Almanac: At the Capitol

Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Sen. Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller need to become best friends. At least that's what former Gov. Al Quie says and his former foe-turned-friend former Sen. Majority Leader Roger Moe agrees. I sat down for a deep and insightful hour with Gov. Quie. The 84-year-old had a remarkable idea: the stalemate at the state capitol would cease if two key players gave up their baggage and distrust and forged a friendship. I know that sounds impossible. Quie says it can be done. He did it. The Republican governor also said it's essentially Gov. Pawlenty's responsibility to "forgive and forget" — he said regaining trust is like "reconciliation." The deeply religious man often uses such spiritual references. He has committed much of his life to prison ministries while staying very active in political issues like early childhood education and impartiality in judges. I was stunned how compelling he was at 84. Quie said he has 84 years worth of experiences and mistakes to draw on. When I asked him if he's told Gov. Pawlenty his thoughts, he said yes. It's a fascinating interview. See some of it tonight on Almanac.