GOP sharks sniff blood in the water...Pawlenty: Palin crosshairs "not a device I would have chosen"

[Amerigo Vespucci]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2011/01/reports-arizona-rep-gabrielle.html#pawlenty

Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty (R) said Tuesday morning that he wouldn't have used crosshairs on a map of targeted districts as former Alaska governor Sarah Palin's (R) political action committee did during the 2010 midterm campaign.

Pawlenty, who embarks this week on a national book tour ahead of an anticipated 2012 presidential bid, was doubling down on remarks he made to the New York Times that the crosshairs were "not a device I would have chosen to do." Palin's aides have said that the images were never intended to be crosshairs or incite violence.

"I think Gov. Palin is a remarkable leader; I think she brings a lot to the debate and the table, both nationally and within the Republican Party as well," Pawlenty said on ABC's "Good Morning America." "As to the New York Times quote, you know, it wouldn't have been my style to put the crosshairs on there. But again, there's no evidence to suggest that that had anything to do with this mentally unstable person's rage and senseless acts in Arizona."

Pawlenty also urged restraint in speculating about the political motivations of the alleged gunman, Jared Loughner.

[TBF]

1. This is their chance to get her out of the spotlight -

and I believe the old-school Republicans will jump on it. Although Huckabee is insane he polls better, and there are others. I suspect this is the end of Sarah's political aspirations.

[sarcasmo]

2. If these Sharks attack, her political career should be finished.

[tanyev]

3. Nice 20/20 hindsight you've got there, governor.

[chollybocker]

14. Yep.

Compare and contrast with the complicit silence of the RW when the graphic was first posted, and since. We weren't all reborn yesterday, Tim.

[rhett o rick]

4. I think it is in the GOP's plan to throw her under the bus. The timing isnt the best.

They would have preferred closer to 2012. They like her distraction while Karl is getting the big push in place for the BCF's Jeb boy.

[DCKit]

5. The delusional 23% who stood by BushCo* no-matter-what are now the (R) base.

Moderate Republicans are going to have to learn to dance fast and hard to both discredit the quitta' from Wasilla AND avoid enraging a group that is so easily enraged by any perceived sleight - especially an "attack" on SP. One of their pResidential hopefuls is going to cross that line, and it's going to be a bloodbath.

At this point, I don't know if they can pull their base back from the brink of madness. However, it would be of benefit to all if they were able to pull it off.

[Fleshdancer]

6. It's a solid start

Very smart political move Pawlenty. Keep it up if you want to win the Repub primaries.

[somone]

7. Time's up for the useful twit

[Statistical]

8. The GOP leadership was always afraid of Palin. Most didn't like her

but if she remained popular nobody wanted to go against her.

Here is a chance for them to ensure she isn't an issue. Not in 2012, not ever.

[MrsMatt]

9. as a predator, Pawlenty is more

of a weasel than a shark.

[reformist2]

10. Pawlenty is DONE. Real Repugs do not criticize Sarah.

[Major Hogwash]

11. "I think Gov. Palin is a remarkable leader . . . " -- Idiot, total idiot.

He envisions himself as King, and "Sarah will be my Queen".
No, sorry, Timmy, this isn't a game of Dungeons and Dragons.

[renegade000]

12. *gasp* politicizing a tragedy, mccarthyism!!11!

:silly:

[gatorboy]

13. Landsharks!

Splash, Sarah! Splash! It scares them away!

[JNelson6563]

15. And so it begins...

:popcorn:

[charlie]

16. Heh. He's saying that because his timing sucks

His book came out today. It includes a love letter to Palin, making her out to be a refreshing change, a new infusion of energy and ideas for the party. I think he wanted to align himself with her as a break from the Old Guard. But, suddenly she's a wee bit radioactive.

[Zoeisright]

17. That fucking cross-eyed little weasel is a total dipshit.

I'm from Minnesota, and he's ruined this state.