Tim Pawlenty, defender-in-chief of the Romney family?

Score: Tim Pawlenty 1, Democratic National Committee 0.

The former Minnesota governor, widely viewed as a finalist in the Republican veepstakes, had a few choice words for the DNC after it released two online videos featuring the Romney family's dressage horse as a symbol of how Romney "dances" around issues like his tax returns and the auto bailout. The horse also happens to be part of Ann Romney's regime to fight multiple sclerosis.

"Shame on them, really," Pawlenty told ABC News on Wednesday, though he said he had not seen the videos. "I mean, this is something that she does as a hobby to help her condition as a therapy for having MS, and it gives her great relief and great joy. And I think by her own account and the account of her medical professionals, it helps her. That's something she shared with others as a sport or hobby or therapy who are facing life challenges or disabilities, and to make light of that or to criticize that, I think, is really, really low. I wish they wouldn't do that."

(Pawlenty defended Romney on the release of his tax returns on "CBS This Morning.")

On Thursday morning, the DNC announced it was done with dressage. "Our use of the Romneys' dressage horse was not meant to offend Mrs. Romney in any way, and we regret it if it did," Woodhouse told ABC News. "We were simply making a point about Governor Romney's failure to give straight answers on a variety of issues in this race. We have no plans to invoke the horse any further to avoid misinterpretation."

A coincidence? Probably, but it certainly doesn't hurt Pawlenty to come across as defender in chief of the Romney family.

[fiberglass3]

I don't think so Tim, but nice try.

I'll bet the offshore bank accounts and lack of details regarding their taxes also gives her great relief and great joy.

[venusvegasvada]

Classic. You think you've had it bad up until now?

Get ready for team:

Romney
And
Pawlenty
Esquire

[wfw3536]

Shame on the democratic party and the Obama campaign for their lack of knowledge about Mrs Romney's fight against MS. And the fact they would stoop to make fun and mock a great tradition all horse lovers enjoy at seeing in competitions. But, I guess if your campaign is desparate, you will do almost anything to get re elected.

[bud278]

Have you actually seen the ad? I think the point was to show how unconnected Romney is to most of the people in this country. Dressage is, and has always been, a sport for the elite. Its use in the ad had nothing to do with Mrs. Romney's struggles with MS, but rather the disconnect betweent the haves and have-nots.

[retmw2]

2 more brownie points for you Tim.

[Jaylah54200]

Typical TeaPublican. Commenting on something he knows nothing about.

I think it speaks volumes about Romney's candidacy that he even needs a "defender-in-chief."

[lesserof2evil]

By the same token, Pawlenty should have also objected to the criticism of Robmee using Swiss bank accounts and shell companies in the Cayman islands to dodge taxes. After all, Robmee is just doing what everyman in America is doing, trying to provide for his family the best he can.