Some people think Rep. Michele Bachmann won last night's GOP debate in New Hampshire. Those who are awarding the grand prize to the Minnesota congresswoman must be the same people who are easily and often distracted by shiny objects. Because mesmerizing us all with a carnival show seems to be Bachmann's specialty.
What I mean is, she seems to be all about the sound-bytes and publicity stunts. For instance, just last night, Bachmann used the debate as a "me, me, me" opportunity to announce that, sans "exploratory phase," she's running for president. If I were Mitt Romney or Herman Cain, I'd be more than a little peeved that Bachmann didn't respect the other candidates and me enough to take care of that beforehand.
Or how about how she led the audience at the Faith and Freedom Conference in prayer following her address? Herman Cain may regret calling that "pandering," but I can't think of a better word for it ... except "publicity stunt."
Then, you've got the jabby sound-bytes like the one about how we should change the name of the Environmental Protection Agency to "the job-killing organization of America" or how "we cannot risk giving President Obama four more years to dismantle our nation" or her vow to "not rest until I repeal Obamacare. That is a promise. Take it to the bank and cash the check. I'll keep that promise." It's as if she knows that all this neat and tidy, name-calling quotes up her shock value and buzzworthiness. Kind of like the Mean Girl who reigns supreme in the high school cafeteria.
And if you think for a moment that she believes what she's saying, that she's really passionate about these points and she plans to stick to 'em, consider her flip-floppy stance on marriage equality. First, she says she's all about the states having the freedom to decide what works best for them ("Love me, Libertarians!"), but then, she decides she also likes the idea of a Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, which would, of course, overturn state laws ("Christian right, I'm with you!"). She must not understand how state vs. federal laws work, or she thinks she can have it both ways. Either way, she comes off looking like she's just putting on a show to endear herself to anyone and everyone she thinks she has a chance of winning votes from.
All candidates have to entertain us to some extent, but there must be substance behind the spectacle. It's clear that Bachmann only seems to have the latter going for her.
What do you think -- does Michele Bachmann have substance or is she all spectacle?
Image via Olympus Photography by Massimo/Flickr
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Comments 6
She calls herself a "Constitutional conservative". That's funny. Shouldn't she actually read (and understand) the Constitution first?
Ummm have you seen our CURRENT president?? Because all of this
the same people who are easily and often distracted by shiny objects. Because mesmerizing us all with a carnival show seems to be Bachmann's (OBAMA'S) specialty. What I mean is, she (HE) seems to be all about the sound-bytes and publicity stunts.
describes all the people who voted for and HIM! Now I am a conservative. I dont care for this woman OR most of her points and I dont like Newt either. But I mean come on.....This article could have been written about president Obama just a few years back....to now. LOL
I'm from MN and I really liked her a few years ago but I'd rather she not be president but if she wins the nomination, she'll get my vote. Anyone but Obama will get my vote. He's NO better than she is about DRAMA and "LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION." I'm not sure how you can't think Oboma is a media whore too because he's first in line.
Yeah, I think now that half of the nation has voted in our first Celebrity President, you don't get to complain about candidates who take a page from his campaign book. As Mitt Romney said during last night's debate, every person on that stage would be a better president than Obama - now that's a check you can take to the bank.
The only candidate I'd be happy to vote for if the election was today is Herman Cain (and how can that be, since I only hate Obama because he's black, right????). However, the candidate I know I'll never vote for is Obama, so there's not a whole lot of deciding to be done - if I have to vote for Bachmann, I will. Obama won't serve a second term with my help.
I'm with you hotandicedcoffee. I've got my fingers crossed for Cain. I personally like Ron Paul the best, but the whole party has pretty much counted him out for being old and out there lol.
Bachmann is so annoying I can't stand it. Every other sentance out of that woman's mouth is about her 150 kids and how she's better than everyone else because of that. Honestly, telling me you have that many kids makes me think you're bats#!t crazy and I won't vote for you.