Tim Pawlenty makes GOP 2012 bid official

Updated at 7:35 a.m. Eastern.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Republican Tim Pawlenty says his presidential campaign will tell the American people the truth and suggests that President Barack Obama doesn't.

The former Minnesota governor released an Internet video Sunday ahead of a public appearance Monday in Iowa, where he planned to formally enter the race for the 2012 Republican nomination.

Pawlenty says in the video what aides already had disclosed, saying, "I'm running for president of the United States." He says the country needs a president who will tell the American people the truth about the severe challenges facing the country and how America can get back on track.

Pawlenty says, "President Obama won't do that. I will."

Pawlenty had long been hinting at a run for the White House, even participating in the first GOP 2012 presidential nomination debate.

At that debate, Pawlenty was able to stand out among the small group of potential candidates, and he praised Mr. Obama for the killing of Osama bin Laden, but that was about the only nice thing he had to say about the president at the time.

"He did a good job. I tip my cap to him in that moment," Pawlenty said during the debate. "But that moment is not the sum total of his decisions on America's foreign policy."

He also implied Obama was a hypocrite, suggesting the same interrogation techniques Obama so harshly criticized in the 2008 campaign may have actually led to bin Laden's capture and killing. "He should be asked about that," Pawlenty said.

The Democratic party responded swiftly to Pawlenty's announcement, asking rhetorically in an online video, "Why?," the former governor had decided to join the race.

The ad (click the player below to watch it) suggests Pawlenty "can't articulate a coherent vision for the country because he doesn't have one." It takes issue with Pawlenty's handling of Minnesota's economy during his run as governor, and suggests he's offered varying views on issues including cap and trade.

Pawlenty appeared on CBS' "The Early Show" on Monday morning, saying he was running to try and regain control of a federal government run amok.