The Odd Couple: Obama & Pawlenty

One of Barack Obama's greatest strengths is his ability to make a political speech without saying much of anything specific at all. Listeners can then project their own specifics onto Obama's audaciously hopeful outline. It's a brilliant formula.

But one thing Obama has been specific on is merit pay for teachers. Several weeks ago at the National Education Association's meeting in Philadelphia, Obama was actually boo'ed by teachers when he mentioned the Minnesota program created by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Look for the Minnesota program, dubbed "Q Comp" (Quality Compensation), to become an important part of the national education policy conversation.

The New York Times profiled the Minnesota program here.