Gov. Tim Pawlenty Friday said the Obama administration should be more aggressive when it comes to terrorism issues.
While Republican Pawlenty Friday didn't specifically criticize Democratic President Barack Obama's handling of the alleged explosion attempt on a Northwest flight on Christmas Day, he did question the president's goal when it comes to international threats, generally:
"As this to this particular incident there were people in the system that didn't do their job or the system failed and he's acknowledged that or admitted that and,I think, yesterday took responsibility for it....
But more broadly I think his administration could be and should be more aggressive when it comes to terrorism issues and radical Islamic elements and threats....
I think he has tried to present the United States as more accommodating on these issues than the previous administration and I think history teaches that it is weakness not strength that tempts our enemies. And the goal here is not to be popular. The goal is to be respected as safe and secure and I think he is striving to have the country and him to well liked but the ultimate goal is not to be popular or well-liked. The goal is to have our nation be safe and secure and protected. Popularity and being well-liked are behind that in importance."
Asked by this reporter if he thinks the country is less secure because Obama is trying to be popular, Pawlenty said: "Well, he's only been there a year so we will see as this unfolds...Our enemies and those who would do us harm should understand they shouldn't mess with us and our goal is to be secure and safe not to be popular."
UPDATE:
Frank Benenati, a Democratic National Committee spokesman, provided this reaction to Pawlenty's comments:
