2012 presidential candidates `friend' social media

The 2016 election may be three still three years away, but Republicans are already starting to audition for a spot in what is shaping up to be a very crowded Republican presidential primary.  Upwards of 15 conservative pols are quietly pondering White House bids, and several — Marco Rubio, Rand Paul — have already made their national ambitions well-known. 

Last week, I lamented that GOP Presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty's mercantilist statements on free trade were somewhat contradictory and really mundane.  His latest statements on trade, however, are more troubling and have him increasingly looking like the GOP's protectionist for 2012 (there's always at least one).

I inadvertently left off an item regarding trade wars that I intended to mention in Mish 2012 Predictions; 2011 Year in Review with Max Keiser. I also have some commentary on the US election, precious metals, and energy. Trade Wars

Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, who dropped out of the GOP primary race after the Iowa straw poll, says he likes ex-Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney's ability to get things done.