Pawlenty "could" tell you he is running for president

The former Minnesota governor announces presidential run with a hypothetical-riddled video

By Natasha Lennard

Published May 23, 2011 2:24PM (EDT)

FILE - In this April 30, 2011 file photo, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty speaks during a We the People candidates forum in Manchester, N.H. Pawlenty on Sunday, May 22, 2011 released an Internet video ahead of a public appearance Monday in Iowa, where he planned to formally enter the race for the 2012 GOP nomination. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File) (AP)
FILE - In this April 30, 2011 file photo, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty speaks during a We the People candidates forum in Manchester, N.H. Pawlenty on Sunday, May 22, 2011 released an Internet video ahead of a public appearance Monday in Iowa, where he planned to formally enter the race for the 2012 GOP nomination. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File) (AP)

Earlier this year, Stephen Colbert mocked Tim Pawlenty for his overly dramatic web video, released in support of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Pawlenty did not take the hint. On Sunday he released another web video -- more dramatic still -- to announce his 2012 presidential bid (which officially kicks off Monday with an Iowa campaign stop). Shakey camera work and patriotic imagery abound:


By Natasha Lennard

Natasha Lennard is an assistant news editor at Salon, covering non-electoral politics, general news and rabble-rousing. Follow her on Twitter @natashalennard, email nlennard@salon.com.

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