The Fix: Pawlenty's trip a sign of potential 2012 presidential run
Categories: Politics
 |
| Photo by Jim Greenhill |
The trip is "the latest evidence that the Minnesota Republican is working to broaden his policy palette in advance of a potential run for president in 2012," Cillizza says.
So is Pawlenty taking these trips for Minnesota's benefit or selfish self-promoting reasons? Is it still too early to analyze motives? The stated reason for the trip was so that Pawlenty could gain information and context on the situation facing Minnesotans being sent to Iraq. "The governor feels it's helpful to have a deep understanding of security issues," a spokesman told the Star-Tribune.
The trip to Germany comes less than two months after Pawlenty traveled to Israel for a week -- the stated purpose of which was to explore trade opportunities for Minnesota businesses.
Such trips allow Pawlenty, who is widely seen as a potential presidential candidate in 2012, to shore up his one obvious weakness (and the weakness of any governor running for national office): lack of foreign policy experience and know-how.
Email to Friend
Write to Editor
Print Article
