Maybe-he-is maybe-he-isn't GOP vice presidential short-lister Tim Pawlenty is nuzzling up rhetorically with Paris Hilton, the newest and hottest political pundit on the American scene.
Hilton's spoof counterpunch online ad aimed at Republican White House candidate John McCain -- she calls him that "wrinkly, white-haired guy" while serving up her own energy crisis solution -- has been collecting million of hits online while grabbing relentless national media attention this week.
Pawlenty, in an interview posted Wednesday on the tmz.com gossip website, said Hilton's ad indicates that "she's moving toward Senator McCain's position" on energy issues, "so that's good progress."
The Minnesota governor added that he doesn't mind Hollywood dabbling in politics.
"Anytime we have an opportunity to elevate the discussion get more, interested, engaged or talking about, it's a good thing for democracy.
"So, even though people sometimes make fun of Hollywood ... the fact that she's engaging, getting people talking about it, talking about the substance of her message, that's good."
Last week, McCain launched an ad comparing Democratic rival Barack Obama to Hilton and Britney Spears, suggesting Obama was no more than a celebrity candidate unready to lead the nation. Hilton responded Tuesday with her video spoof on funnyordie.com
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
