was joking.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Just called it ‘running mate’, so no gender implied.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
IllinoisGuy,
K, thanks.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Finally some American flags at the DNC.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
#103 - 57 stars? I think Obama plans to add Cuba and a few others cause he’s gonna talk to their leaders about it.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Has Romney cancelled his headlining appearance at a CA GOP fundraiser in S.D. for this evening?
August 28th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Romney cleared his calendar two days ago…no appearances
August 28th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
After Pawlenty peaked at 50 a few minutes ago, he has now fallen back to 34. Mitt is at 59.