Halperin's Take

Maybe (just maybe) it is the right strategy for Pawlenty to shy away from confronting Romney in that way in their first face off. But why, oh why, telegraph it and discuss strategy with reporters that way? Pawlenty is a tougher guy than his demeanor suggests, and/but he needs to avoid anything that projects weakness. Saying in advance he "probably" won't repeat the phrase is wishy washy on its face.