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July 30, 2008

Our View: Pawlenty as VP choice

Ever since the first George Bush picked Dan Quayle as his vice presidential nominee, presidential candidates have taken great care to choose running mates with solid credentials. Clinton went for Gore. Gore went for Lieberman. Bush II went for Cheney.

It is not enough, any more, for VPs to be chosen only for their ability to put a state in the win column, or for their popularity within a specified voting group. A vice president must have the experience to step in and be president quickly in the event of an emergency.

Now is the right time to wonder: Is Tim Pawlenty such a man?

Ever since John McCain stepped to the front of the 2008 Republican presidential race, the Minnesota governor’s name has been linked to him as a possible vice presidential option. Speculation has grown considerably in recent days as McCain remarked, unprodded, at a private gathering that people are “really going to like Pawlenty.”

The comment may or may not have anything to do with the VP sweepstakes. It might just as well refer to Pawlenty’s role as the governor in whose state the GOP convention will take place. Only time will tell. Some believe McCain is on the verge of announcing his choice.

On Tuesday, Pawlenty dodged more questions on the matter, remarking that Mitt Romney — another serious VP prospect — has “a lot of strengths and assets.”

So, too, does Pawlenty. His relative youth contrasts nicely with McCain. He is conservative enough to appeal to the Republican base. He is likeable, articulate and already has established a reputation as a leader among the nation’s governors. His supporters point to a “populist” streak in him and speak admiringly of his “blue collar” roots. He continues to be seen as an “up-and-comer” among the Republicans who know him well.

However, not all Republicans see him as a good VP choice. He is not well known outside Minnesota, and some would question why McCain — with his serious defense and foreign policy credentials — would choose a relative unknown some would find lacking as a possible future commander in chief. Could McCain convince voters Pawlenty is more ready than Obama?

Surely, the I-35 bridge collapse, which happened under Pawlenty’s watch, will be an issue. Some will attempt to blame Pawlenty solely for Minnesota’s continued inability to improve inadequate roads.

Minnesota, which appears to be tightening in the latest presidential polling, would be a big plum in McCain’s electoral arsenal. But Pawlenty’s ability to deliver the state is not guaranteed.

Beyond all these pros and cons, Pawlenty’s veep challenge would rise or fall based on his ability to excite voters and pass the credibility test. Voters must see him as a possible president and not cringe.

To be sure, Pawlenty is no Quayle. In fact, when comparing him to other former governors who became president — Carter, Reagan and Clinton — Pawlenty looks every bit as “ready” as the others when they first appeared on the national stage. The difference is that Carter, Reagan and Clinton ably maneuvered through lengthy presidential campaigns to pass muster with the public. Before Pawlenty is foisted into the national spotlight by McCain, his impact is difficult to predict. He could energize the race, become a minor advantage, or slip into an afterthought.

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