Tim Pawlenty Urges College Republicans To Follow Eminem's Example

Having previously attested to the belief that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has real potential to take on a leadership role in the GOP, I'm naturally chagrinned to see TPaw out in public, doing things that make me look foolish for saying so. Via Hotline On Call comes the news that Pawlenty recently addressed the College Republicans National Convention, and offered up a metaphor that he maybe should have thought through a little better:

Opening his remarks with a reference to NBC's "Inside the Obama White House" special, Pawlenty told the gathering of about 200 students, "I haven't seen something that staged since that half-naked Austrian fell onto the face of Eminem at the MTV music awards."

"Eminem was mad," he continued, to laughter and applause. "And so, just like Eminem getting dumped on, we've got to kind of regroup. We've got to continue to fight. And we've got some things worth fighting for."

In the first place, Pawlenty seems to be unaware that Eminem was not genuinely "mad," but that the stunt was "all rehearsed, right down to Eminem's mock disgust." Beyond that, how far does Pawlenty want the College Republicans to do in "regrouping," Eminem style? Does he want them to spit insulting rhymes at Sarah Palin? Threaten their spouses with bodily harm? Sue their mothers? Naturally, if this leads the College Republicans to do a duet with Elton John, I'll be the first to suggest that such a pairing would, indeed, make for an enchanting night of song.

Anyway, I am going to infer from his dislike of the Bruno/Eminem stunt that Pawlenty is not bullish on the Tea Party movement.

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Comments

[dennissinned]

Well, you know, he was just trying to be hip. But it falls flat p(aw)lenty.

[dotsthefunist]

Look up Slim Whitman ,everything gets more confusing about pop bad boys ,revenge of the have more nerds and the materialism at all costs party .

[yellowdogminnesotan]

TPaw. That's amazing. No one around here has ever thought of such a funny handle for PALENTY FOR ME. I'm using it from now on.

[relaxeder]

You mean sexist, homophobic, out of touch and peaked about 8 years ago? Sounds about right.

[valkyrie607]

Yeah! Republicans, be like Eminem: refuse to transcend your adolescent insecurities. Project your inner rage outward at women. Be homophobic, or at least pretend to be. Get divorced and remarried repeatedly. (You've got that one down cold, it seems.)

Success is just around the corner!

[TiffanyHusseinBanned]

lol

Eminem is a musical genius. I am not disputing that he is a head case.

[Pupadup4oBama]

I don't think Eminiem, himself, would dispute he's a headcase.

[TiffanyHusseinBanned]

Eminem is a D too.

[toggan]

Pawlenty is an out-of-touch uncool politician. Leadership qualities? I don't think so. He is no Charlie Crist, that's for sure.

[bluguy8]

the GOP has nothing to fight for . And why would college students listen to this fool a
babble

[ObamAtomic]

Tim Pawlenty

[DONKEY-OH-TEE]

DITTO

[RJII]

Wow. repubs sound so stu.pi.d

[patrickmcdougal]

They don't know that Colbert is a satirist!!!
That about says it.

[Anare]

Pssssssttttt….Tim, your effort is showing!

[dax49]

pawlenty would better serve his state by signing al franken's certification, instead of running off at the mouth to a bunch of button down geeks

[MNJim]

Bingo! Additionally, Timmy has been a horrendous governor whose response to every single issue is to cut taxes for our wealthy citizens and for corporations.

[samilli3]

desperate attempt to bring cool back to the G.O.P

[plzchuteme]

When was the G.O.P. ever cool to begin with? Perhaps, it was Richard Nixon saying, "Sock it to me," on "Laugh In." 45 years ago?