Pawlenty Plays It Safe, Won't Confirm Rumored White House Bid

Mario Trujillo

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell probably wouldn’t have been repealed if Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) was President last December.

While the former Minnesota Governor fielded hypothetical questions about presidential decisions at a luncheon at the National Press Club on Thursday, he refrained from confirming a presidential bid in 2012.

Pawlenty said he is “seriously considering” a run for the White House and will decide in the next couple months. But there are two major considerations in his decision, he said.

“One, is just the needs of the country, and what I can bring to the table in leadership and experience and perspective that I believe could move the country forward,” Pawlenty said. “And then two, it is obviously a deeply personally impactful decision. I have a family, of course, and my wife and two daughters I love very much and a dog. And they need love and care and attention.”

Thursday marked the official launch of his book tour, promoting, “Courage to Stand: An American Story.” He also has dates scheduled in early presidential primary states, Iowa and New Hampshire.

Throughout his discussion, he laid out a five step plan for “common sense” reforms to the country. Three hinged on the economy, debt and unemployment numbers, all major themes in the 2008 presidential race. He also touched on education reform and the need for American strength in the world.

Pawlenty, who was on a short list of vice presidential running mates for John McCain (R-Ariz.), was also asked if things would be different for the country if he got the nod over Sarah Palin. He said McCain’s campaign would have been in trouble no matter the vice presidential pick.

“I believe once the economy cratered in the late summer, early fall, of 2008, that he or whoever the Republican candidate turned out to be was likely to lose the election,” Pawlenty said.