Midday: Meeting Tim Pawlenty and Mondale analyzes world events

At 11 a.m., Gary Eichten's "Meet the candidates" series features Gov. Tim Pawlenty. (Wednesday DFLerMike Hatch was in, and Friday is Independence Party nominee Peter Hutchinson). The governor will be taking listener calls.

At noon, Former Vice President and former ambassador to Japan Walter Mondale will be Gary's guest to talk about global events, including a nuclear Korea. He will also be taking calls.

I admit that I don't like Pawlenty because he is a Republican. I just wasn't that won over by Hatch on MPR yesterday and found that Pawlenty sounded more assured of his convictions. Granted the man is "in" his position where he wishes to stay and has the confidence to speak more freely at this juncture. I just appreciated his conviction, but I'm still likely going have to vote for the virtually unknown Mike Hatch just so I can sleep at night.