Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he’ll take on Mitt Romney on healthcare but the GOP should keep their collective eyes on President Obama.
After coining the term “Obamneycare” several weeks ago to slam Romney’s signature achievement – the heathcare law he signed while governor of Massachusetts – Pawlenty has seemed to back off that tactic, according to the
National Journal.
“It’s easy to take on Mitt Romney on health care,” Pawlenty said Monday morning on NBC's Today show. “The idea that I’m not tough enough to take on Mitt Romney or anyone else is just ridiculous.”
Pawlenty defended the debate dithering by saying he’d decided to focus on President Obama.
“I think the press was expecting a more direct confrontation with Gov. Romney,” Pawlenty said. “I’m happy to give them that, if that’s what they want.”
The presidential candidate also brushed off early poll results that show him with just 6 percent of the vote in Iowa.
“These early polls aren’t very good predictors of how the race is going to come out,” Pawlenty said. “Iowans decide late.”
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