How Bachmann and Pawlenty performed in the GOP debate

by Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann spent her first full day as a presidential candidate collecting positive reviews for her performance in Monday evening's GOP debate.

House Speaker John Boehner said she did a "really good job" in the debate, where she also officially announced her candidacy.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty also participated in the New Hampshire forum, along with five other Republican presidential candidates. Some commentators were not as positive about Pawlenty's performance.

Eric Ostermeier, a research associate at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and write of the Smart Politics blog, spoke with MPR's Tom Crann about his evaluation of the debate.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 06/14/2011, 4:44 p.m.