2012 Tuesday: The efforts to brand Michele Bachmann a ditz
It’s Michele Bachmann’s turn in the spotlight as the fast-rising fresh face in the Republican presidential field, and so far she’s holding up better than Herman Cain did. Surely some of the difference comes from her experience as a successful political candidate. But a great deal of it comes from the fact that she is, as she told Fox News’ Chris Wallace after his lame question, “Are you a flake?”, a serious person.
That’s not at all to suggest Cain isn’t a serious person, only to point out that the reputation of Bachmann coming into this contest is at odds with how she’s performed as a candidate so far. At some point, the political and pundit class is going to have to notice her performance and life experiences and acknowledge it.
Too many people are still in denial, as the ridiculous amount of attention paid to Bachmann’s supposed gaffe Monday about John Wayne’s birthplace demonstrates. It’s not only that this attention is out of whack compared to President Obama’s most recent gaffe, about whether a particular Medal of Honor recipient was alive at the time the award was made. (The list of Obama’s misstatements is not short, even if it hasn’t spurred a book just yet so far as I know, but that’s understandable when someone speaks publicly as much as Obama has — which is one reason I don’t make a big deal of them.)
The Bachmann-gaffe reporters want to portray her not as a poor public speaker but as a dolt. No, it’s more gender-specific than that. They want to portray her — and I think this is the word Wallace meant when he said “flake” — as a ditz. As “Barbie with fangs,” as Washington Post columnist Colby King actually called her last week.
This narratives contradicts everything these reporters — let’s not pretend most of them don’t tend toward left-liberal politics — claim to believe about gender equality and sexism.
Not a single one of them would flinch at saying the sexes are equal. Such a thing doesn’t threaten to undermine their (alleged) objectivity; it underpins it. They would proclaim this belief proudly. And rightfully so.
But they don’t practice this belief when it comes to covering female politicians — excuse me, conservative female politicians. Even the gaffe-tastic Joe Biden doesn’t get the treatment Bachmann and Sarah Palin get.
Speaking of Palin, here’s a second point about Bachmann. What sense of gender equality is promoted by the perpetual linking of Bachmann and Palin? By the conventional wisdom that the 2012 Republican field isn’t big enough for two women? Can you imagine, back in 2008, rumors of a potential Nancy Pelosi run for president spurring such comments as, “Well, she can’t get in unless Hillary Clinton gets out”?
I don’t know whether the Bachmann and Palin haters resent the fact that both women have been successful at balancing their careers and family, or that both remain attractive well past age 40 (Palin is 47, Bachmann 55). But I am certain that they resent the fact that both women defy the left’s preference for — dare I say stereotype of — women who hold the line for abortion rights, among other left-wing policies.
And, getting back to Cain, none of this is even to mention the hatred and slurs directed at a black Republican running for president. (Go to Google and start typing “Herman Cain US Navy,” the branch of the armed services for which he once worked; before you can type the “S,” you’ll get the suggestion “Herman Cain Uncle Tom.”)
While a white guy (Mitt Romney) is the favorite in the nominating contest right now, and another white guy (Rick Perry) is seen by many as having the best chance of defeating Romney, the days of all-white, all-male fields are as over for the GOP as they are for Democrats. Besides Bachmann, Cain and Palin, the coming years very likely will see Republicans such as Sen. Marco Rubio or Govs. Nikki Haley, Bobby Jindal and Susana Martinez competing on the national stage.
Maybe one day, the so-called elites throwing barbs at “Barbie” candidates and tomatoes at “Uncle Toms” will notice.
***
Housekeeping note: Starting today, I’ll post a “2012 Tuesday” blog about the presidential race each Tuesday around lunchtime. That doesn’t mean I won’t comment on the election on other days, just that you’ll want to come back at this time each Tuesday to read about and discuss the race.
– By Kyle Wingfield
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
109 comments Add your comment
GW
June 28th, 2011
12:32 pm
Maybe one day, the so-called elites throwing barbs at “Barbie” candidates and tomatoes at “Uncle Toms” will notice.
Shouldn’t that be “elites” as well or maybe even “so-called elites”.
Sandy Springs=Speed Trap
June 28th, 2011
12:34 pm
Isn’t being branded a ditz by the media true of ANY Female Republican candidate, deservedly so or otherwise?
Sandy Springs = SpeedTrap, USA
June 28th, 2011
12:36 pm
By the way, Republican or Democrat, I’d advise anyone with disposable income for goods and services to dispose of it ELSEWHERE than Sandy Springs.
Also, Liberal Women are U-G-L-Y.
Conservative Women? Not so much.
BlahBlahBlah
June 28th, 2011
12:40 pm
It’s not just one gaffe. It’s her slew of talk show appearances since she became a Tea Party favorite. She’s got an entire portfolio of stupidity available on YouTube for public consumption.
Churchill's MOM.....Ron Paul for President
June 28th, 2011
12:53 pm
I don’t understand how a thinking woman can be anti abortion.
BULLSEYE
June 28th, 2011
12:55 pm
Bachmann…save yer money honey.
griftdrift
June 28th, 2011
12:56 pm
A google search equals the political dialogue?
And here’s the difference. Politicians make flubs all the time. The difference with Bachmann is instead of acknowledging she misspoke, she doubles down on the stupidity even when faced with facts and reality!
But then again, I’m sure that’s some how the “left leaning” media’s fault too.
Jefferson
June 28th, 2011
12:57 pm
She the best of the rest of those GOP liars.
GA Voter
June 28th, 2011
12:58 pm
2012 Tuesday: The efforts to brand Michele Bachmann a ditz
It doesn’t take any “effort” – so much rubbish comes out her mouth, she kind of does it to herself. I used to refer to her as the Stepford Republican because she when she was on talk shows, she looked like a total idiot when she would espouse GOP talking points that were total fiction or distortions and smile while doing it. Even Palin looks intellectual compared to her – God help us if she gets close to being nominated.
Jefferson
June 28th, 2011
1:04 pm
Have you ever seen such a frustrated group as the GOP supporters, and they owe it to themselves…
emo
June 28th, 2011
1:14 pm
“Also, Liberal Women are U-G-L-Y.
Conservative Women? Not so much.”
So,how much was that full-length poster of Eva Galambos?
Scooter (The Original)
June 28th, 2011
1:14 pm
What does it matter when a “media” will focus coverage on Bachmann’s little gaffes and totally ignore The Obama’s big ones… like showing U.S. troops he doesn’t remember which living soldier he hung a Medal of Honor around? What a disgrace and insult to our fighting men and women.
Dick Cheney
June 28th, 2011
1:16 pm
Insidious things like “Politifact” and “spell-checker” are left-wing plots to undermine the GOP.
arnold
June 28th, 2011
1:17 pm
In the immortal words of Popye, “I yam who I yam”. She’s made her bed, now she has to live with it.
Bart Abel
June 28th, 2011
1:18 pm
Confusing John Wayne with a serial killer is the tip of the iceberg for Michelle Bachman. Today we learned that she’s under the impression that John Quincy Adams, nine years old when the Declaration of Independence was signed, was a founding father. She’s under the impression that Revolutionary War battles that took place in that Concord, MA and Lexington, MA were battles that took place in New Hampshire. She also believes that evolution is a hoax, that teachers are indoctrinating kids to turn gay, that the swine flu is an Obama conspiracy to take over America, that the Census would be used to put Americans into concentration camps, and that Congress should investigate President Obama to determine if he is “anti-American”. The list goes on.
Fox News’ Chris Wallace asking Bachmann if she is a flake has nothing to do with the “liberal” media or her gender and has everything to do with the fact that she’s a flake.
Jefferson
June 28th, 2011
1:21 pm
My, my, my — she a lady of the 80s….
jconservative
June 28th, 2011
1:26 pm
“2012 Tuesday”
Good idea Kyle, most of us political junkies will enjoy the give and take.
Interesting to note Palin and Bachmann as of today.
Bachmann started “presidential politics life” with the reputation as a “flake”. (Wallace used the word on purpose.) But she has turned her image around completely. The reports from the last debate had her looking and sounding presidential. She is on top of the issues. She is today a dead serious contender for the Republican nomination. She must be reckoned with in the campaign.
Since her unveiling by McCain I 2008 I thought Palin had the political skills to be a presidential contender. But she completely unraveled. She abandoned her post as Governor, abandoned
serious political discussion for cute Twitters and concentrated on making money. (Making money is a virtue where I come from.) But she looks the opposite of presidential. She has the command of the issues of a high school dropout.
Bachmann looks presidential. Palin looks like Kyle’s “ditz”.
Bachmann has passed Palin who is yesterday’s news. And the speed with which this happened is stunning.
I am not a Bachmann fan but I gotta give her a ton of credit for what she has done in the last few months.
Under the Bachmann column put me down as a “remote possibility” as a supporter.
arnold
June 28th, 2011
1:31 pm
Kyle,
Do you stay up nights wondering where the next liberal conspiracy is that is going to blind side you? There’s more to life than being obsessed about a different political persuasion. I certainly don’t wish ill will on conservatives nor liberals. I want the fools to come to their senses and work together. No, they are not doing it now. Ultimatums are not getting anything done.
emo
June 28th, 2011
1:32 pm
Chris Wallace’s mistake was in not phrasing the question according to Fox protocol: “People say you’re a flake. How do you respond to them?”
Reuel
June 28th, 2011
1:42 pm
LIST OBAMA’s GAFFE’s FIRST
He is already a nominee not just a primary candidate.
try:
http://bungalowbillscw.blogspot.com/2011/06/another-obama-gaffe-claims-dead-soldier.html
BE FAIR & SQUARE.
finn mccool
June 28th, 2011
1:48 pm
“Her experience as a successful political candidate.”
And that’s it, that’s all she’s done – no legislation. Isn’t that what conservatives berated Big O about????
Dave R.
June 28th, 2011
1:49 pm
The key phrase here, Kyle, is “how well she’s performed”.
She’s being severely coached this past month or so, and that coaching shows she can learn (rather than a certain former Alaskan governor), but in this case it’s masking (for now) the “flake” or “ditz” factor with Bachmann.
I remain much more impressed with Cain who doesn’t compromise or mute his statements, rather than with one who does in order to seem more electable.
In the end, no one moves from the House to the White House, so all she’s doing is setting herself up for a possible VP slot on the ticket.
Reuel
June 28th, 2011
1:49 pm
@emo
Wallace intentionally used the evil tactics he condemned & highlighted in 2005
http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/10/16/80900.shtml
He has just exposed the truth the the media is bias.
Where are the apologies of the other biased journalists?
“Vengence are mine, I will repay said the Lord”.
Perhaps the bad economy is a curse from God for the evil by O. and the biased media.
VOTE for Bachmann 2012 to bring back blessings.
finn mccool
June 28th, 2011
1:52 pm
More of the conservative’s “whoa is us” victimization. “If you don’t agree with us you’re an elitist liberal jerk. If you agree with us, you are fair and balanced”
Fletch
June 28th, 2011
1:52 pm
I think Brit Hume said it best ” She could probably win the nomination, but I doubt she could win the election”
Bachmanns biggest problem is that she doesn’t bring anything to the table for the INDEPENDENT voter. Die hard Dems arent going to vote for her, Die hard GOPS arent going to support her, so that only leaves the independents. Who, since they have no party affiliation, tend to seriously analyze every candidate before casting their vote. In that regard, Bachmann just doesn’t pass muster.
finn mccool
June 28th, 2011
2:03 pm
Kyle,
Can you also give us a day of the week you want to devote to conservative victimhood?
Whimps
Mwuauauauuauauau
ATF
June 28th, 2011
2:19 pm
bachmann is too far to the right to win the nomination for the presidency. Even the GOP knows they have to appeal to the independents to win the election. That leaves her as the potential vice-president nominee; the one to “get-out-the-evangelical-vote”. And, again, I think the independents won’t put someone so extreme a heart-beat away. She will defeat the ticket the same way Palin did for McCain.
What she does do is make someone like Romney look reasonable, although if he keeps denying the good things he did while governor in order to appeal to the far right, he could lose it too.
We really need someone in the middle – not as it is defined by the far right – but as it is defined by independents. And that means someone who will compromise to get things done. It also means someone who has enough belief in the role of government to see to it that it runs well. And, guess what? We need someone who actually recognizes that 50% of the people of this country would actually support higher taxes on the well-to-do and support gay marriage.
Kyle Wingfield
June 28th, 2011
2:19 pm
Fletch: I wouldn’t disagree with that and, truth be told, at this point don’t plan to vote for her myself. But I think she ought to be judged on what she’d do as president rather than whether she refers to John Wayne or John Wayne Gacy, or John Adams or John Quincy Adams.
It’s the same way I won’t vote for Obama because of his policies, not because he misspoke about his uncle liberating Auschwitz or his birth being in part the result of civil-rights marches that happened after he was born.
Fletch
June 28th, 2011
2:28 pm
ATF @ 2:19
That’s exactly what Independents do. They don’t vote along party lines, and are just as likely to vote GOP as they are DEM. They look at the individual, and weigh the pluses and minuses. If a candidate pushes too far Left, no vote. If a candidate pushes too far Right, no vote. Any candidate that is seeking office has to realize that independent voters are not going to be swayed by simply bashing Obama and laying the destruction of America at his feet any more than they will be by a candidate claiming that the down fall of America rests solely on Republican policies. Compromise and Balance is what independent voters look for. When a candidates only hope of victory rests on throwing as much dirt as possible on their opponent, the independent voter typically will withdraw and wait for the most qualified candidate to emerge.
GW
June 28th, 2011
3:10 pm
You Republicans should quit calling your candidates all sorts of names. Set an example, Kyle. You called your own candidates more names than anyone I know has done. It’s either that or you hang out with the wrong crowd. Might I suggest you avoid people like Limbaugh and Hannity and Beck…
DebbieDoRight
June 28th, 2011
3:19 pm
Kyle: The Bachmann-gaffe reporters want to portray her not as a poor public speaker but as a dolt. No, it’s more gender-specific than that. They want to portray her — and I think this is the word Wallace meant when he said “flake” — as a ditz. As “Barbie with fangs,” as Washington Post columnist Colby King actually called her last week.
wow talk about hitting the nail on the head……..
Kyle: the days of all-white, all-male fields are as over for the GOP as they are for Democrats.
Sure they are….. wink, wink….
Bullseye: Bachmann…save yer money honey.
Quote of the day
Insidious things like “Politifact” and “spell-checker” are left-wing plots to undermine the GOP.
hAHHAHAHAHA
Road Scholar
June 28th, 2011
3:20 pm
She has done better than I had expected, but I still cannot stand the sound of her voice!
Bullwinkle
June 28th, 2011
3:23 pm
Why did Chris Wallace feel the need to apologize? I wouldn’t be offended if he asked me, “Are you a moose?”
DebbieDoRight
June 28th, 2011
3:28 pm
Kyle: It’s the same way I won’t vote for Obama because of his policies, not because ………………his birth being in part the result of civil-rights marches that happened after he was born.
Kyle FYI – there were civil rights marches in the 40’s, 50’s and yes, the 60’s. You can even claim that the first nationally recognized march was done in 1957 (Little Rock 8, SCLC) and in 1958 the sit-ins started.
Facts & History, it’ll screw up Republican talking points every time………
Kyle Wingfield
June 28th, 2011
3:42 pm
GW: Show me one example where I’ve called any candidate of any party “a name.”
Debbie: I’m not the one who specified the 1965 Selma march at an event commemorating it. Obama is. Tell it to him.
Shawny
June 28th, 2011
4:14 pm
And right on cue, Bookman’s blog does Bachmann.
Ayn Rant
June 28th, 2011
4:18 pm
Here’s a great idea! Raise politics to the level of issues and not personalities.
The height of groundless ridicule is the continuous, generously-financed slander of President Obama; the Republican ladies you mention participate in it, then whine when someone makes a big deal of their minor gaffes involving nothing of importance.
But wait! Can it be that Palin and Bachmann, like the other Republican candidates, don’t grasp the issues and have no solutions to the problems of the American people? Bachmann is all for cutting the federal budget deficit, but hasn’t a clue about how to fill the economic hole left by gutting the GDP by 14%.
Ragnar Danneskjöld
June 28th, 2011
4:19 pm
I think that – so far – any of the Republican candidates appears to be more substantial than a “community organizer.” And so far, all demonstrate a better grasp of economics than the current space holder in the oval office.
td
June 28th, 2011
4:22 pm
I think all you libs are scared of a strong, politically conservative woman. I can still remember the way the media treated Thatcher (sp?). She was one of the toughest leaders the world has ever seen and the left wing media lost their minds. They are trying to do the same thing now with Bachman. They must be scared.
Kyle, Do not forget about 57 states.
Ragnar Danneskjöld
June 28th, 2011
4:24 pm
Dear Ayn @ 4:18, the error in your economics is your assumption that Federal spending contributes to economic efficiency. It does not, it is simply a black hole expenditure. Leave that money in the private sector, and the roses will bloom.
GW
June 28th, 2011
4:31 pm
Kyle,
Let’s not play semantics, k. You used the names ditz and dolt without a citation. If you want change then do your part with a simple non-partisan post condemning name calling.
Ayn Rant
June 28th, 2011
4:57 pm
Ragnar, there is no error in my math or my economics: the current federal deficit is 14% GDP, and it’s spent on jobs that pay the American consumers of products and services.
Capital is readily available, interest rates have never been lower, large corporations are sitting on billions of dollars, yet roses are not blooming in our economy. There is a shortage of consumer demand due to 9% unemployment and the lowest labor participation rate among the developed countries.
The deficit is financed by American investors and foreign sovereign funds. These investments will be diverted to new opportunities that offer security and good return. That is not likely to be business ventures in an economy depleted of 14% of its jobs and consumer resources.
Halftrack
June 28th, 2011
4:59 pm
Kyle; Contrast Rep. females against the media’s treatment of Hillary. How does the contrast of the 2 playing fields look among the media? Bias & Prejudice is the only answer. When are real journalist gonna show up and ask good questions about issues and principles???
gm
June 28th, 2011
5:30 pm
Hermain Cain, reality is setting in with your party, these people have no intention of making you a party leader, hello, Michel Steele, it looked good on paper for a minute, African American conservatives and every one is going to rally behind you, but conservatives rep are who they are a bunch of bigots who will never change, please Hermain do yourself a favor and leave now, before you look as sad as Richard Steele, who fox news wont even allow back on their nework.
Bachmann, has no chance, this women wants to cut benefis from the vets, this is the same hypocrite who claims she hate goverment but tried to get money for her state.
Bac
saywhat?
June 28th, 2011
5:35 pm
Olympia Snowe. Ann Richardson. Christine Todd Whitman. Nikki Haley. Have any of them been portrayed as ditzes, wackos, nut jobs, flakes? Not that I can recall. Perhaps Bachmann and Palin suffered this fate by their own hands. After all, while the gaffes are more fun to laugh at, its the serious statements they make regarding idiotic extreme right wing policies they would like to see in place that condemn them as unviable candidates.
At least neither of them have been accused of orchestrating a murder.
Moderate Line
June 28th, 2011
6:04 pm
corner of the United States. I’ve now been in 57 states? I think one left to go. Alaska and Hawaii, I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit, but my staff would not justify it.”
+++++
If she knows how many states there are she already has beaten Obama.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: Thee Magnificent!!! mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
June 28th, 2011
6:12 pm
“I’m not only a lawyer,” Michelle Bachmann told Wallace on “Fox News Sunday.” “I have a post-doctorate degree in federal tax law from William and Mary. I’ve worked in serious scholarship and worked in the United States federal tax court. My husband and I raised five kids. We’ve raised 23 foster children.”
She went on: “We’ve applied ourselves to education reform. We started a charter school for at-risk kids. I’ve also been a state senator and a member of the United States Congress for five years. I’ve been very active in our business. As a job creator, I understand job creation, but also I’ve been leading actively the movement in Washington, D.C., with those who are affiliated with fiscal reform.”
liberals can’t understand big words like these^^, so they throw their feces in a mindless rage (see bookman.)
Ignore them, yo.
ND
June 28th, 2011
6:50 pm
As an independent voter with good taste, I resent the implication that either Palin or Bachmann is attractive.
MrLiberty
June 28th, 2011
6:54 pm
In 2008 plenty of folks thought Ron Paul was crazy with his principled ideas about the economy, freedom, sound money, our foreign policy, etc. The only difference is that Ron Paul has been right about EVERYTHING.
Cain is a former Federal Reserve director and Bachman is a former IRS lawyer. These two represent everything that is WRONG with the big government in this country. Why would anyone consider them as presidential material.
Ron Paul 2012.
scott
June 28th, 2011
7:15 pm
you be the judge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvBPTg_o99o
DawgDad
June 28th, 2011
7:17 pm
If the MSM is taking pot shots at a candidate that’s a pretty solid endorsement in my book. Thanks for the tip, MSM. Guess I’ll have to start paying attention to Ms. Bachmann.
Chris Matthews
June 28th, 2011
7:35 pm
No person alive..not even Bush made as many goof-ups as Barrack Obama! Obama can only mubble without his teleprompter! He can’t think on his feet! John Stewart should do an Amos and Andy skit about Obama instead of Hermain Cain! Most liberals are racist anyway!!
hatorade drinkers
June 28th, 2011
7:56 pm
mwahahahaha
Politi Cal
June 28th, 2011
8:06 pm
We need a viable third party, and the Libertarian ain’t it. Democrats = Republicans in practically every way. Essentially, we are a one party nation. Conservative? The national debt rose higher under Bush than any preseident until Obama. Whoever follows Obama will, undoubtedly, surpass him. It’s the D. C. disease. Americans, we’re screwed.
JF McNamara
June 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
I’ll never vote for a religious fanatic. They become too set in their ways because they perceive God gave them some mission and it acts as a crutch to support poor decision making. I learned my lesson with W.
Being a Christian (or Mormon) is fine. Being so religious that it effects every decision you make is not. That just leads to less freedom. The only freedom an evangelical wants you to have is the freedom to go to church. I’ll pass on that kind of leadership.
Rafe Hollister
June 28th, 2011
8:10 pm
We need more people like Joe Biden, those that think long and hard before they blurt out nonsense.
I expect any day now to hear Bachman tell some guy in a wheelchair to stand up, like some idiot did. Stand up Chuck, oh my goodness!
eatmotacos
June 28th, 2011
8:14 pm
The number of stupid people in this country is astounding. This woman is a complete idiot.
“Bachmann supports the teaching of intelligent design in public school science classes. During a 2003 interview on the KKMS Christian radio program Talk The Walk, Bachmann said that evolution is a theory that has never been proven one way or the other. She co-authored a bill [that received no additional endorsement among her fellow legislators] that would require public schools to include alternative explanations for the origin of life as part of the state’s public school science curricula.[120] In October 2006, Bachmann told a debate audience in St. Cloud, Minnesota “there is a controversy among scientists about whether evolution is a fact or not…. There are hundreds and hundreds of scientists, many of them holding Nobel Prizes, who believe in intelligent design.”
Joe Biden
June 28th, 2011
8:15 pm
Gaffes are “not a big f***ing deal”.
As Barack says, hey you can’t be stupid Joe, your the VP of the 57 States.
Joe Biden
June 28th, 2011
8:16 pm
should that be your or you’re, never did learn that, but Delaware has excellent pubic schools.
Uncle Billy
June 28th, 2011
8:23 pm
Kyle, as Democrat I hope Michele wins the nomination.
Lee
June 28th, 2011
8:25 pm
After seeing Hardball’s infamous Bachman interview, when she said she would love to see the press do an in-depth expose on Congress to see which representatives were for America or against America, it locked in a bad first impression. So much so, I respectfully asked her to stop pushing that line of thinking for the most of obvious reasons Young citizens, (anyone younger than 50 years of age) please Google: Joseph McCarthy for important historical perspective. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_McCarthy
Rep. Bachman is scary because she constantly reminds those of old enough to remember what America went through during the dark McCarthy era. Someone who does not know history, is doomed to repeat it. While Bachman may know about tax law, and how to be a great parent, clearly she doesn’t know enough about our country’s history, and who ever is spoon feeding her information about the locals she is about to visit, apparently doesn’t know much either (John Wayne, versus John Wayne Gacy.) If you don’t know a lot of history, and you are prone to wing it , you need to surround yourself with layers of professionals with the highest standards to bounce your bad ideas off.
The truth
June 28th, 2011
9:04 pm
Chris Matthews
June 28th, 2011
7:35 pm
No person alive..not even Bush made as many goof-ups as Barrack Obama! Obama can only mubble without his teleprompter!
So, Obama trying to help the poor (white and black) and provide free health care is worse than sending thousands to die in 2 senseless wars?..the only thing wrong with Obama is his SKIN color..When will WHITE people grow up and get a life?
GT
June 28th, 2011
9:11 pm
Even Nancy Pelosi shows courage in her belief and doesn’t look like a Geritol cheerleader mouthing whatever the adults wants to hear her say. Like Llyod Bentsen said, “I knew John Kennedy and you sir are no John Kennedy” Defending the strong, bully the weak may not be the traits of a flake but they are the ingredients of hate. All the plastic in the world can’t cover that up and that is her only political talent. Wallace for once forgot he was a clown in a circus and acted like a professional journalist. I think Jon Stewart must have gotten to him. When you lecture on the virtues of meaness you may get a pass from the church members but that third party independent sees you for what you are and those graffes are louder on the self rightous, even if she is a foster mother of 20 children and a flake.
Moderate Line
June 28th, 2011
9:11 pm
Uncle Billy
June 28th, 2011
8:23 pm
Kyle, as Democrat I hope Michele wins the nomination.
+++
As a moderate those kind of statements make me sad, especially when elections can be determine by forces outside the two canidates control. For example, if the economy tank anybody the Republicans nominate would probably win.
I would like to both parties nominate the best canidates possible. Is to bad people are more concerned about wining and losing than the country.
mmm, mmm, mmm, Barack the LIAR Obama
June 28th, 2011
9:28 pm
Herman Cain is the MAN, get your head out of your butt and you would see that.
snoqualmiefalls
June 28th, 2011
9:50 pm
Just another clown elebowing into the official Clown Car called the Republican Presidential wanna be’s.
Her ideas represent the very best of the John Birch Society circa 1965.
eatmotacos
June 28th, 2011
9:54 pm
Our country has gone to hell in a hand basket because people are too lazy to think for themselves. That is how we ended up with two selfserving crooks in a row for governor. Voters have no input in who the political parties shove in front of them – it doesn’t matter if they are a crook, child molester, or ax murderer – they will mindlessly support them just because the guys in the backroom picked them. What they don’t seem to realize is that the guys in the back room’s criteria is very different from their own..
Lil' Barry Bailout
June 28th, 2011
10:16 pm
Ever notice how any conservative who isn’t a white male comes in for especially vitriolic hatred and spasms of rage from the leftards?
Don’t step off the plantation, women and people of color, unless you’re ready to hear the bile from the left.
Al
June 28th, 2011
10:24 pm
Michelle Bachmann reminds me of the Sea Hag from the old Popeye cartoons. Ever notice how gay republicans like Lil’ Barry have nothing of value to say? It’s always, “you are different than me, you suck!”
Lil' Barry Bailout
June 28th, 2011
10:35 pm
Nothing to say, and yet Al must respond…
td
June 28th, 2011
10:35 pm
eatmotacos
June 28th, 2011
9:54 pm
Why can you and others not join the “backroom” and change the process? Money may have influence but it does back down to the power of the people. The real problem is apathy. We have way to many people that do not care about the political process and are to lazy and self absorbed to gt involved.
td
June 28th, 2011
10:36 pm
Lil’ Barry Bailout
June 28th, 2011
10:16 pm
Ever notice how any conservative who isn’t a white male comes in for especially vitriolic hatred and spasms of rage from the leftards?
Don’t step off the plantation, women and people of color, unless you’re ready to hear the bile from the left.
You are totally right with that statement.
Intown
June 28th, 2011
10:44 pm
This isn’t about Bachman’s gender. It’s about her being a whack job. These extremist candidates simply cannot win a general election with even a moderately strong candidate on the other side. Thank G!
yuzeyurbrane
June 28th, 2011
11:40 pm
As Freud once said (not really but still true), “sometimes a banana is just a banana”.
Alice
June 29th, 2011
12:07 am
Look, I know everyone makes mistakes and I don’t usually hold it against a person if they make a gaffe. I even like Joe Biden (I think the has lovely Irish eyes). Anyway, that mixing John Wayne and John Wayne Gacey is just funny man. That’s just funny.
Michele, when you a google a region you’ve got to read a little more than just the blurb on the search page. You’ve got to click on the link and read the whole story. My, what a difference one little name makes. That is so funny. I can’t vote for her for that reason but I think I will vote for Romney. He has lovely Irish eyes too. When Irish eyes are smilin’ ……
boogie
June 29th, 2011
2:02 am
Bachmann is the candidate of choice for those who feel Palin’s too intellectual.
Barack Obama
June 29th, 2011
5:20 am
Hey, you people call me an Islamo-Fascist Nazi UnAmerican Socialist all the time!!! What’s good for the goose…
Hypocrites
Lil' Barry Bailout
June 29th, 2011
6:24 am
Intown: This isn’t about Bachman’s gender. It’s about her being a whack job.
———————–
The Democrats always have a cover story for their hatred of people who support America and its founding principles.
Joel Edge
June 29th, 2011
6:48 am
Palin must be breathing a sigh of relief. With Bachmann and Cain in the race this is giving her a slight break from the media attack dogs.
Real American
June 29th, 2011
6:51 am
There is no effort on anyone’s part except Bachmann…and she’s doing a helluva job!
GW
June 29th, 2011
6:56 am
Ok. After reading more about Bachmann I find myself in agreement with Kyle after all — she is a ditzy dolt.
Streetracer
June 29th, 2011
7:04 am
“Barack Obama” @ 5:20 I have never called you, or your “namesake” anything but foolish.
However, I do get a little upset at those who call me “racist” because I believe in self reliance and that each person is responsible for the consequences of their decisions/choices. I’m kind of tired of the legions who insist that “I made some bad choices. Somebody (government) should fix it for me.”
Jefferson
June 29th, 2011
7:47 am
When are you money lovers going to start “settleing” for somebody who is goofy like you always do?
Jerome Horwitz
June 29th, 2011
7:56 am
Ms. Bachman’s John Wayne gaffe is really small potatoes compared with her outrageous remarks chronicled on PolitiFact – which is highly non partisan. Probably 9/10’s of her remarks are rated Barely True to Pants on Fire. She plays fast and loose with the facts.
On the other hand I do respect the fact that her family has cared for 20+ foster children over the years.
GT
June 29th, 2011
8:02 am
The Republican Party minority is a handicapped minority, because the country realizes this does not represent where their selfish hearts are. It is like advertising something at a loss to get customers in the house. Since you are picking from the weakest population in your universe it stands to reason you are putting the weakest candidate your party has to offer up front.
Nixon almost beat John Kennedy. The reason that election was historically close is because you had the essence of both parties on display. As evil, unattractive and unappealing as Nixon was he represented a true majority of his party. They were scared to death of communism and Nixon appealed to that fear. Instead of running a communist or “liberal’ who would have been a B actor from the Republican Party they faced their opponent straight up with all their warts. It is almost comical to watch a woman or a black man run for election in the Republican Party. You know there must have been a lot of explaining going on in the “backroom” when Clarence Thomas was nominated.
Philosopher
June 29th, 2011
8:03 am
We resent Palin and Bachman because they claim to represent women but are blatant ditzs, just plain inarticulate and they unabashedly use sex to manipulate men. Palin’s wink insulting…but directed straight at the gonads…anyone with half a brain knows that these two women are pawns in someone’s puppet show! They are frankly an embarrassment to intelligent women!
Obozonomics
June 29th, 2011
8:05 am
DebbieDoRight;
Funny how you think you know what a fact is, the fact is that Obozo has supported and extended EVERY BUSH POLICY on the patriot act, and tax breaks and even expanded on them, so tell me again the Bush is stupid, then Obozo is even dumber for continuing the same policies, right? Sorry did not mean to confuse you with FACTS…
real john
June 29th, 2011
8:08 am
Kyle:
I get you point and I agree that the liberal media definately play a bias against conservative women candidates. However, as a conservative, I must say I cringe when I hear Palin or Bachmann speak. I feel as though the Chris Wallace question was taken out of context. I think he was posing the question for the voters who believe that, not necessarily that he thinks she is a “flake.”
I take Meg Whitman of California much more seriously than Palin and Bachman. While they certainly have accomplishments themselves, I do think Palin and Bachmann are playing to a certain crowd…(mainly older voters and soccer moms).
In a run off, I would vote for Bachman agains Obama (that’s not saying much), but I definately hope she is not the Republican candidate.
gm
June 29th, 2011
8:17 am
Dem are not easly fooled by hypocrites rep, conservatives rep hate Obama so bad they would pick the devil over him, Bachman’ and her husband took over $165,000 from the government while running their business, she also received housing subsidy, this is the same hypocrite that goes around bad mouthing goverment.
Once again tea party, low middle class whites will follow who ever Hannity, Rush lay out for them, no thank God these people dont represent all America.
Buzz G
June 29th, 2011
8:24 am
The Democratic party and its big supporter NOW have painted themselves as being the home of strong women. But I’ll stack either Palin or Bachmann against Clinton. Hilary Clinton just sat there and let her husband walk all over her and disrespect her for 35 years.
GT
June 29th, 2011
8:41 am
There is an obvious path of maneuvering in the Republican Party so it doesn’t matter who they have in the office someone behind the curtain is working the puppet. I think much of the nation felt W was not calling the shots. That is why he had a hard time articulating what he was doing, he really didn’t know half the time. There were strong personalities that would never be elected on their own merits who trot out “whatever” the weak-minded constituency they represent wants to see. The whole time they have their own clandestine agenda. Almost like union bosses, there is what we tell you and then there is what we do.
I never felt Obama was someone else’s man. He can think, it is very obvious he is very clever. He is the smartest man in most rooms unlike W who I never felt really knew where he was half the time. W could have played Kevin Kline’s part in Dave only he kind of went right along with the bad decisions instead of seeing them for what they were. I think Obama will feel like he walked away from the Oval Office his own man with his own agenda, W is still trying to figure out what happened.
Michele Bachmann, hell’s Barbie – San Francisco Chronicle | Barbie 2010
June 29th, 2011
8:41 am
[...] the most …Plagued by Gaffes and Scrutiny, Bachmann Emphasizes Campaign MessageFox News (blog)2012 Tuesday: The efforts to brand Michele Bachmann a ditzAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Michele Bachmann — campaigning in 57 states would be much [...]
Techfan
June 29th, 2011
8:41 am
“Also, Liberal Women are U-G-L-Y.
Conservative Women? Not so much.”
Please see the blonde sleleton with the adams apple.
saywhat?
June 29th, 2011
8:46 am
Lil’ Barry Bailout
June 28th, 2011
10:16 pm
“Ever notice how any conservative who isn’t a white male comes in for especially vitriolic hatred and spasms of rage from the leftards?”
You mean like Olympia Snowe, Ann Richardson or Christine Todd Whitman?
Ever notice how every liberal, whether male, female, black, white, Asian, latino, or whatever, comes in for especially vitriolic hatred and spasms of rage from LBBtard?
Carlosgvv
June 29th, 2011
8:46 am
“too many people are still in denial”
Kyle, that applies to the majority of people who are supporting the vast majority of Presidential candidates for the 2012 election. It’s no accident that American politics and politicians have become the laughing-stock of the world.
Philosopher
June 29th, 2011
8:50 am
P.S. If leaving your baby at home being raised by “caregivers” for weeks at a time while while you travel ar all over the country is “balancing” motherhood and politics…you have some funny ideas about motherhood.
td
June 29th, 2011
8:55 am
GT
June 29th, 2011
8:41 am
“I never felt Obama was someone else’s man. He can think, it is very obvious he is very clever.”
Can you send me some of whatever you are smoking. Have you ever heard Obama for more than 5 minutes off the teleprompter? aaahhhh dddduuuuhhhh, 57 states, redistribute wealth….
marc
June 29th, 2011
8:56 am
Bachmann is not a serious candidate. Why?…..The GOP is (really) run by rich old white men…..always has been…..to think they would let a woman wildcat her way to the nomination and insure an Obama win is laughable…..to think she does’nt know this already.. is naive….she will make some noise…throw some bombs at Obama….provide some much needed PR for the Tea Party and land a really good $$ paying job at Fox.
Ron Paul is the guy….Obama (who cannot be beat in 2012) should dump Biden….add Ron as his VP and use his 2nd term to turn the wagon over….
JDW
June 29th, 2011
9:02 am
If Michelle Bachman is the best the Republicans have we are again in serious trouble. I went to her website just to make sure and below I have posted the ENTIRETY of her positions on the issues…
“My top priorities as a constitutional conservative:
• Restore our economy and create millions of new jobs.
• Repeal Obamacare and its unconstitutional mandates.
• Achieve deep cuts in spending to reduce America’s debt.
• Strengthen the family and defend marriage.
• Rebuild respect for America as the shining city upon a hill.”
Lots of substance and depth there
The last decent candidate the Republican Party produced was Bush 1 and apparently the beat goes on.
LeeH1
June 29th, 2011
9:10 am
Ha! Ha! So the women candidates are victims of discrimination! Ha! Compare their treatment to what Hilary clinton got when she ran, and you can see the Republican womena are treated a lot nicer, and given more powder puff questions.
And even Bristol Palin says Michelle Bachmann dresses just like her mother.
If they are offended that a Fox news reporter askes an unexpected question, what the heck will they ever do when they have to deal with the Afghans, Chinese or Russians? Do they really expect that the presidency only deals with domestic issues?
When these two women come out from behind friendly reporters, and have their ideas publically examined, criticised and evaluated by national and international reporters, then they will be ready for the public stage.
At the monent, they are simply dillitantes. Sarah Palin wants a job that demands quick and effective decision making, but can’t even make up her mind if she wants to really run for office. Michelle Bachmann keeps running her mouth about things she has been told that are untrue as if they were true facts, and doesn’t see that she has been lied to.
They are afraid of in-depth interviews with unexepected questions or a range of ideas. Neither one has a good plan for the economy, our defenses or social justice, and simply complain about what is now on the table. However, if they are ever elected, they would be responsible for making policies on their own. But at the moment, all they can do is whine about others, with no real alternative other than sound bites and simplistic solutions to complex problems.
There are good and intelligent women in the Republican party. These two just aren’t some of them.
GT
June 29th, 2011
9:18 am
The other puppet maker is FOX. Chris Wallace is starting to spit the hook out of his mouth. He met the flake question and we understood why he ask it. The FOX control room must have looked like Viet Nam after that one. His apology was like a captured pilot reading idiot cards writing by the enemy.
gm
June 29th, 2011
9:40 am
Bachman and tea party idots, I hate Government, get them out of our pockets, yet they secretly cash their medicare, government housing checks:
how can any one support these hypocrites?, when they get caught, “Oh the media out to get me, what a bunch of losers.
tar and feathers party
June 29th, 2011
10:58 am
I for one will never, ever vote for a female, for any office what so ever. They should not even have the right to vote. We owe the men of 1918 a good butt kicking! They were idiots!
tar and feathers party
June 29th, 2011
10:59 am
I demand a recount on the 1918 vote!
Lil' Barry Bailout
June 29th, 2011
12:20 pm
saywhat?: You mean like Olympia Snowe, Ann Richardson or Christine Todd Whitman?
——–
I did say “conservative”, Einstein.
Philosopher
June 29th, 2011
2:06 pm
Perhaps the problem is that intelligent women have better reasoning capacity than to
jump on the rightwing conservative circus wagon.
Lil' Barry Bailout
June 29th, 2011
7:13 pm
saywhat?: You mean like Olympia Snowe, Ann Richardson or Christine Todd Whitman?
—————————–
If you meant Ann Richards, she was a Democrat, Einstein.
David Green
June 30th, 2011
12:44 am
Kyle neglecting one’s children by sacrificing their interests on the altar of political ambition as palin has done with disastrous results for her eldest daughter Bristol is not successfully balancing family and career.
Reuel
July 2nd, 2011
4:48 pm
Mud thrown by evil media will not stick on “real gold”. They just ‘flakeed off”
Latest poll in NM even show Bachmann at 24-27% beating Romney and the rest.