Media reaction of Pawlenty performance at GOP debate

I watched last night's Fox News debate. I was impressed by Governor Tim Pawlenty's admission that he was wrong to dabble in cap-and-trade a few years ago. Contrast his response to President Obama's non-reply when he was asked month at the puffball Facebook forum when he was asked about his biggest mistake since taking office.

Courtesy of the Pawlenty campaign, here are some media reactions from the debate:

What They Are Saying:

Governor Pawlenty Stands Tall at First GOP Debate, Not on the Sidelines

May 6, 2011

Governor Pawlenty demonstrated that he has the record, the temperament, and the vision to go toe-to-toe with President Obama in the battle of ideas; Governor Pawlenty made clear tonight that he’s ready and able to begin the campaign to defeat President Obama.

"According to the Democratic National Committee, it looks like Mr. Pawlenty is the only one on the stage.

Halfway through the debate, the D.N.C. had already sent out three long 'fact check' e-mails to reporters about the things Mr. Pawlenty said on Thursday night." - Michael Shear, New York Times

"Pawlenty takes a more aggressive tack, saying it's the government's first responsibility to protect Americans. We need to do everything we can, within our values systems and our legal structures, to protect Americans." - Ben Smith, Politico

"The first winner is Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota…Keep your eye on Tim Pawlenty. I think he is going to go far. People forget he is an evangelical and will relate well in Iowa. People also forget he is a conservative who won twice statewide in Minnesota, where Al Franken is a Senator." - Erick Erikson, Red State

"Pawlenty clearly class of the debate so far -- which he should be." - Chris Cillizza, Washington Post

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