This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Reid Davenport.
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty added credence to rumors that he will make a bid for the White House in 2012 while attempting to craft a presidential image discussing GOP hot topics like American exceptionalism.
Pawlenty, who was on John’s McCain shortlist before the Arizona senator tapped Gov. Sarah Palin in 2008, told a group of College Republicans Thursday night that if he were going to run, it would be for the Oval Office, not the vice president spot.
“If I decide to run it would be for president, not vice president,” the Republican said.
Adding, “Whoever the candidate is if I run, and I believe it will be me, there will be no shortage, no shortage of great talent,” in the pool of vice presidential candidates.
Pawlenty said it is imperative to uphold the freedoms and liberties that distinguish America from other nations.
“I hope that you can also conceive of a future where government does what it needs to do,” Pawlenty said.
Pawlenty said individualism drives everything in America from entrepreneurship to communities, adding that government intervention “begins to discourage not just those American activities, but it begins to diminish the American spirit.”
Pawlenty spoke for about 15 minutes before taking questions from the audience, which included students from Georgetown, American and Catholic universities.
In an interview after the event, Pawlenty emphasized the importance of the Republican youth movement.
“We really want to encourage young people to get involved and stay involved in the future of the Republican Party,” he said.