Reaching out to “Sam’s Club Republicans”

The governor of Minnesota reached out to “Sam’s Club Republicans,” Americans who want an efficient government at an affordable price, at a press event. Governor Tim Pawlenty said many Americans agree with the Republican Party ideologically yet vote Democratic under the presumption that Republican policies do not favor the working class. Pawlenty said Republicans must be optimistic, make compromises when possible, and develop ideas based in issues important to Americans. He praised President Reagan for having possessed these abilities and said Republicans must re-focus Reagan’s message to young voters who do not remember the Reagan era.

According to Pawlenty, Americans agree with the Republican premise of fiscal responsibility and support a government that spends tax money responsibly on a balanced budget. He said the Republican Party can lead the way for change by boldly tackling energy and reforming the infrastructure of government programs rather than increasing finances blindly.

Pawlenty, who has been speculated as a potential vice presidential pick for Sen. John McCain, said that McCain’s displays hope in his life story while Barack Obama’s hope is only an oratory. He questioned if Obama’s celebrity status transcends the ability for many to consider the substance of Obama’s message and echoed McCain’s opposition to a withdrawal of US forces from Iraq. When asked what qualities should be found in a vice president, Pawlenty answered with one word, "discretion."