All Things Considered

What’s it like to be on the VP shortlist? A former Minnesota Governor explains the vetting process

McCain and Pawlenty
An archival photo of then presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty speak to attendees at a town hall meeting McCain held at the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul.
Bill Alkofer | MPR News

Vice President Kamala Harris spent her weekend meeting with potential running mate candidates, and other news outlets have cited that Gov. Tim Walz met with Harris to interview for the job.

This isn’t the first time a Minnesota governor has been considered to be a vice presidential pick for the election ticket. Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty was a potential running mate pick twice, once in 2008 for candidate John McCain and in 2012 when Mitt Romney was the Republican nominee.

Pawlenty explains his personal experience with the vetting process with All Things Considered guest host Emily Reese.

Click play on the player above to listen to the full interview.