Pawlenty Explains Climate Past: I ‘Flirted With’ Cap and Trade

Is he reversing course -- or was he just "flirting?" Tim Pawlenty's views on climate change and cap-and-trade are certainly evolving. The former Minnesota governor, it seems, has been trying to change perceptions about his past environmental record. According to Politico, Pawlenty appeared on CNBC's "Squawk Box" to chat about his take climate change and green policymaking:

"I’ve said that cap and trade would be a bad idea for the country, Jack. It’s a mistake," Pawlenty said in response to a question from guest host Jack Welch, the former General Electric CEO.

"I looked at it, like most of the other leading candidates did, some years ago — flirted with it, for sure — but I’ve just admitted my mistake and said I was wrong," Pawlenty added. "It would be harmful to the economy. It’s based on flawed science, and we should throw it out the window."

But, just a few years ago Pawlenty was recording ads in support of this same "flawed science." Below, you can watch the CNBC interview. What do you think? Flirtation or flipflop (or a mixture of the two)?