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Pawlenty Pushes 'Value' as G.O.P. Theme

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August 06, 2008 7:01 PM

ABC News' Teddy Davis, Gregory Wallace, Hope Ditto, and James Gerber Report:

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) said Wednesday that the GOP has been losing "market share" and argued that his party needs to broaden its appeal.

"We want to be the party of Sam’s Club, not just the country club," said Pawlenty. "People deserve and expect a more effective government at a better price."

In his appearance before the National Press Club, the Minnesota governor demonstrated why he is believed to be on McCain's short-list for V.P.: while he lacks Mitt Romney's ties to the mega-battleground state of Michigan, Pawlenty has a knack for encapsulating the Arizona senator's policies under the theme of delivering better "value" for middle-class families.

Consistent with McCain's support for redirecting $1 billion to digital education, Pawlenty touted on-line learning as a way to reduce the cost of higher education.

"Why would you drive from Stillwater, Minnesota, in January an hour in rush hour to get over to the University of Minnesota campus, park in a remote parking lot, strap on your back pack, haul across campus in challenging weather conditions, get into a lecture hall, unpack, sit in a chair and have a sometimes gifted -- sometimes not -- assistant professor, lecture you on Economics 101 when you can’t even pay for it?"

"Why would you not get out of bed, pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit on your sofa, and dial it up on digital storage from any university in the world?" he asked. "The marginal cost of educating a student in a class like that, once it’s up and running, is zero."

"For many of these classes," he emphasized, "we could cut the cost of higher education by 70, 80, or 90 percent."

On health care, Pawlenty did not advocate any specific reforms but echoed McCain in arguing that rising costs stem from consumers having "no knowledge of cost and quality".

On K-12 education, Pawlenty joined McCain in touting school choice.

He also echoed McCain in calling for changes to the ways in which teachers are certified and paid.

During the question-and-answer period, Pawlenty said that the nation needs to move away from its reliance on the gas tax for funding transportation infrastructure.

"We're going to have to be more creative," said Pawlenty. "Oregon has had a pilot project, I'm not sure what to think of it yet because the results aren't in, but they're charging by miles driven."

"It is preferentially priced," he added, "to encourage more hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles. . . . We'll keep an eye on that with the idea that the gas tax is going to be politically untenable" and of "diminishing" value as a tool of public policy.

Asked if the United States has made enough progress in Iraq to set a timetable for withdrawal, Pawlenty echoed McCain in supporting a conditions-based exit.

"I do not believe that setting arbitrary timelines for withdrawal would be wise in light of the fragile situation that exists in Iraq," said Pawlenty. "It has to be at a time and under circumstances where Iraq is stable enough to defend itself and govern itself and not fall back into chaos."

Asked what are the most important qualities in a vice presidential candidate, Pawlenty had a one-word answer: "discretion."

August 6, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (9)

User Comments

The GOP is a wholly owned subsidiary of Corporate America.

Posted by: With_A_Why | Aug 6, 2008 7:16:09 PM

Last week McCains actions reaffirmed what I already thought, I just cant bring my self to vote for McCain. He seems like his age might be wearing on him a bit. The last thing we want is for McCain to end up a puppet., like hes already showing signs of. Did you see where that reporter stumped him and he just sat there not saying a word for like 2 minutes??? Unreal. Or the clip of him cussing, man what a potty mouth. LOL I think the video was at http://www.McCanes.com This election season is just one big dissapointment after another. The only that makes it worth watching is the candidates gaffs and antics. I thought that Obama was thinking about about adopting the tboonpickens plan? But Im reading now that he wants to open drilling in floridia. I think Obama should adopt the pickens plan, so should McCain. I read the article about Obama and the boone pickens plan at?? http://www.tboonpickens.com I cant figure out which one of these two Im voting for., Im hoping a third party candidate will surge so I can get behind another candidate other then these two. I would of Voted for Huckabee, Clinton, or Ron Paul. Geesh. I think Paul is thinking about running on the LP ticket. http://www.BarrPaul08.com , My vote belongs to no one yet. I might just keep it this year. The only that makes it worth watching is the candidates gaffs and antics. If you havnt seen McCanes reaction to the Paris tape go to http://www.mesocash.com, Hallarious.

Posted by: Peter | Aug 6, 2008 7:18:01 PM

--Peter--We do not want a puppet president but it looks like Senator Obama will be one if elected. The VIP Democrats, MSN and big money are telling him how to walk, how to talk and how to win. He has no core beliefs and flip-flops whenever the wind or polls change. Senator McCain energy plan is much more comphrensive and Obama's economic plan is lacking, other than giving back money to voters by over-taxing big oil.

Posted by: Martin | Aug 6, 2008 8:01:11 PM

You forgot to mention the compliment he gave Obama ABC

Posted by: jen | Aug 6, 2008 8:21:59 PM

"People deserve and expect a more effective government at a better price."

At least he admits that he, McCain and their fellow republicans are for sale.

Are people willing to keep paying the price we've for 8 years

Posted by: JR | Aug 6, 2008 8:29:23 PM

Senator Obama's far left and socialist values are troubling. I don't think that tax payers money should keep going to people who are irresponsible in their behavior or deeds. I am for helping those who are elderly, disabled, very ill and the children. Our country needs our roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, highways repaired. One fourth of our bridges are in dire need of repair or replacement. Too much money is wasted by both political parties.
McCain and Obama are both beholding to big business.

Posted by: Martin | Aug 6, 2008 9:24:04 PM

GOP..... VALUES......in the same sentence.

any more jokes?

Posted by: Omentum | Aug 6, 2008 11:11:35 PM

Here's what ABC missed of what Pawlenty said:

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g6TYN7vbMTjUtewJTKcZCzm32UogD92D68380

"Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, often mentioned as a possible running mate for Republican presidential candidate John McCain, said Wednesday GOP candidates would do well to adopt a positive tone like that of McCain's Democratic rival, Barack Obama.

"Say what you will about Barack Obama," the Minnesota Republican told a conservative group, "people gravitate when you have something positive to say." He added that McCain has been positive as well.

"People want to follow hopeful, optimistic, civil, decent leaders," Pawlenty said in a speech to GOPAC, which helps recruit Republican candidates. "They don't want to follow some negative, scornful person."

Ronald Reagan still offers important lessons for today's Republican Party, Pawlenty said, because the former president was civil, optimistic, pragmatic and a good communicator.

"He actually had some ideas," Pawlenty said, adding that the Republican idea factory has seemed "a little stagnant in recent years."

Posted by: ApostasyUSA | Aug 7, 2008 12:01:46 AM

I wanna see Cindy do the Buffalo Chip dance. My Republican values demand it.

Posted by: Ricky | Aug 7, 2008 12:46:46 PM

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