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Tim Pawlenty reacts to being left off GOP ticket

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    Former Minnesota governor 'not disappointed', honored to be considered

  • Duration 6:17
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2012 Elections

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So the Medicare attacks are escalating really between both of the presidential campaigns right now.

The Obama team says that congressman Paul Ryan's controversial Medicare proposal will destroy Medicare for millions of seniors here's there -- Paul Ryan Medicare plan -- Medicare into a voucher system that cuts in Medicare.

That he's proposing that they replaced the Medicare buy a voucher system.

Would it in the end meaning that tens of millions of older Americans would not be able to -- central health care.

Meanwhile the Romney team accuses President Obama of -- That same entitlement program here is their brand US.

-- need to Medicare for years.

Free paycheck and now you -- bombings at 716.

Billion dollars from Medicare will want to peace through.

Computer.

And so they haven't -- of the very latest salvos I guess it does say in this Medicare battle.

I'm pleased to be joined -- former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty was a Republican presidential candidate also co -- The Romney campaign governor good morning good to have you here today.

Good morning Martha good to be with you and your viewers -- talk to me a little bit about this because you know folks at home -- the hearing the back and forth on this and now what a lot of people are being told.

Is that both sides want to take out basically depending on how how the numbers roll between five or six and 700 billion dollars.

But the Medicare system why is the Romney is way of doing it better in your opinion than the president's way of doing it.

Well one thing just to be clear there's only one candidate in this race who has signed into law an actual cut in Medicare.

Then that is Barack Obama so there's no disputing the fact that -- propose and sign in July 716.

Billion dollar cut.

From Medicare to help fund his Obama care initiative on related to Medicare -- to Medicare more broadly.

We have one team the Romney Ryan -- saying we need to save Medicare and the way to do that is to guarantee that anybody on the -- -- close to eligibility for it.

We'll have things unchanged no changes in the program but for the next generation we're gonna leave Medicare as an option.

But you can also choose from some other options if you think that's better for you or your family and if you have financial hardship paying for that obviously -- we're gonna give you health and so.

That's an effort to reform and save the program -- Obama on the other hand just cut Medicare as I mentioned.

But has no plan on the table.

To save it and it and by the way -- the hospital part of it runs out of money becomes.

Financially insolvent in about 20/20 four -- so.

So -- this is an issue where we need leadership adult leadership where people are willing to put specific proposals and educate not inflame.

And the president has failed to lead on this issue and just criticizes governor Romney for his effort to save the program.

It's Stephanie Cutter spokesman a spokeswoman excuse me for the Obama campaign has said that she's really proud of what -- done.

To Medicare because it they believe they're proposing that it would.

You know end the abuse in the fraud in the system.

You know how you respond to that.

Well in addition to the 716.

Billion dollar cut that the president proposed and signed into law the Medicare.

He's also put into place now a review board a government review board that's gonna review payments in the future -- so -- you're gonna have a government entity.

Further micro managing the health care system in Medicare and for a lot of conservatives independents and others who like consumer choice and markets.

That worries them that concerns them and then finally.

-- Obama's proposed a whole host of tax increases.

And not just generally but within health care if you look at Obama care for example he's burdening the health care system with a truckload of tax increases both on.

Medical device providers and others as well as individuals.

-- that debate is gonna rings throughout this entire campaign as we move forward -- wanna get your thoughts a little bit.

On the big decision of this week and that of course was a vice presidential pick.

Paul Ryan a story yesterday suggested that there are some conservatives who.

Would not be named -- who are not happy with that two ways that they're concerned.

That he will bring to the table these issues about Medicare and they wish that death.

That governor Ronnie had picked do you know do you still -- that governor Ronnie had picked you don't.

Well governor Romney made a great choice I think congressman Ryan and he had a will make a great team as they do not only the campaign the governing.

And to the extent this bring some attention to the need for.

Entitlement reform and our country that's an important debate Martha so.

I think as a country as people will want to have leaders who are willing to be bold who are willing to put specific proposals on the table.

And -- that's a debate that governor Romney by this choice is embracing -- the country needs that debate.

So I think it's a terrific pick I'm excited for governor Romney and congressman Ryan and happy to help them get elected and hopefully govern.

If there's been a lot of lead discussion also back at them together about Ryan Romney and that they sort of make each other look better making each other sound better -- governor Romney's top -- on the campaign trail.

In the past 24 to 48 hours and we've seen him before.

I do think that's the case that that this says that this combination it you know has sort of given the governor some strength of -- that he might out of have a fourth.

Well I think the selection of congressman Ryan has energized the ticket energize the Republican Party and really animated and energize the debate you can see it not only and there words and their speeches but I think he can see it in -- larger crowds I think you can see it in that.

Tone and tempo of the ads in the speeches and the like so yes I think the pick has energized the ticket.

And -- energize the debate.

You've been did -- vice presidential rounds a couple of times now very disappointed that that is not a role that's gonna be years this time and we'll what does it tell you about your own future.

Well I've said all along -- that I thought I could best serve governor Romney and in other ways it was honored to be considered I'm not disappointing to -- I really didn't expect that I would be selected for.

A variety of reasons including my state of Minnesota which I love -- filled with wonderful people but it hasn't gone Republican.

I in a presidential race since 1972.

Which is the longest unbroken streak of voting Democrat for president of any station.

In the nation and as to my future I'm helping governor Romney is a volunteer and and enjoy my time in the private sector.

Well Leo is to attack -- you governor thank you so much we'll speak with -- -- thanks Martha.

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