Gov. Tim Pawlenty introduced John McCain here in St. Paul. Pawlenty said McCain has "valor, courage, patriotism" and he added that Minnesotans can appreciate that he is a "straight talker" and "populist." The often-mentioned candidate for running mate concluded his brief but solid introduction with saying McCain is "going to be a great president."
It took McCain 20 minutes to say anything about Pawlenty, but he launched right into taking Barack Obama to task for changing his position public financing. McCain said he was "disappointed" Obama "went back on his word." Gov. Pawlenty and the lovely First Lady Mary Pawlenty are seated in a prime location right behind McCain's podium in the middle of this town hall forum (she's in pink in the front row).
McCain said he was glad to have Pawlenty's support along with his beautiful wife, who McCain jokingly said was the brains of the operation. That got some laughs. A half hour into the event, McCain turned the mic back to Pawlenty and asked him about his ideas on healthcare costs. It was an easy and smooth break from the format. They looked like a comfortable team. That should continue to keep people talking about a McCain-Pawlenty ticket.
And one person actually went there; the final questioner asked what Pawlenty's chances are for VP. McCain artfully dodged it, saying what he's always said that Pawlenty is the future of the Republican party. McCain said he wouldn't speculate on veepstakes but again noted that Pawlenty "has a place in the future."