How Bachmann and Pawlenty performed in the GOP debate

GOP debate
Seven Republican presidential hopefuls participated in a debate in Manchester, N.H. Monday evening June 13, 2011. The debate was sponsored by CNN.
Photo courtesy of CNN

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.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.