In an on-line chat, Chuck Todd considers Tim Pawlenty's chances.
I think Pawlenty has the potential to be a serious player in 2012... He comes from a neighboring state to Iowa (minnesota) so the launching pad is in good shape. He governed a blueish-swing state while keeping his conservative credentials (at least better than Romney did during his Massachusetts campaigns).
That said, I have noticed that Pawlenty is coming across a tad hamhanded in his courtship of conservatives. It's surprised some in the White House who I think quietly worried about him more so than any other potential candidate out there right now.
Romney went this route in '07 and conservatives abandoned him when the chips were down and there was a choice between someone with a long track record with conservatives and someone with a shorter track record. Will that happen to Pawlenty? Something he ought to worry about a tad depending on who ends up running.
The White House isn't worrying about Tim Pawlenty, and if they are, they should be worrying about themselves.
[Hat tip: Real Clear Politics Strategy Memo]
