Pawlenty: Bachmann Has a ‘Nonexistent’ Record of Accomplishment in Congress

Pawlenty: Bachmann Has a Nonexistent Record of Accomplishment in Congress

Republican presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty said on Meet the Press this morning that his 2012 rival Michele Bachmann has a “nonexistent” record of accomplishment during her three terms in Congress.

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“I like Congresswoman Bachmann. I’ve campaigned for her. I respect her. But her record of accomplishment in Congress is non-existent” were Pawlenty’s exact words.

Pawlenty, who’s behind in the polls and lagging in fundraising, says that as a former Minnesota governor, he has executive experience and achieved results under challenging circumstances.

“We’re not looking for folks who just have speech capabilities,” he said. “We’re looking for who can lead a large enterprise in a public setting and drive it to conclusion. I have done that, she hasn’t.”

Pawlenty also emphasized his fortitude and toughness in comparison to other candidates in the field.

“My goodness, I was the first governor in Minnesota’s history to shutdown the government. I set a record for vetoes, I took more money out of the budget using an executive authority than all the other governors combined in my state,” said Pawlenty. “I’m an old hockey player. I’ve been in more fights than the rest of these candidates combined.”

Pawlenty avoided moderator David Greogory‘s question on whether Bachmann’s characterization of the Obama Administration as a “Gangster Government” was appropriate.

“Well, I’ve called it incompetent, I’ve called them out of control, I’ve called them misguide, I’ve called them failed. I mean pick your choice,” said Pawlenty. “But the point is, that this is a group of people who are disconnected from the economic needs of the people of this country.”

A poll last month in early-voting Iowa put former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and tea party favorite Bachmann at the top. Pawlenty was back in the pack despite an aggressive campaign in the state.

He tells NBC’s “Meet the Press” that early polls aren’t good indicators of anything.

Pawlenty says that over the next 60 days, he needs to show “significant progress.” He‘s pointing to the Iowa Republican Party’s straw poll on Aug. 13 and thinks he’ll prevail.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Comments (162)

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  • thegodfather
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 5:01pm

    Pawlenty adviser right before he goes on Meet the Press: “Tim…you gotta take the broad down…. fast!

    Report Post » thegodfather  
  • Whostolemypig
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 5:01pm

    Pawlenty needs to be in this race as much as I need to be doing brain surgery.

    Report Post »  
  • Look4DBigPicture
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:57pm

    I’m not a Pawlenty fan and prefer a Ron Paul / Herman Cain ticket.

    Report Post »  
  • TRUTHandFREEDOM
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:53pm

    What would Pawlenty expect a TEA Partier be able to accomplish among RINOs and Socialists?

    It’s the old expression … It‘s hard to soar like an eagle when you’re flying with Turkeys.

    There have been a number of other representatives besides Bachmann who understand that their job is to protect our liberty , but they’ve been greatly outnumbered by those who have alternate agendas and disruptive lobbyists.

    2010 helped change that for the better, but it’s only a start. We’ve got a lot to do and it will be even harder with ANY president who capable of buying into the man made global warming wealth redistribution scam, Mr Pawlenty.

    Report Post »  
  • Look4DBigPicture
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:53pm

    I heard this a little differently than many of you. He wasn’t saying anything negative about Bachman. He was only pointing out that he has administrative experience as governor, and she doesn’t. They are competing for the same job, so we have to expect each of them to point out their strengths over the other candidates. I applaud him for correlating her “gangster” comment to other comments he himself has made about the administration. He could have used that moment to his advantage and chose not to stoop that low.

    Report Post »  
  • Rorybill88
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:51pm

    Oh Timmy…now this after you gave a glowing report on Lady Gaga! He’s SO in touch with We The People. With Obama’s love of Beyonce, seems like you’d be a natural to succeed him in the White House. “Like” I’m “totally” impressed!

    Report Post » Rorybill88  
  • thegrassroots
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:44pm

    Ok then, Pawlenty – how about you, very simply, just standing on your own record?!

    Speaking for myself – I don’t like someone who has a need to tear down others to build himself up. Gotta say, I don’t know too much about Pawlenty. By him taking the low road and slinging mud at Michele – he just caused me to make up my mind not to even want to find out more about him. Because – I now know enough! Thanks, Pawlenty, for saving me from wasting my time on the research.

    Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 8:20pm

      she looks like Cuddy from House.
      the last thing we need is a Dumb B in the white house
      wasn’t Bo Bo bad enough, now you want the Harper Vally PTA

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
  • 1bambam
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:43pm

    Mr Progressive The Earth is going to MELT by man caused factors has truly exposed himself as the HITMAN for the Republican Establishment bow out gracefully……T-Paw …Dik…….

    Report Post » 1bambam  
  • stevoschmidt
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:42pm

    ron paul is the only worthy candidate. no one else has the fortitude to address the existence of the federal reserve and the un and our supportive role in the imf. no one will even touch the topics with a mile long pole. theyre all a bunch of pathetic big money, big party, bid govt. rhinos. why else run for president or any office than to get campaign contributions which go directly into the candidates pocket when they withdraw from a race which all do eventually.

    Report Post »  
    • Mr. Oshawott
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 6:23pm

      @StevoSchmidt

      I’m with you on that one! Out of all the presidential candidates featured, it seems that Ron Paul is the only candidate that truly understands what it means to enjoy freedom, at least from my viewpoint.

      Report Post » Mr. Oshawott  
  • Mukichan
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:40pm

    With the “Congress” she has served with, NO Record is so much better than the weak, wishy washy ,crap others serving now and the previous 2 have had. Go Michelle. She didn’t sell out every ten minutes, change her mind, join a gang of Mavericks(yes I realize that was senate morons). What Could she accomplish? Pelosi wouldn’t allow any one with an R near the name to be recognized on floor. Beohner is so weak he won’t recognize his own. So my point is even if Pawlenty is correct ,Its a Good thing. Laws for the sake of laws , to prove you did something is why we are in the mess we are in.. Grid-Lock is good. Shut Gov down, everyday without these fools is a day without more stupid legislation. God (ewww the G word) bless America

    Report Post » Mukichan  
    • orkydorky
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 6:08pm

      I agree whole heartedly and will ad that if she and the tea party caucus had not held the line, we would have been sold out to Bo and his crooks completely by this time!

      Report Post » orkydorky  
  • WHOSYOURMAHDI
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:39pm

    I’m with you mil-dot. He comes across as too much of an opportunist.

    Report Post » WHOSYOURMAHDI  
  • jakartaman
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:39pm

    Hey Tim,

    you just committed the sin that President Reagan told Republicans not to do. Diss fellow Republicans
    Besides it it looking like we are going to need to elect only ‘Tea Party” candidates.
    It’s the kiss of death for you!

    Report Post »  
  • MBA
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:37pm

    I guess we should all look to pawlenty’s state right now which had to shut down the government because they are broke. Good leadershipt there guy! What does that say about pawlenty’s experience?

    Report Post »  
    • Sola Scriptura
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 5:32pm

      You are aware that we have a democratic governor who refused all of the Republican controlled Senate and House balanced budgets…while all he said was “We have to tax the rich”

      Report Post » Sola Scriptura  
    • dr_funk
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 5:59pm

      Pawlenty is paltry. He’s done. He won’t win a single primary.

      The choice will be between Bachmann and Cain, and my favorite right now is Cain.

      Report Post »  
  • Lost in the Flyover
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:36pm

    Biggest story here is Gregory’s continued defense of Obama, “curse any who would speak ill of the anointed one” is all that I am hearing in this interview.

    Report Post » Lost in the Flyover  
  • Jezcruzen
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:33pm

    Yes, but she is a lot better looking than you are, Pawlenty, and she doesn’t act like a wimp! Besides, “accomplishing” anything in Congress seems to always work against “We the People”.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 5:24pm

      Well said .. the more they do the LESS LIBERTY we have!

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
    • IndyGuy
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 5:40pm

      If Pawlenty is so stupid as to step in Gregory’s(The Obama as# kisser’s)trap,then he is too stupid to be Prez…

      Report Post » IndyGuy  
  • Wishkah
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:33pm

    Although he is not my choice, he deserves respect for not falling for the interviewer‘s trap of trying to get him to throw Michelle under the bus with the ’gangster’ questions. Even though the jerk tried several times to trap Tim, Tim avoided the trap… give the man some credit

    Report Post »  
  • snixy
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:32pm

    The problem with Washington is that senators and reps think they are doing a great job if they pass more laws – I want a congressperson who will get rid of some stupid laws and regs

    Report Post »  
    • jill098
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 7:44pm

      That is why Congress is part of the legislative branch of the government. Congress writes the laws, Executive (President) can sign in to law or veto, and the Judiciary(Supreme Court) can decide if a law is good or doesn’t go against the Constitution. Congress will always be making laws whether you like it or not.

      Report Post »  
  • Maxim Crux
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:30pm

    He has a look of a sad puppy dog.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 5:24pm

      Going on NBC and telling people other Republicans are bad is NOT going to get people to vote for you Timmy.

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
  • beckwill
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:29pm

    Talking Points Tim. I have grown weary of the same ol politician blah blah blah style. Say what’s on your mind and move on!

    Report Post »  
  • Mil-Dot
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:27pm

    This Pawlenty guy rubs me the wrong way. He is a weasel. I do not trust him. If you look like a weasel, then you are a weasel. Romney is definitely out as well. I think Bachman/Cain might be a good ticket. Bachman better watch her votes in congress though. She has played along with the estab way too many times-ie her vote for the so callled “Patriot Act”.

    Report Post »  
  • glennisright.com
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:27pm

    Look at your own record Mr. Pawlenty. It has some items in it that I wish were “non-existent”.

    Report Post » glennisright.com  
  • Uncurable wound
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:26pm

    Rino timmy,I am so glad you are not the governor anymore.All you want is power.Ive met you ,looked into your eyes-YOU ARE A POWER HUNGRY RINO.
    LOSER

    Report Post »  
  • ohiovalleywizard
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:25pm

    pawlenty is still a progressive and his record is not as he claims

    Report Post »  
  • glennisright.com
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:25pm

    Obama had less of a record. I don’t care about the past anymore. We know her values and principles and how shse will govern in the future and that’s what matters to me.

    Report Post » glennisright.com  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:22pm

    Good work, Tim. You are working hard to get the women’s vote. I think T-Paw is self-destructing and helping Romney in the process.

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
    • C. Schwehr
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:32pm

      I wonder what position in the Romney government has already been set aside for him by Mitt???

      Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:38pm

      C’mon, Timmy! Don’t you read these threads? We‘re the pulse of the movement and you’re not in it.

      Get out and save your fellow Americans some money, and then help out in a supporting role.

      Report Post »  
    • Marci
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:40pm

      Good work Tim. Yet another reason we will never vote for you. As someone else said…self-destructing. As we root out the Progressives in the party, we ALSO root out establishment GOP who are no better than those they claim to go against.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 4:55pm

      ^____^____^
      He isnt going to get anyones vote the guy doesnt impress me one bit and comes off as a total bore. If he had any female votes he probably lost a few after this.

      This entire GOP roster has me deeply concerned at this rate. We ARE looking at BHOs 2nd term, unless someone breaks the candidate mold and starts hammering away at both parties…. err I mean faces of the progressive beast.
      SavingtheRepublic.com

      Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • hauschild
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 5:03pm

      SAVING:

      Palin is really the only option, and not a heckuva lotta us are willing to admit it.

      So, I think you are correct in that we will have to endure and additional 4 years of Marxism. I just don’t think enough of us realize what the makeup of the next SUCCESSFUL republican nominee needs to comprise. It’s gonna take things to get worse before the average Joe has the “Carter is a disaster” revelation, and not simply hop aboard an available RINO’s wagon; or, one that is not ready for prime time, or one that isn’t dog-fight mean enough.

      Do I have to say it again? Palin. Realize it now before 4 years pass and we’re still discussing THE EXACT SAME THINGS on this forum.

      Report Post »  
    • fatjack
      Posted on July 10, 2011 at 5:05pm

      Thanks Timmy for the non-info, but you are a bit late. I’ve already decided to vote for her.

      Report Post » fatjack  
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