Michele Bachmann: Unstable AND Unable
During last year's Presidential election, some people took to nicknaming the Republican Presidential ticket. Perhaps no nickname fit better than "Unstable/Unable".
Give the Republicans credit for efficiency. Not wanting to waste their valuable resources, they now only allow interviews with people like Michael Steele, Steve King and Pete Sessions. As such, they can demonstrate inability and instability in one monstrous swoop.
However, for sheer spectacle, no one goes over the cliff without so much as a skidmark quite like Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN). The saucer-eyed Congresswoman, you may recall, made national waves by recommending a return to the days of Joseph McCarthy. She then compounded the problem with this Politico piece, and then proceeded to blame Chris Matthews for tricking her.
Apparently, voters in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District don't have much use for national reputation or competent representation, because Bachmann somehow managed to be re-elected.
Of course, we've got Madoff and Burris and Bush (oh my!) to occupy us on more serious matters. It is good, though, to not let perpetual train wrecks like Bachmann escape our notice.
(WARNING: The author of this blog, as well as its host, TalkingPointsMemo.com, are not responsible for the liquefying of brain cells that will likely occur if you actually listen to the Bachmann interview linked below. If you don't believe me, ask the driving puppy.)
Still here? Okay! Through the looking-glass we go!
Frau Bachmann's latest trip into her alternate-reality bunker happened last weekend. In a radio interview with KTLK conservative talker Chris Baker, Bachmann was responsible for the following utterances.
- ACORN is "under federal indictment for voter fraud," but the stimulus bill nevertheless gives ACORN "$5 billion." (If you have followed the theme of this post so far, you will not be surprised to learn that ACORN is not under federal indictment and isn't mentioned in the stimulus bill at all.)
- Many members of Congress have "a real aversion to capitalism."
- The stimulus bill includes a measure to create a "rationing board" for health care, and after the bill becomes law, "your doctor will no longer be able to make your healthcare decisions with you."
- Republicans are "too nice" and won't fight back.
- The recovery package is part of a Democratic conspiracy to "direct" funding away from Republican districts, so Democratic districts can "suck up" all federal funds. Bachmann doesn't think this will work because, as she put it, "We're running out of rich people in this country."
- The "Community-Organizer-in-Chief" (yes, that's verbatim) is also orchestrating a conspiracy involving the Census Bureau, which the president will use to redraw congressional lines to keep Democrats in power for up to "40 years." When the host said he was confused, noting that congressional district lines are drawn at the state level, Bachmann said Obama's non-existent plan is an "anti-constitutional move."
No, I am not making any of this up. Yes, these are all taken straight from the interview. Yes, you should listen to the whole thing. No, you cannot sue me for damages. Frankly, if you listened to the interview before getting to this part of the blog, you may, in fact, qualify as a true medical miracle for surviving the dain bramage caused by trying to logically process Bachmannese.
There is a slim silver lining in Bachmann's cloudy return to Washington. It was only a matter of time before the nation would once again be treated to watching Bachmann's mind roam wild and free in that gigantic space which it occupies.
A Palin/Bachmann 2012 GOP ticket has been proposed here before. But, by combining evidence of being unstable and unable in one gobsmacking package, with absolutely no countervailing evidence of legislative or governing ability, Michele Bachmann is making a strong case to move to the top of the ticket as the true face of the Republicans. Here's hoping.
It's easy to point to Michele Bachmann and laugh at the deranged, psychotic ramblings that tumble from her mouth. So do it as often as possible.
February 20, 2009 3:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ok, time to take out the theory that this lady has made a pact with the devil! This is not "through the looking glass." This is a trip into Dante's Inferno!
February 20, 2009 4:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Old Nick wants nothing to do with that lunatic.
Don't ask me how I know...
(grin)
February 20, 2009 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, thank you so much for sending this along! I hadn't hardly thought much about Bachmann since sending the monies to her opponent to defeat her. I'm almost glad she got reelected, given the comic relief she provides. ("I'm not a legitimate intellect, but I DID sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night!")
You can't make this stuff up - it's truly that far afield of anything like reality or even coherence. I always enjoyed watching her when she was consistently trotted out as the GOP's choice of a talking head prior to the last election. I would watch her smiling as she awaited her turn to speak when she was on a panel discussion. The pearly whites were always bared in a Stepford Wives type expression, and the saucer eyes were always transfixed, making her look like some demented talking doll just waiting for someone to pull the string to see what she had to say next.
"Blink, goddammit!" I used to scream as I would throw a shoe at the TV. (This was pre-BushFinalTourInIraq days when I still had shoes left; before sending them to the Bush library.)
If there is anything left to say about her, it's a wonder she didn't implode long before that last fatal interview on Chris Matthews' show. It now seems like there was one last push over the edge for her, kinda' like the way in which the Chuckie doll becomes overtaken by voodoo to such great effect in Child's Play.
That Minnesota Congressional District either has a really warped sense of humor, or they've all been drinking the holy water. There is simply no rational explanation for her to have won election, let alone reelection in response to her last demented campaign. But keep the interviews coming, please. She is at least entertaining, which is certainly more than we get from any of her GOP colleagues.
Definitely rec'd!
February 20, 2009 5:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's an act. She's not stupid. As to her district, it full of uptight, ancient, mean old German Catholics and some exurban suburbs.
February 20, 2009 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, she is not stupid. One does not complete college and law school and pass the bar if one is stupid. But there is no act. With Bachmann, what you see is what you get. And you are correct, bluebell, you could not have gerrymandered a better district for conservative Republicans, especially if there's anything resembling an abortion issue on the ballot.
February 20, 2009 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
With regards to the "law degree" defense, I will only point out that Rod Blagojevich and Roland Burris are also lawyers. Stupidity is not restricted to those below a certain level of education.
Yes, I am aware that MN-06 was designed to bring about a Republican result. However, I feel very comfortable declaring that Michele Bachmann is an absolute blithering idiot. There is more than enough evidence on that score.
February 20, 2009 6:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bush is a Yale graduate, right?
It would be impossible for anyone - even an attorney - to pretend to be this stupid. She's genuine, alright. And about the most appropriate candidate for ridicule of any that come to mind.
February 20, 2009 7:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
With regards to the "law degree" defense, I will only point out that Rod Blagojevich and Roland Burris are also lawyers.
Lawyers Blagojevich, Burris and Bachmann. Hmmmm. So where's Cheney when we need him? Isn't it almost hunting season?
Driving puppy is almost recovered from the dain bramage. A good roll on a beach on top of a stinky dead fish would just about complete the repair. No more listening to Bachmann Overdrive!
February 21, 2009 1:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
She is stupid.
February 20, 2009 8:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Holy crap! Who are you? You actually can write... and with humor! Real, uncontrived humor!
I will totally be reading you in the future!
Cheers.
P.S. I genuinely hope this didn't come off as condescending or rude to you or anyone else in these pages... it's just that this is the first time I've read a "readers blog" and thoroughly enjoyed the writing... not just the substance!
February 20, 2009 7:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
mic check 12
February 20, 2009 8:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bachman's statements are in keeping with M. Steele's comment that the GOP was going to be "beyond the cutting edge"...and this was a demonstration of exactly where that beyond is.
February 20, 2009 10:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's all about loyalty. The Reich cares not if she was a woman, Steele is black, or any other thing except for the devotion to the agenda. Bachmann is willing to lie to pander to her local Zom-Bushes so she's their perfect candidate.
There are all kinds of whackos out there. I remember of the daily Show there was this old lady in Florida defending a position saying she heard it on FOX and then remarking that they were Fair and Balanced. It was obvious she was sincere in her belief of this. I guess they never said they were credible.
February 21, 2009 12:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
What worries me, Gregor, is that she may not think she's lying. I think there's a strong probability that she actually believes this pabulum.
February 21, 2009 12:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think it's a complete act. She didn't start getting public notice in Minnesota until she started her lunatic stunts. It won her a Congressional district and look what it's doing for her now. She's just another Ann Coulter or Rush Limbaugh shilling faux wingnuttery for fun and profit. Now, we got that ranting Santelli or whatever his name is with his new act. Republicans can't govern but they sure do entertain. What's pathetic is how easy it is to dupe some voters.
February 21, 2009 11:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's the problem, though. She can't win a statewide election with the wagon full of idiocy that is now her permanent legacy. She makes JESSE VENTURA sound calm and rational by comparison. Unless the GOP can find a way to gerrymander the state, Bachmann's "rise" is done.
As for national profile, sure she's got one. Just like Rick Santorum did, and like Roland Burris does. All publicity is not necessarily good publicity.
I think Coulter, Limbaugh, Hannity and their ilk aren't faking it. They've just found an audience willing to part with its brain cells and dollar bills to listen to their rants.
February 21, 2009 6:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey Boyd! :-{)>
Above you wondered if she really believed what she said, and below you propose Coulter and Limbaugh are merely actors. Which is it?
For me, I think they are all true believers, or Zom-Bushes as I like to call them. They have this idea that all business activities of people should be kept secret. That no accounting should be made by any others then those participating in the relationship. Whether it is a functional or dysfunctional relationship is irrelevant. It's private. Keep out.
Now this is completely contradictory to how they view personal relationships, i.e. marriages, or reproductive decisions. Then they want Uncle Sam on the pillow next to everyone, to ensure that they, no more then two, are of the opposite sex and that no impediment should be taken to prevent any microscopic meetings of reproductive specimens. It's gets down to that much detail. So really their government is pervasive in all matters personal. The one exception is when it comes to money, that's private, keep out.
February 23, 2009 6:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey Gregor....I propose that you re-read what I wrote. :-) I don't think any of them are faking. They're just a few fries and a toy short of a Happy Meal.
February 24, 2009 2:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
I get embarrassed about a lot of things. But I really am embarrassed that a state that produced the likes of Hubert Humphrey, Eugene McCarthy and a host of others would produce Bachmann. Bachmann is a big name in Minnesota and I have not bothered to see if she is from that brood.
But we have always had Republican Districts and she is in one of them. And we do vote in repubs in state office like our current governor and senators like Coleman, who I hope will be voted out after the courts get through with the count.
Remember how she embarrassed herself on Hard Ball. Then she took back all of her statements even while they were being repeated on cable and I assume the regular news programs?
Well she got reelected and Boyd you nailed it. She is as bad as she was before the election and before her splainin.
Before of course, she was asking for an investigation of members of Congress who were or are enemies of the United States.
Now we have a conspiracy whereby Democrats are going to make the country a one party government.
Now she just continues. I really would like to know who is worse, she or Palin. Palin, I spose because she has a national following.
But Bachmann may be correct. We may end up with a huge majority party and a small minority party if she and Palin and some of the other repubs keep up this kind of Rush discourse.
It will be interesting to watch as the story unfolds.
I am late on this Boyd because I mixed this up with Curt's blog. and you and he were making entirely different points.
February 21, 2009 1:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, dd, you cannot list names of favorite sons of Minnesota without specifically naming Paul Wellstone. He is the closest thing to a truly populist reform politician we have had in my lifetime. God, how I wish he could have lived to realize his full potential. Can you imagine an Obama/Wellstone Administration? Or maybe even a Wellstone/Obama Admin at the wheel today? There is no doubt that working people would finally gain real representation at last, and the possibilities are incredible to ponder.
Or how about Wellstone/Feingold? You really got me dreaming here now, dd.
February 21, 2009 1:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
I fade out Sleepin'. Paul Wellstone was in the tradition of Humphrey and McCarthy and to have him replaced by that repub, really sickened me.
You know Paul died within a twenty or thirty mile radius from where I am right now. And people like t put down Franken. Franken worshiped Paul. And the books Franken has written helped me thru those terrible years when it looked like Rove ruled and rush ruled the airwaves and...
There is no office that a good Minnesota Dem would have denied Paul Wellstone.
Oh and Feingold was one of those guys, the foremost to me in the senate who fought and continues to fight the good fights.
Wisconsin will go nuts once in awhile with a Joe McCarthy but Proxmire was such a gem for so many years.
Thanks for reminding me.
February 21, 2009 2:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
I have high hopes for Franken, actually. He would be a far more legitimate inheritor of the Wellstone seat than Coleman for godsakes. And I think franken will be compelled to be a populist given his road to the Senate. Hard to picture him becoming just another schmuck beholden to K Street for his political career.
And you are right about Wisconsin. I'm afraid the "Beer that made Milwaukee Famous" might just have had too much influence on one Joe McCarthy, but we have a brilliant legacy, too, that goes back through Feingold to Nelson & Proxmire and to "Fighting Bob" LaFollette.
Proxmire actually replaced McCarthy. And can you imagine Nelson and Proxmire BOTH in the Senate at the same time? A GREAT period for Wisconsin!
And locally, we have Ed Garvey - a personal hero who ran for Senate a few years back - who is active in founding and promoting fightingbob.com and fighting bobfest He's a great writer in possession of a terrific Irish wit and a great heart. Kind of reminds me of Bernie Sanders, but with the wry humor of another Franken.
February 21, 2009 2:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Boyd it was Eastside93's blog I confused yours with.
And Eastside was making an entirely different point.
February 21, 2009 2:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
One of the persistent anomalies of TPM's summer switch to a new server. :) I am "eastside93".
February 21, 2009 3:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Life is sure confusing. But somebody else was talking about that idiot Congresswoman and I commented. hahahahahahah
February 21, 2009 3:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
I do find her amusing, but her whole act, whether genuine or contrived, is disturbing in that she hasn't been laughed out of the House at this point.
It's like listening to Alan Keyes (although he does manage to blink on a regular basis). He says crazy stuff, and people listen seriously when both he and Bachmann should be laughed into the stratosphere, and not invited back into polite company.
You think Bachmann is going to try and lay a smackeroo on Obama the way she embarassingly did to Bush? I guess that's another reason to watch the address on Tuesday.
And if she doesn't, I'd pay Chris Matthews good money (and even watch him bloviate) to have her on his show and ask her why she didn't.
'Cause THAT answer would probably make this interview seem cogent and articulate.
February 21, 2009 12:55 PM | Reply | Permalink