Tim Pawlenty Running for President

Tim Pawlenty made the obvious official a day earlier than planned: The Republican is running for president. Pawlenty says his campaign will tell the American people the truth ... and suggests that President Barack Obama doesn't. The former Minnesota governor released an Internet video today ahead of a public appearance tomorrow in Iowa, where he planned to formally enter the race for the 2012 GOP nomination.

Pawlenty says in the video what aides already had disclosed, saying, "I'm running for president of the United States." He says the country needs a president who will tell the American people the truth about the severe challenges facing the country and how America can get back on track. Pawlenty says, "President Obama won't do that. I will." He adds, "Together, we will change this country, and this time it'll be for the better." (More Tim Pawlenty stories.)