Pawlenty: Palin 'More Than Qualified' to Be President

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty may be taking heat for backtracking on his criticism of Mitt Romney and “Obamneycare” during Monday’s GOP presidential debate. But he undoubtedly gained favor among some conservatives for offering plaudits to former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, another potential Republican presidential candidate.

The praise came after Pawlenty was asked who was the better choice for vice president in 2008: Joe Biden or Palin. After criticizing Vice President Biden, Pawlenty said, “I think Governor Palin is a remarkable leader. She is more than qualified to be president of the United States."

That represented one of the few mentions of the charismatic conservative during the debate.