Almanac: At the Capitol

Images from the Xcel Energy Center on the RNC closing night.

 

Gov. Pawlenty sat up in a suite not with McCain campaign folks but surrounded by his family and friends.  He seemed very serious during McCain's speech and not very celebratory.  He did not apppear to crack a smile.  He did stand and applaud.  The disappointment many delegates and political insiders felt turned into to disgust about Pawlenty's mediocre speaking slot.  As many weaker speakers followed him it became more evident that the governor was slighted.  Even Democrats feel bad for the guy

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Gov. Pawlenty will  give a five to six mintue speech tonight at the Republican National Convention.  On my weekly segment with Mondale and Jones on WCCO Radio, Pawlenty told us the schedule is still in flux, but that's what he knows now.  There was talk that Pawlenty might introduce McCain,  but he will be speaking much earlier talking about "John McCain's life story" and "Sam's Club Republicans." Also on the show, Mrs Pawlenty praised the court system for quickly handling all the protesters.  She of course is a former judge.

In my Campaign Notebook this week, Gov. Tim Pawlenty watches as Sen. John McCain embraces First Lady Mary Pawlenty. Potential first lady Cindy McCain also got a big hug from Pawlenty. Sources have long told me that the two couples hit it off quite some time ago. Could this be the future first and second couple? McCain praised Pawlenty again visiting Minnesota, but neither gave any indication that they're going to share a ticket.
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It seems Gov. Pawlenty's national press buzz reached a new height in the past week. The London Times declaring "One candidate has risen to the top of John McCain's shortlist" is huge. There's also a new critical mass (often quoting each other) saying he's McCain's guy. As suspected, their appearance together last week created more fodder on the possible future GOP ticket.
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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."
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