He's a strong sleeper candidate.
There's two elements that the general public isn't aware of that can only help him, come primary season. The first is his working-class roots- he comes from salt-of-the-earth Polish stock, lending himself a Muskie-like air (read into that what you will). support him.
The last five years, I've traveled to various areas...driving through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, ect...and there is something about these areas in more rural America...when you're driving...you're powered by radio, coffee, and stops for food. Little gas stations, little diners (with their sweet southern waitresses)...I don't know...there is something about it that almost seems like time isn't moving as fast...or that even if it is...people aren't trendy like they are near the coasts and big cities. The area is quiet, more open spaces, and a slower pace of life. Pawlenty would represent these areas of America, northern rural areas atleast, which I'm guessing will be very appealing for Americans by the time 2012 comes around.
.....And lose the election. It's time you became trendy
Indeed. The rural vote will go to the GOP regardless. Perhaps a more rural candidate than Pawlenty (he doesn't act like he represent rural areas) like Palin could rack up high margins there to offset the city growth, but elections are won and loss in the burbs. My home is in a rural area (town in the woods with 3k people) and I'll tell you straight up that our vote is irrelevant.
