Tim Pawlenty just came out in support of Paul Ryan’s GOP budget. Since the budget plan would make changes to Medicare, it is politically risky for Pawlenty to come out and support it.
Here’s what he told reporters today:
First of all, I applaud Congressman Ryan for his courage and his leadership in putting his plan forward. At least he has a plan. President Obama doesn't have a plan. The Democrats don't have a plan. And I really applaud his leadership and his courage in putting a plan on the table.
Number two, we will have our own plan; it will have many similarities to Congressman Ryan's plan, but it will have some differences, one of which will be we'll address Social Security. He chose not to; we are addressing Social Security. And the Medicare part of our plan will have some differences, too. It will have some similarities also.
So we'll have our own plan. But if I can't have my own plan — as president, I'll have my own plan [but] if I can't have that, and the bill came to my desk and I had to choose between signing or not Congressman Ryan's plan, of course I would sign it.
When I first read those comments, I thought it was pretty risky and I was reminded of the old political advice, “Never answer a hypothetical question.” After all, the Ryan bill in its current form would NOT be the bill to come to Pawlenty’s desk, so why go down that road and box yourself in?
Then again you can definitely argue that it was a bold move and Pawlenty is trying to position himself as the truth-telling, authentic candidate in the field.
Of course, Brody File producer Dana Ritter made a great point. She told me, “He just wants to get on the news.”
You know what? Pawlenty sure needs a headline or two to break through. Being a trendsetter on this issue could do the trick.