T-Paw Changes His Facebook Status

Facing a momentary lull in my day's activities, I tuned into to former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's "major announcement." It was broadcast on his Facebook page. I was required to click that I "Like" his page in order to gain access.

Did I fib? It depends on what your definition of "like" is.

Anyway, what I witnessed was a rousing campaign video of Pawlenty announcing that he's forming a presidential exploratory committee, which he also announced in a conference call earlier in the day.

His Facebook status now must change from interested toedipper to official exploratory candidate. This is truly major.

And of all the rousing campaign videos I've ever seen, this was one of them. He is a Repuiblican who wants to cut government spending, "tackle entitlements" and create jobs. There were flags, fireworks and fighter jets. Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln are mentioned. Humble ordinary everyday Americans make cameo appearances. Pawlenty vows to "take back our government," after serving two terms as governor. Perhaps in Minnesota that's not a government job.

But Pawlenty is serious, if not exciting. From CBS:

Pawlenty has been working feverishly behind the scenes to lay the groundwork for a candidacy, making allies in early-voting states, hiring staff and courting key activists. He has struggled to get his name better known to a wider audience, however, which may be one reason he is announcing an exploratory committee ahead of his potential rivals.The 50-year-old conservative Republican has cast himself as a strong candidate in part by pointing to his success in relatively-liberal Minnesota. He has also tried to position himself as a consensus candidate, someone around whom both fiscal and social conservatives can rally.

The 50-year-old conservative Republican has cast himself as a strong candidate in part by pointing to his success in relatively-liberal Minnesota. He has also tried to position himself as a consensus candidate, someone around whom both fiscal and social conservatives can rally.

And The Register says his Iowa helpers are delicately seasoned:

Pawlenty already has lined up the support of a team of seasoned Iowa campaign operatives. Most recently, West Des Moines consultant Eric Woolson said two weeks ago he would support Pawlenty, should he run for president. Woolson, a top Iowa adviser to winning caucus campaigns in 2008 and 2000, would be expected to fill a senior communication role.Veteran Iowa Republican operatives Chuck Larson and Karen Slifka have also been Pawlenty advisers, as have former national GOP strategists Terry Nelson and Sara Taylor, both Iowa natives.

Veteran Iowa Republican operatives Chuck Larson and Karen Slifka have also been Pawlenty advisers, as have former national GOP strategists Terry Nelson and Sara Taylor, both Iowa natives.

But Pawlenty is already faced with a crisis. Drawlgate, perhaps. Last week while I vacationed, the New York Times and New York Magazine debated whether Pawlenty has southernized his speakin' by droppin' 'his g's and such. Minnesota Public Radio has the goods and did some audio comparisons.

Here's Pawlenty's video. I hope you "like" it.