Pawlenty Stresses Positivity for GOP in ‘08 Campaign

ARLINGTON, Va. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, often mentioned as a possible running mate for Republican presidential candidate John McCain, said Wednesday GOP candidates would do well to adopt a positive tone like that of McCain’s Democratic rival, Barack Obama. “Say what you will about Barack Obama,” the Minnesota Republican told a conservative group, “people gravitate when you have something positive to say.” He added that McCain has been positive as well. “People want to follow hopeful, optimistic, civil, decent leaders,” Pawlenty said in a speech to GOPAC, which helps recruit Republican candidates. “They don’t want to follow some negative, scornful person.” Ronald Reagan still offers important lessons for today’s Republican Party, Pawlenty said, because the former president was civil, optimistic, pragmatic and a good communicator. “He actually had some ideas,” Pawlenty said, adding that the Republican idea ... (link)