Unlike Wednesday night, when the Xcel Energy Center was riding on every word from Sarah Palin, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty spoke to a distracted, partially filled arena Thursday night, touting the man who apparently had him No. 2 on his running mate list. In a speech that lasted less than 10 minutes, Pawlenty didn't try to do more than simply warm up the crowd for the presidential nominee. "John McCain has walked the walk, and he has always put our country first," Pawlenty said. For Minnesotans, it was a moment to ponder what mght have been. If Pawlenty had been the featured speaker Wednesday night, it would have been a national coming out party for him and the beginning of an important chapter in Minnesota's rich political history. So hit the comment button and share your thoughts: What's next for Tim Pawlenty?
This a challenge specifically to white Minnesotans. Operation Metro Surge is just the latest iteration of a familiar pattern. We must sustain our engagement.
