Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is currently in the midst of a 1,500-mile RV campaign tour, spreading his message: the challenger to President Barack Obama will be a pragmatic former governor, better known for getting things done than giving good speeches, AP reports.

"You can't move the needle by showing up and giving a speech here or there," Pawlenty told the Associated Press. "You've got to have a sustained comprehensive concentrated campaign, and in the last three weeks we've had that."

During the 18 months Pawlenty has built his presidential campaign, he has faced some bumps in the road. Pawlenty received much media criticism for his debate performance earlier this summer in addition to low fundraising and single-digit showings in the polls.

But Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad argues Pawlenty shouldn't be counted out just yet.

"He's kind of like the tortoise that just keeps going," Branstad said in an AP interview. "He's putting a strong organization together. He's working at it. He's putting the time in here. That's why I'm saying 'don't just write him off.' That effort and getting the right people on board — come January he might be in a much stronger position."

Pawlenty has had a robust television, radio and direct mail presence in Iowa. AP reports since his “vanilla” debate performance he's taken a sharper tone against rival Rep. Michele Bachmann, casting her as inexperienced.