On the fourteenth of March, the former two-term governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty visited our school for a speech about the role of young people in the future of our country, as well as education in our state. He gave a brief, twenty minute speech about what on his experience growing up and the value of education.
Pawlenty’s speech was quite short compared to the forty minute span given for him to speak. He gave off a nervous and distressed air during the last third of his speech and while answering questions, ending with an abrupt “thank you.”
In an interview after the speech, we talked to Pawlenty about American politics. When asked about his choice to drop out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination before contesting even one primary, he said, “It was a tactical and strategic decision made about spending, most of it up front.”
Pawlenty also discussed the possibility of his being appointed to a cabinet position by likely Republican nominee Mitt Romney. “If governor Romney were to win the presidency, I don’t know what my future might look like. But I certainly haven’t decided if I would or wouldn’t take a position in his administration. I am trying to help him as a volunteer on his behalf.”
Pawlenty is currently working in the private sector and enjoying the lifestyle of a private citizen. He has made no commitments for his future, but will certainly back governor Romney in this year’s general election.