Washington (CNN) - Rep. Michele Bachmann, a potential Republican presidential candidate, is taking issue with Michelle Obama over the first lady's recent promotion of breast-feeding.
Speaking to conservative talk radio host Laura Ingraham Tuesday, the Minnesota Republican said Obama's efforts to promote breast-feeding and the IRS's announcement that nursing supplies that aide in the practice can be deducted from tax returns amounts to a "new definition [of] the nanny state."
"This is very consistent with where the hard left is coming from," Bachmann told Ingraham. "For them, government is the answer to every problem."
"I've given birth to five babies and I breast fed every single one of these babies," she added. "To think that government has to go out and buy my breast pump for my babies? You wanna talk about the nanny state, I think you just got a new definition."
The comments come on the heels of Obama's recent contention that breast-feeding can play a key role in reducing childhood obesity.
"We also want to focus on the important touch points in a child's life. And what we're learning now is that early intervention is key. Breastfeeding. Kids who are breastfed longer have a lower tendency to be obese," Obama told a group of reporters last week, according to Politics Daily.
"Breastfeeding is a very personal choice for every woman," Kristina Schake, a spokeswoman for Obama, later said. "We are trying to make it easier for those who choose to do it."
It's not the first time Obama has faced ire from the right when it comes to childhood nutrition. Sarah Palin told Ingraham last fall that "the first lady cannot trust parents to make decisions for their own children, for their own families in what we should eat."
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
As always, you can count on the Tea Party freaks to ridicule any measure that would improve health and/or quality of life for Americans who do not belong to the financial elite.
this lady is a total idiot, and another like Sarah Palin....o.k.....she should stay home and cook for her hubby....instead of talking senseless and brainless....
Who's the idiot, Michelle, or the people who elected her?
Wow! how low can this woman sink? attacking someone who's trying to make this a healthier country and helping babies. Bachmann is the perfect example of how the 'right' just hates everyhthing the Obamas do, regardless of how good it is. if Michelle saved a drowning baby, this nutjob would find a way to make it sound like she killed it.
What in the world is wrong with this woman? Now she's against mothers nursing? Or against tax deductions? It is a sorry individual who constantly defines their beliefs by what her "enemies" are for aor against. If Obama opted to support the GOP spending cuts as is (which he shouldn't), she'd do a double axel trying to explain why she's now against them. Pathetic.
Michelle Bachman is in the news again! Why, WHYYYYYYYYYYYY? (Also, why is she such a bimbo?)
Huh? We allow all sorts of deductions to try to encourage certain behavior.... Corporations get thousands of them. I guess it's not ok if it might help children.
Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah. Now this is really something from the right to comment on. Please Bachman,,,,,run for President,,Please
Shut up already!!!
Go to ANY Wal-Mart for five minutes, walk around, check out the median size and fitness of your fellow shoppers, then come back and tell me that Americans don't need any guidelines as to how to take care of themselves.
No, the gov't doesn't buy her a breast pump, they just give her hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in farm subsidies. Which would you rather get? Hypocrite. Beyond hypocrite.
The next election is for the Republicans to lose - however, if they cannot contain the nut cases, such as Ms. Bachmann, then it will be a race. Given the total disarray the government finds itself in, one would think that she could find something more pertinent to comment on. Sad
Michelle Bachmann has a lot of words coming out of her mouth. Too bad she has nothing to say, of any substance. Sounds like her friend up in AK. Are these women trying to make all of us women look incompetent and ignorant?
Nutjob !!
Sarah Palin rev 2.0
What an incredible ditz. Does this "woman" know anything besides being a Palin-wannabe? Or is she a he hiding behind a dress? Go Away, Big Mouth; breast feeding is as old as the world. Only in this repressed, male-dominated monotheistic society do we have such a fear and hatred of birth, the processes of birth, and the wonderful experience of breastfeeding and the healthful benefits of both for mother and child.
I fully support Mrs Obama in her initiatives to get this country healthier, encourage breastfeeding among women who choose to do it, and yes, why the heck shouldn't breast feeding supplies be tax deductible? Besides, I thought Republicans love tax breaks!! If we didn't make it tax deductible then breast feeding would be a jobs killer!
Bachmann, you are a complete idiot. Government encouragement of healthy eating habits for infants is not something that should be criticized and turned into something offensive, just to score political points. It is you who should be ashamed of yourself for your outrage over this. It's okay for government to give big tax breaks to companies to kill our jobs...that's American entrepreneurship...but tax breaks for supplies to raise healthy children is a bad thing? I think your straight jacket needs tightening.
What a couple of out of touch airheads! I breast fed my 3 children,also. And I was very grateful to the state for providing me with a breast pump when my little premie was unable to nurse from the breast.So I pumped and took it to her at the hospital. That would not have happened as I was unable to afford a pump on my own. I needed and appreciated every bit of help the government gave me.
My God! Bachmann is reproducing!!!!!
Bachmann is against tax deductions. Good for her.
I'm starting to wonder if the majority of republicans are mentally unstable. These people would not constantly spout this nonsense if their constituents didn't agree.
The science supports the First Lady, Sorry Michelle.
I have no problem with women deducting nursing supplies if it helps them breastfeed their babies. Breastfed babies have been shown to be healthier. In the long run, it saves the US tax payer money.
I have a much bigger issue with the Republicans supporting and pushing for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, when we as a nation face our largest debt ever thanks to GWB's ill-conceived wars. Democracy in Egypt took 18 days–nonviolence. 300 killed. Democracy in Iraq is approaching 10 years with hundreds of thousands killed and trillions of US dollars.
Maybe Michelle Obama should come out in favor of apple pie and baseball just to watch these dingbats be against it. They just slammed motherhood because she is for it.
Michele Bachmann is a national embarrassment. Come to think of it, the far right as it manifests itself in the Tea Party is a national embarrassment.
Why does the media persist in giving her "press?"
Really? This is what Michelle Bachmann is up in arms about? Why isn't she more concerned about the fact that many of US children are hungry? Or the fact that obesity is rapidly becoming the number one cause of death in Americans. I know this because I am obese and struggle with it every day. To all you congressman and women. why don't you concentrate on what is ailing our country instead of trying to score political points off one another. Although I don't agree with a lot of what the Tea Party has done, they have shown us the way. Elected officials be warned. US citizens are just about sick and tired of you all.
While I agree breast feeding isn't even remotely the proper concern of government, this is a bit of an over-reaction even compared to Bachmann's usual ranting.
What ever happened to the Right's commitment to families? Oh, I forgot, only they know what is good for everyone. Come on, people, you've been slamming Michelle for trying to combat childhood obesity becuase you feel its an invasion of the family by the government: would you have done that to Nancy Reagan over the " Just Say No" campaign? Would you have accused her of interfering in your right to get strung out on crack?
Keep on attacking. Michelle Obama has more class than Bachmann can ever dream of.
Is this woman even a mother??? Does she know nothing about health issues at all? Why do people keep electing idiots???
Give me a break! Only a fool (in the English and Biblical senses of the word) would make an issue out of breast feeding. This show me that Bachman and her feloow GOPers have no class what-so-ever.
Wow! This woman is REALLY stupid! And I thought it was just an act! Come on Ms. Bachmann, give us a break, think about what you're saying here!
Is Bachmann really that desperate? My God, its breastfeeding. Bachmann has a problem with promoting the healthiest, nature intended method of feeding our children? Is she on the payroll of the baby formula companies? I can only guess at what roils aroudn in her torturned mind.
It strikes me that Ms. Bachman is looking for any issue, no matter how innocuous, to attack the Obamas. What is wrong with allowing the cost of a breast pump to be deducted as a medical cost? In the end, thanks to the tax code, the vast majority of individuals really never get to se that deduction since it is offset by the bizarre formula used to determine the amount of the deduction.
This woman is a Ticking Time Bomb – who will explode and sink into oblivion – Hopefully!!
I don't really care whether people look like a walrus. I agree with personal choices. What I do mind is for society paying for the health care of these whales. This is where the state does have an interest. Bachmann and Palin ought to understand that perhaps we Americans are completely uneducated about what we should allow our children to eat. If we were educated and can be trusted we would not see obese children. Personal responsibility is fine UNTIL it affects others.
For once, Bachmann is right: there is no reason for me to buy a breast pump for any woman who is not my wife, unless that woman can prove that I am the father of her child.
Imagine, trying to do things that are good for our children! That's surely despicable! Oh the horrors! Aren't there enough REAL issues out there to pick on?
You really know Republicans are truly awful and have nothing on the Obamas if they are going after a "breastfeeding" comment. I'd ask the question again, WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE? but alas, we all know socipaths when we hear them.
What a lovely photo of Bachmann; nice to see the media isn't favoring one side over another....
The conservative way of parenting seems to be more of 'let the baby raise itself'....
Well Bachmann – for a woman who gets her riches from the tax payers and whose kids entire meals are funded by tax payers, you have no place to talk!
Breast pumps are VERY expensive and are all but a necessity if a woman wants to go back to work. If the government wants to provide assistance to poor mothers who need to get back to work but can't afford breastpumps KUDOS to that government!
Once again, the party of "family values" shows they are anything but that!
Really? Promoting breast feeding is a bad thing? Such attacks only make Representative Bachman sound petty.
The fundamental difference between conservatives and liberals is the former see the world as a zero-sum competitive jungle and see themselves as smarter and craftier than the average person. Liberals see the world as one in which people banded together - as families or communities or as a species - can make life better for all through cooperation and compromise. For conservatives, anything that helps others diminishes their own chances to corner a surplus for themselves. Thus, better that the children of others suffer from obesity and thus become easier prey for the conservatives' children. And so on. Nobody is suggesting forcing breast-feeding onto others. This is a matter of facilitating a practice which may be beneficial, making it easier for all to benefit from it if they choose. Ditto re obesity. Bachmann's outburst is nothing but the latest of her barely rational rants, rants that are silly at best.
What a loon...
As if there is something wrong with encouraging breast-feeding, something ALL the experts agree is best.
I'm sure if Mrs. Obama said kids shouldn't eat rat poison, this lady would say she's trying to kill jobs for rat poison makers.
Please go away lady.
Michele Bachmann the definition of a Republican/Tea Party idiot.
Attacking the First Lady for her right-minded attempts to make our children ore healthy is not just sick, but un-American. Does she really feel food corporations have our kid's best interests at heart?
Bachmann is an embrassment- and a sign the Republican/Tea Party is doomed. If she is their voice, even a minor one, they are beneath contempt, and no longer qualified to play a role on the national stage.
Good grief... Republicans are opposed to affordable health care, opposed to the promotion of healthy eating habits and are now opposed to breast feeding babies? Geez... sounds like a bunch of shamans and witch doctors.
STOP THE HATE!! The Tea Party followers are carrying the water that will later be used to drown them!!
LOL...at some point you just have to really ask what has this country come to when you hear some of the things this lady and the rest of the far right Conservatives have to say about the President and the First Lady. They can be so disrespectful to the President that it is really a shame!! I may could understand if he and his wife were arrogant or just didn't give a hoot about the people and this country, but that is not the case.
Really? You have an issue with offering assistance to young mothers so they can increase their babies health? But you have no problem giving tax breaks to oil companies? Get your damn priorities straight.
Backman is obviously a backward thinking moron, to say the least!
Michele Bachmann is THE WELFARE QUEEN OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. She receives about a quarter of a million US TAX DOLLARS a year in farm subsidies for her family's farm. Because she gets so much money from US (you and me) she does not need any extra money to buy a breast pump. She is a typical REPUBLICAN HYPOCRITE stealing our tax dollars.
what is with CNN – Blasted, Raised Eyebrows, Causes a Stir.... Did your writer use to write for Batman?
Ok, now I see – these Despicable GOPers will attack the Obama's over anything and everything. While big corporations use every loophole they can in an effort to AVOID paying their share of taxes, the GOP attack their First Lady for promoting breast feeding in infants by offering a small tax deduction for the supplies. The hypocracy of the right just never ends.
Nanny state my eye.
Why don't you find some more interesting talking points Bachmann or shut your pie hole.
Why does CNN give free publicity to anyone who blasts the first lady? It is a proven medical fact that breastfeeding leads to people being healthier during childhood and as adults. Mrs. Obama is trying to make peoples' lives better and healthier. What is Bachman doing except trying to weaken the prsident by going after Mrs. Obama. Aren't there more important things to report? Has CNN become another conservative mouthpiece?
if pres or mrs obama said that the earth is round – bachmann and the other wing-nut republicans would rush out to tell us that it is flat. they are so crazed that they lost the white house that they will say or do anything to get it back..
This is stupid. Of course it is a woman's choice whether to do it or not. But it's also medically superior to formula, which is why the first lady is promoting it.
Michell Bachmann claims to have breast fed 5 children and disagrees about breast feeding? The First Lady has not proposed a law, only some insight about breast feeding that may be helpful to some concerned mothers about their baby's obesity or health. Is it wrong or a crime in America, to share information. Are the Republicans trying to turn America into a western Iran?
Have we so completely lost touch with reality that we're attacking an advocate of american children's health? Oh yeah......almost forgot......political rhetoric preempted common sense.....what a shameful display of ignorance.....shame on ms Bachman...
Is there really nothing else for this idiot to protest than a simple tax deduction to promote breastfeeding? We get it, you and Sarah Palin don't like The First Lady trying to better our society!
Does anyone else find Bachmann's logic completely flawed? Go ahead and run for the President, she'll make it easier for everyone.
Ahhh, there is NO issue in which this whack job isn't willing to pander.
can we also please get a tax refund for 40 years p/women of tampax and maxipads tax?....
This woman is a lunatic. There are tons of evidence that breast-fed babies are healthier (which is probably, at least partially, the reason why Bachman elected to breast feed her own children). The First Lady's support for programs that will help mothers with the necessary tools to breast feed is a way to help improve the health of children and cut health care costs over time. I knew that the GOP was supporting the notion of a more stupid America by proposing massive cuts in education, but now it seems that Bachman is against health children. Maybe healthy children and school age children need to hire a lobbyists and get a PAC. Maybe they need a big office down on K Street (which is where Speaker Boehner admits to spending a lot of his time) so that they are no longer getting screwed by the GOP's proposals.
michele bachmann needs to be home with her own kids instead of running the country promoting hate
The wicked witch of the North. Considering what politicians and corporate America write off as 'tax deductions, I'd say a breast pump to enhance a child's health in the growing process is a small item in the nation's budget. How many breast pump deductions will it take to amount to 150,000 dollars (the amount the other wicked witch from Alaska spent on her wardrobe)?
Lmao... Is this the best critisim that this possible presidential candidate can think of. I think Palin jumped out of her body and into Michelle Bachmanns. I don't think persons of interest for president nominees should even get media attention unless they are smart enough to use their time on camera to talk about what their original ideas are to fix this country. Not to slam other peoples harmless comments. I think Ms. Bachmann is just mad because she didn't get to count her breast pump off on her taxes. And you know she would have if given the chance !!
Good grief! I want to deduct the THOUSANDS of dollars I spend to send my kids to PRIVATE school, saving taxpayers the cost of educating my kids.
Shut up Bachmann. Your ignorance and narrow mind is hanging out again. God save us from these right-wing, hate filled lunatics!!!!
She clearly doesn't know what a tax deduction is.
MIchele Bachmann is an IDIOT pure and simple....there is no way in this world that fool will ever see the inside of the oval office....except if maybe they let her in on a public tour!!! Just wish she'd shut her ignorant pie hole and fade away into oblivion!!!!!!!
So wait a second, Bachmann is criticizing the promotion of breast feeding by letting us know she breast-feed all of her children? She is a complete loon. I want her to run for President – the absolutely wackiness she brings to the table would make for great TV!
Typical of the far right to completely forget an entire segment of the population that may not be able to afford a breast pump and nursing supplies, and can't afford health insurance. Do these mothers and babies deserve a lesser quality of health care?
Every time I think Bachmann has finally reached the pinnacle of insanity, she goes and opens her mouth again. Bravo, congresswomen. It's quite a feat to be the craziest person in politics considering some of the competition.
Wow. It's like she and Palin are trying to out-stupid each other. What a sight to behold. I would hope that a sitting Congress woman would know the difference between a tax-deduction and "the government buying it for you." This is the face of the modern Republican party.
I have been heavily conservative for years, but the Republican party is looking rediculous. Encouraging healthier choices and giving tax breaks are not a "nanny state." none of you Rs were saying Mrs. Bush was telling you how to raise your kids by promoting reading. There are real and serious issues in this country. You are arguing over non-issues like breast feeding and and superbowl menus. Try developing a belief system that goes beyond attacking the other side for anything they do.
Who cares what Bachmann has to say. This woman is a crazed lunatic. She spews nothing but lies and fabricated "facts". I am sick of the republicans attacking Michelle O.!
Go ahead, Bachman, take a potshot at one of the most popular First Ladies ever. Let me know how that works out for you.
The Repub's are talking about everything but jobs, oh wait they did mention jobs yesterday...(If job are lost so be it)...This is great for the unemployment rate....I knew the Repub's would turn on you all but just not that fast... Lower tax for the wealthy, 360 billion for Exxon and now laying off Gov. workers.......I love it.....
I am so sick of these clowns!
Obama 2012!!!!!!Obama2012!!!!!!Obama2012!!!!Obama2012...Yes we can!
This is absolutely ridiculous
Good God, what is with these women? Can no one give a suggestion these days? Michele Obama is just trying to combat childhood obesity. NOTHING ELSE! Palin and Bachmann need to get off their horse about this matter. Mrs. Obama didn't suggest that the IRS have a deduction for breast feeding supplies (if this is true it is a bit looney but being a CPA I know there are a lot of looney deductions in the IRS code) so stop blaming that one on her.
I ride the train with a lot of people every day to work and I would say that at least 80 percent of them are overweight. I would bet that their children also are overweight. If Mrs. Obama can shed some light on this massive health problem good for her. We all pay higher health care premiums due to this problem so it will save money in the long run.
Breastfeeding is better for kids, and they have less weight issues. Many studies have shown it, so why not give a break on the supplies. also with the satah pailin cooment. most parents do not know how to feed their children. There were never this many fat kids in the 60's and 70's. Some kids are so fat and unhealthy the parents should be charged with child abuse. Too many parents feed their kids junk and park them in front of the TV as a baby sitter. As a nurse it is sad to see such obese kids, and the parents are just as fat. Very sad
Congratulations to Michele Bachmann through her personal choice to breast feed 5 children for AGREEING with MIchelle Obama about the benefits of breast feeding. By the way, Michele, Michelle also wears clothes, eats food, can drive a car, spends money, pays taxes and does many, many things we all do. Do you want to criticize her for those things too?
Typical Right Wingnut response. Why is it that any attempt at helping the less fortunate is a mortal sin to the Republicans, but the thought of keeping their respective tax cuts makes them warm and fuzzy? The GOP has totally lost touch with reality and the problems faced by Middle Class America. They won't be happy until we become a Third World country where the very few "have – it – alls" can enslave the massive amount of "have – nots". Elections should be held twice as often so that the politicians can have a "probationary period" to be graded on their performance. That way the voters can put boot – to – ass sooner and bounce these people out at the first sign of stupidity.
God forbid we should promote anything healthy for our kids and country! This ship is sinking and it's not just because of the economy–IT'S BECAUSE WE ARE A VERY FAT NATION!!! Ms. Bachman–Please find something more important to b*&#h about!! Your wasting my time and money.
Why do you report this idiots verbal flatulence. She is nuts, and you keep giving this publicity whore the attention she wants. Ignore the fool, or risk becoming a bigger fool than she is.
I bet Bachman wishes she could deduct a breast lift from her taxes, 5 babies?
I very much doubt that a woman's decision to breast feed her baby would be dependent on whether or not she could deduct a $50.00 breast pump from her taxes. -Bachman, you're an idiot.
Bachmann is out of touch and does not know what a nanny state is. Pathetic.
Hey Michelle, I wonder if you used any of those $250,000 in farm subsidies you received from the federal government to help pay for the breatfeeding supplies.
So let me get this: Michelle Obama wants to promote breast-feeding, and that's a bad thing? Something that helps women get back in shape, promotes good health in babies and is less expensive than buying formula? I was hoping that she'd said something actually crazy.... Now, I'm not sure I support making it somehow tax-deductible, but the statement itself is kind of, well, normal. Yeah, I know, not everyone can do it, but a lot of women don't even try because a lot of hospitals (and mine was one) don't support the process, workplaces don't support it, society seems shocked by the idea that we're mammals and milk comes out of our breasts to feed our children.
Michele Bachman and Sarah Palin are making themselves look silly and stupid by opposing these innocuous and even bland health-promoting programs that the first lady has endorsed: they could look a lot more sane, and get a little bit of bi-partisan cred if they were to say "Hey yeah, even a stopped clock is right twice a day: childhood nutrition and breast feeding– we're on board with those ideas!"
I am amazed that Mrs Obama wants to fight for better health for children and is the target of the conservatives.
Do conservatives want fat, sickly kids? Since the conservatives want to make health care more expensive or impossible to afford we need to make sure that people have some chance to live a healthy life.
And the Tea Party would object if Michelle Obama announced that the sun rises in the east.
No one is forcing breast feeding nor is the govt buying the equipment for people. They are just permitting it to be considered medical supplies that can be considered deductible expenses (or paid via medical spending accts.)
Much of this is just tossing red meat to their followers, but it also prevents the tea party from growing beyond its core of angry bitter conservatives.
Enough Bachmann, Mrs. Obama is doing the correct thing, you are not. Glad you breast feed your babies, she is only promoting the good practice to others. Michelle, where are the jobs. The Repubs have been in office a month now. WHERE ARE THEY?
I can't help but wonder to myself what the state of mind of the people of Minnesota was and is when they elected this ' whack job'" Michelle Bachman to office . This chick operates with only one battery in her flashlight !!!
IRS's announcement that nursing supplies that aide in the practice can be deducted from tax returns
IT is a deduction not a handout. MIchele do you want to eliminate all itemizations.
Are you ready to eliminate your tax credits, how about your travel expenses and reimbursements to go to your job get treated as the rest of us. Commutung expenses are not deductible and reimbursements are treated as income.
This woman is an idiot.
whats up with these right wing nuts, they want to past law on what and how a woman choose to do with their own body, yet they want to get frantic about a suggestion from the first lady about the future of american health, doctors will tell you that one of the best thing to do is breast feed a kid when they are young, that will promote a healthy brain and body. they bitch bitch about government 24 hours a day, and when government intervene they bitch some more. what can the president and his family and staff say that these repugs will take as positive. i would be skeptical if one thing they say out of their mouth was positive, but their is no brainer when every thing they do is negative this means there is a conspiracy to discredit this president at any cost necessary. just like they threatened to hold the government hostage if they didnt give their rich bodies 700 billion dollars tax cuts. then a month later bitching like their no tomorow that the country is going bankrupt. then they call themselves fiscal hawks. then why you want the working class and the poor to take hit on this budget by themselves.
Michelle Pachman is an even stupider version of Sarah Palin- but without the charisma. She is Palin version -2.0! Five kids-again like Palin? It is amazing that stupidity seems to breed and reproduce at an alarming rate
The hard right is so fatuous. Anything that they can stick a label of "nanny state" to is automatically subject to contempt and used to whip up the ignorant base. They have no concept of a GOOD INVESTMENT – one which will pay off larger returns in the short term. Short-sighted, over-simplifying, destructive, Guaranteed Obstructionist Partisans. There's nowhere to go for balanced, well-reasoned, thoughtful conservatism any more – the hard-line ideologues and religious Dominionists have polluted the whole political system.
So Michelle Obama is promoting breastfeeding by citing studies that show breastfeeding can help combat obesity later in life and then the IRS said nursing supplies will be tax deductable. No where in the article does it say Obama or the government is trying to require everyone to breastfeed. And they are not taxing formula or making it harder or more epensive to formula feed. Basically, they are promoting a healthy practice and making it easier for people to do so... This doesn't seem like a nanny state or government interference to me. It seems like Mrs. Obama is continuing her dialogue about obesity and the IRS just added some tax deductions which should make everyone happy. I am about as neutral as they come, politically, but I am really sick of either side fishing for insults just to make their speeches more interesting. If you are running for president talk about something that really needs attention in this country. There would not be a shortage of topics. I hardly think tax breaks on nursing supplies is going to get you elected. Arguing it makes you look petty.
I am failing to understand the connection between what Mrs. Obama said and the picture that Bachmann is trying to paint. Mrs. Obama is an "advocate" for decreasing child obesity, so it is annoying that critics have to make this a political stance and state that it's government control. How can anyone of what Mrs. Obama has advocated be misconstrued as a negative thing. Mrs. Bachmann breast-fed everyone of her 5 children for for obvious beneficial reasons, but Mrs. Obama cannot advocate breast-feeding. What am I missing here?
The FLOTUS is not a political figure. This is not political issue. Most right wingers discredit everything the first family does. The flotus is only highlighting a viable option for new mothers, which has been scientifically, psycologically and medically proven to be beneficial on all levels. Breastfeeding fights obesity, improves the immune system for the children and creates a greater bond between mother and child.
Has Bachmann NO shame?
Michelle Obama has more class in her pinky than Michele Bachman will ever have. Michele Bachman should well know about a nanny state however. Her family got most of their wealth from farm subsidies. She thrived off from nursing the teat of the American taxpayer for years!
Take your pick as to who is more ridiculous, Palin or Bachmann.
Bachmann: The Ninny State.
People like this are the reason I have a hard time voting for a republican.
I don't know about all that. I'm a pretty right-leaning conservative, but her angle just seems like criticism for the sake of criticism.
Aren't there more pressing matters Bachmann should be worried about? Breastfeeding? Is this a joke?
One of the scariest people in politics! They go on these right wing radio and TV programs like Laura Ingraham and get there agenda and questions handed to them without any surprise. If Michelle and Palin refuse to interview any other programs or journalist because they "aren't fair" what makes them think they are ready for the world stage? You must be able to think on your feet! Michelle is just another soon to be former political person cashing in on hate radio and TV. Rush, Hannity, Bill O' and Beck have paved the way for fascism to come to this country "wrapped in an American flag carrying a bible"
This is the lady that wants to get the GOP nomination for POTUS.
And her big issue is breast feeding,......really?
What? Someone from the Tea Party who doesn't want a tax break??? OK Bachman. Pay back the gov't subsidies on your family farm.
Could Bachmann find a more ridiculous talking to attack...? And how dare a GOP'er use "personal choice" in any commentary.
I am amazed at how narrow minded and eager to attack many of today's politicians are. Good for Bachman if she didn't need any assistance breast feeding, but what the hell does that have to do with those who do have trouble and may not be able to afford a breast pump. Horray to Mrs. Obama for supporting such an important cause. I have traditionally voted Republican, but I can assure I will not if Bachman is the Republican candidate.
sorry "...talking point to attack...
Five kids – just like Palin. It is amazing that stupidity seems to breed and reproduce at an alarming rate! Darwin in action! Can some one just put a muzzle these mama grizzlies?
Now that Palin is starting to fade, can we please ignore this ignorant woman, too. Bachmann may be even dumber than the huckster from AK.
If parents were feeding the children properly then we would not have seen such a huge deterioration in health of the children. I have seen lots of parents giving coke and pepsi products to their 2-3 year old child. What does that say? A responsible parent. And breast feeding should never be optional. It is a basic requirement and every child's right. If people can't take proper care of their child in terms of nutrition then what is wrong with government taking care of some not-so-educated parents? Michele Obama has done nothing wrong. In fact, I would applaud her efforts to put some sense in people's mind. To let your child get blown up like a baloon shows how much you care fo rthe child and that is almost like a child abuse.
What Bachmann calls "the hard left" is called caring about and advocating for the people you represent in more civilised parts of the world.
Did we run out of serious politics to talk about? from the center it seems both the "far" left and the right babies need someone to shove a "tit" in they're mouths, they're whining in the media and we have to listen,
It's amazing how politicians can "just talk" when they have an audience. The evidence is clear that breastfeeding has many many benefits, including the ones highlighted by the first lady. Ms. Bachman was likely informed by a good doctor or had good role models or both. She did breastfeed her children. Mrs. Obama is using her platform to advise and inform those who many not be as fortunate. Ms. Bachman should stop being so selfish and contrary for the sake of being contrary or for the sake of being heard. I suspect she is an intelligent woman but she doesn't always show it. Mrs Obama is right!
Good grief ... this woman is an idiot – just like her twin, Sarah. Not that I think either woman stands a snowballs chance in hell of getting elected, but heaven help us if either one ever does. It would truly be the end of the world as we know it.
Really? Suggesting that breastfeeding is healthy and making it easier to do so in public is an example of a "nanny state?"
The fact that some people actually listen to and believe the rantings of these lunatic political rakes is astounding.
Wow, this is a new low, even by Bachmann's standards. One, her statements show she doesn't understand taxes at all. The government is NOT buying breastpumps, you twit, it's allowing Moms to deduct the cost. Two, she says she breastfeed her own kids. Did she or did she hook them up to one of her family's many gov't subsidized cows?
Please stop embarrassing my home state.
class versus no class...Michelle Obama versus Moronishelle Bachmann. There is no comparision
What a moron.
I don't see anything wrong with this. The government already pays for families to buy formula (WIC). That stuff costs $20+ a week. A breast pump is a one time purchase.
If Michelle Obama said breathing fresh air was good for you, the right wingers would find fault with it. They just make themselves look more and more stupid, bashing everything the First Lady says. Mrs. Obama comes across as so much more mature and intelligent than these nut cases that rant and rave against anything and everything she says. Ignore them, Mrs. Obama – the country can see that you have our best interests at heart and are trying to improve life for us regular people. Maybe Michele Bachmann can afford a breast pump, but that may not be the case for every mother in America. The right only sees things through their own eyes.
Jesus effen Christ. Will some one show me where Obama has said you MUST eat this way? She is making suggestions about what is and isn't proper nutrition and exercise for kids, just like lots of other people on TV, in magazines and newspaper articles, etc. have been doing for years and years. There are even whole magazines devoted to eating the RIGHT foods and exercise. Let's give subsidies to oil companies and tax breaks to rich peple that don't need it, but let's not give a tax break to people that do the right thing by their child and try to give them a good start in life by buying something that costs 60 + dollars. Bachmann, Ingraham, Palin, the Fox News chicks, all the types of little girls my mom told me not to play with growing up so the nasty wouldn't rub off on me. Thank god for mom. It gives me a chill to think I might of turned out like a cold heartless bitch.
Oh the humanity!!! To give a tax break for mothering supplies!!!!!!!! Where are we going to!!!!! Where is MY America!!!!
{by the way, you said the government was going to 'start buying my breast pump' and.......Ms. Obama NEVER said that.....you did, another golden Repug tactic}
Really? So, becasue we could potencially get a tax break THIS is a problem for her? I thought crazy was going out of fashion for the Republicanknuckleheads? Another bunch of verbal vomit by this women. Falin' Palin Jr.
And......I see she has a tribe O' children herself, and where is she, this family values party member?
ANYWHERE but her own house with her "five children I breast fed". Her job and all of her jet setting she must NEVER be around her house. Wow, this party astounds me. Hypocrites until the end.....America is not fooled by the likes of you.
And, the people who are have an IQ of 14 and live generally south of the Mason-Dixon line.....just sayin' is all. Birds of a feather.......
Apparently Ms. Bachman and Ms. Palin have no real issues to address. How can they be angry over nursing supplies being tax deductible? Really?
Perhaps they simply enjoy being angry.
Will the Republicans in this country never stop griping? This is such a non-issue ...
Mrs. Bachmann=Completely unhinged!
Hey Bachmann, which is cheaper... giving a low income single mom a $50 tax break for a breast pump or subsidizing hundreds of dollars in baby formula? What about this, why don't you criticize the lack of job creation and the deficit instead of a suggestion form the first lady that mom's breast feed their kids and that we all eat healthier? You really appear unintelligent when you attack things that everyone considers to be good advice.
Outragous article, she is upset about the First Lady speeching out about childhood nutrition and efforts to promote breast-feeding and the IRS's announcement that nursing supplies that aide in the practice can be deducted from tax returns. What is wrong with helping woman make sure there kids are healthier..
Bachmann targets Michelle Obama , ' What next ?
What an incredible nut case! Breastfeeding has been shown to have incredible physical and psychological benefits to both babies and mothers. Additionally, it is less expensive for most families than purchasing infant formula. Best of all – at least for conservatives – is that it represents a pro-family policy, since breastfeeding requires moms and babies to be in close, caretaking, vacinity to one another much of the time, providing opportunities for more traditional "mothering".
Does Bachmann so irrationally hate the government (indeed, a government OF THE PEOPLE) that she finds herself maniacally compelled to twist IRS deductions for traditional baby care into some form of neo-Socialism? Look at her face in this photo...I think you have your answer.
What an ignoramus!!! Since when did it get to be a bad thing to promote wellness? That's one of the ways were are going to get health-care cost down. Getting people to live healthier and take better care of themselves and their families. Sure we can have tort reform(which is only a percent of a percent of healthcare cost in this country) but common sense reform would go a lot farther.
Is this woman nuts? Medical expenses have been deductable over a certain threshhold for decades. Is she now against tax deductions? Oh, and she should not take on the first lady, who is smarter, much more classy, and a better American that Bachmann is, was, or will ever be.
I guess its wrong for the government to give a tax break to mother's who need supplies like a breast pump, but it is alright to give oil companies a tax break when it comes to oil well pumps. The right has not changed at all with the tea party they are just more open with the oil lobbyist views. Shame on them.
Didn't everybody get the memo that this woman is a wacko?
If that's all she's got, then the right is truly doomed in 2012.
Bachmann is going to attack Obama on this? Doesn't she have something better to do? I can't believe this is something she is going to raise hell over. It is great that women breast feed their children, but knock the IRS and Michelle Obama for encouraging it? That doesn't make any sense to me. People are going to do what they are going to do. Just because there are laws against bank robbery and murder doesn't mean it has stopped. Just because the IRS has allowed deductions for breast pumps and other nursing items doesn't mean that all the women out there are going to breast feed their children.
If Michelle Obama made a statement supporting motherhood and apple pie, Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann would come out against it.
Sarah II??? God Help Us!!
Unfortunately, we all expect such idiocy from Bachmann. Allowing breat-feeding mothers to take a tax deduction for their supplies does not amount to a "nanny state." Palin and Bachmann just prefer that Americans be fat and stupid because that's the only way they will get anyone to vote for them.
Bachmann is just plain nuts. If Michelle Obama said that jumping off a cliff was a bad idea. Bachmann would take a running leap. Hey . . . now there's and idea!
Such a sad thing when u have senseless arguments like this, Wow!! Only in America I tell you
I would personally like to thank Michelle Bachmann for making Sarah Palin seem smart.
here we go again. When are we going to hear new ideas? More important, when are WE (Americans) going to start expecting more from both sides. I'm very objective, but the republicans are like festering leeches to our country and we (Americas) have to help them to the brighter side.
Ms. Bachmann, stupid people like you shouldn't breed. You've given birth to five children most likely to avoid paying taxes. You Ms. Bachmann are the reason why abortion should always be legal!
Reducing obesity reduces medical costs across the board. This is a big government expense. Bachmann is unable to look to the future and see benefits of breast feeding promotion. You are missing the point girlfriend. Furthermore, someone like her should be happy somebody's tax bill is reduced. Isn't that what republicans are all about? Oh, wait...they are only about reduce the tax bill for rich people.
These right wing kooks are just simply nuts and willing to jump on any topic as a grand left-wing conspiracy regardless of the merit of their claim. Palin claims that it is a bad thing for children to be encouraged to exercise and now this harpy has a hissy fit over a comment supporting breastfeeding? If people listen to these ridiculous clowns this country will deserve what we get.
I'm a Republican and I disagree with Bachman on this. Anything we can do to help new mothers to breast feed is good. They are not being forced to do it as Bachman would have you believe.
Rather, we are allowing them to deduct the cost associated with it from their taxes. Isn't that a Republican idea? Allowing us to keep more of our own money? Why would this be any different?
Science has proven that breast fed babies are smarter, healthier, and live overall better lives than those who are not breast fed. Why not take advantage of this and help people out?
Now we need to get those new mothers to eat better themselves. It is not enough to just breast feed if the mother is feasting on McDonald's everyday, or smoking two packs a day, or sucking on their own "bottle". The mother needs to have a healthy diet so that will get passed on to the child.
This isn't news. I don't care what Michelle Bachman & Sarah Palin think about breastfeeding, or any other topic, for that matter, and I'm hardly surprised they disagree with Mrs Obama.
Really?! This is an issue this representative wants to argue about- promoting breast-feeding? Please, give me a break! This is a good example of how ANYTHING the President or First Lady says or does is attacked by some people.
Umm so Michelle Obama is promoting something that is healthy and is known to produce healtheir smarter children and this is a problem why? The govt is not forcing it on anyone, they are saying it is better for your child and in the long run it is better. so they ar emaking it easier for women to do it because a good portion of the women in the country take the easy way out ( its actually not easier overall) and use formula which is not as good for your child.
Bachmann is really making an issue where there isnt one but to take issue with something so simple as healthy eating etc and turning it into political nonsense.
This woman is really pathetic..
Between these comments by Bachmann and Palin's criticism of Michele Obama for promoting healthy eating for kids, we are getting a clear sense of the GOP's attitude toward public health. Promote nutrition? not the government's job. Wanings against smoking? An invasion of our freedoms, etc, etc. What the GOP fails to see is that the government HAS a role in providing guidance and incentives for healthier living, because individual choices (eating junk food, smoking, etc) actually affects the rest of us and the ability (and this is what they like to hear) for America to be truly great.
This woman is nuts. How about actually promoting breastfeeding since you apparently believe in it? Why do the Republicans have to bitch about everything? There is nothing negative about what the First Lady said. Get over trying to battle about everything and come up with some real solutionns!
The Republican nutjobs are getting desperate for anything they can throw at the Obamas. They don't care how ridiculous they appear as long as they get their punches in. Do they realize how dumb they look making a big deal about these non-issues? I guess not, because they just keep coming.
Everything Obama and this adminstration has done so far has been a train wreck.
Every policy has done nothing but impede into our lives more and more.
Every economic policy and spending decision he has done has been shown historically to do nothing but prolong the recession.
The man is completely and utterly incompetent at this job.
Michelle Bauchmann is so vicious. I don't think she and many other Republicans realize that evil kills itself. The president and the first lady are the first White House officials to be scrutinized to such a large degree. Um, wonder why? The media would not dare make such nasty reportings on George Bush or Barbara, George Bush or Laura Bush. God forbid anyone to dare speak ill of Nancy Reagan or Ronald. America politicians and the media have reached a new low. In the end, evil kills itself.
What does the right have against children being healthy? First Palin speaking out against healthy eating in schools and now this? Michelle Obama promotes findings of doctors for the betterment of our children and all these rightwingers can do is blast her?? Unbelievable. Especially when you learn Michelle Bachmann did breastfeed. I don't think Michelle Obama in forcing anyone to do anything. She is promoting healthy habits. Parents can choose to feed their children whatever they want. Schools can and should promote healthy eating just as they promote children being drug-free, smoke free, fire safety, etc. I don't want my tax dollars going toward feeding children garbage. Let them get it at home if that's what their parents choose. I don't think schools or the government should be enablers for bad habits. The government should do everything they can to enable and promote good habits. It's up to the individual to choose. Bachmann is barking up the wrong tree.
Oh please. The government is not going to "go out and buy" our breastpumps. All they are saying is that you can deduct it as a medical expense just like you can contact lens solution and hearing aid batteries. Most people can't even take the deduction because their medical expenses don't exceed 7.5% of their AGI. The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are well documented and anyone who can find fault in the first lady promoting it is definitely off their rocker. But, we are talking about Michele Bachmann so I guess the shoe fits.
Please. I'm begging you. Make this woman shut up and go away. The Obamas could say the sun rises in the east and sets in the west and Rep. Bachmann would say no. But they maybe thats because she doesn't know it...
Bachmann is a typical example of one of the main things wrong with America. Nothing but divisive politics to tear this country apart. They know if they can divide America instead of having us strong and united, they have a better chance of winning elections. The Repubs and politics in general disgust me. They are both pushed by greed and hunger for power, which will eventually tear America down. Which is fine with them, as long as they can make money and be in control. She is an idiot. I'm sure the repubs love her.
Leave it to a far right-wing nutcase like Michele Bachmann to find something wrong with encouraging Mothers to breast feed their babies. The republicans have sunk to new low in their highly partisan attacks on the First Lady! The GOP has no problem spending another 158 billion dollars of taxpayer money in Iraq and Afghanistan – but the republicans will not allow one penny to help new Mothers! Why do republicans hate American women and babies?
I didn't hear Mrs. Obama say anything about providing breast pumps. That was done by the IRS. So Ms. Bachman is being oportunistic here. She's the one putting those two together, not Mrs. Obama. That just shows how Mrs. Bachman is NOT a leader for the country. She shows that she only wants to things for the far right. Her views are not the same as people in the middle. A far anything is NOT good for this country.
Would the rethuglican women Please sit down and shut up! REally! I would have appreciated help almost 30 years ago with the cost of a breast pump or other supplies to support my decisions to breast feed my two children! It's NOT a nanny state you moron.... Michelle Obama is an intelligent, caring, and forward thinking woman – of which the likes of Palin, Bachman, Ingrahm, et. al are pawns of the misogynistic/patriarchal frightened white men society! You go Michelle! We, the majority of women support you!!!
Amazing!! Breast feeding has been shown to improve the immune system of babies, improve their future mental stability, and substantially reduce the risks of childhood obesity. All of these things could ultimately result in a liability to the American taxpayer as we as a society pay for these outcomes in the absence of breast feeding. A medical tax deduction for breast-feeding supplies is completely appropriate. These supplies allow the mother to stockpile milk to be fed to the child when the working mom goes to work. I guess Bachmann would have these women on welfare. This type of mentality shows the narrow-minded underbelly of the tparty extremist. There are so many absurd tax deductions for the wealthy but... Lordy, Lordy... a tax deduction benefitting working women is a govt takeover. Give me a break. This almost makes me naseous.
AH SHUT UP..... Bachmann is a lunatic
I continue to be amazed that CNN will report the statements of the idiots in our politics. I concede they have every right to make stupid & negative statements, but rarely if at all do you challenge those statements..
Oh in my previous comment the phrase, barking up the wrong tree was CAREFULLY considered. You can infer what you please.
With any luck, this mean spirited, know-it-all harridan will go the way of all the anger filled wanna-be types before her.
If Michelle Obama has promoted less breast feeding – the right wing would have attacked that, saying "Obama is attacking mother hood"! Yeah, right. The liars and slanderers are incompetent at best....
This lunatic wants to be president? I guess she fits the bill as a republican candidate. Pick a stupid issue and make it you platform. Screw the real issues and act like Palin.
Obama in a walk in 2012 thanks to the losers on the right.
Health Science does some research, Mrs. Obama comments on it and Michelle Bachmann goes ballistic. Bachmann is a true kneejerk reactionary. It would be nice if Bachmann spent some time reading up on issues she talks about, but she is too busy campaigning to bother. Obesity is now this country's number one health problem and Ms. Bachmann wants the government to do nothing about it.
Does anybody care what that stupid, old dried-out bitch has to say about anything?
This lady is an utter idiot; Don't you know you are making a FOOL of yourself by someone not running for office. Only in US, they attack the president's wife or famly. In UK or Canada, have you heard of such comments about the spouses of prime ministers.
What's next? The government buys formula for women who don't want to breast feed because it would be unfair not to?
This lady is a serious nut! There are tax credits for purchasing homes and having kids so why not one for providing these little future leaders of AMERICA with the best nutrition at the beginning of their lives!? The tax credit is just an incentive, idiot!
She continues to demonstrate her unfitness for office. Bachmann, that is.
Yeah. make sure we only have tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy. Why do these non contributing babies think they are so entitled.
What is about the obsession of Time Warner's obsessions with real life trolls? They always love to report on whatever crap Michelle Bachman, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin are spewing. Stop giving air time to these real life trolls.
There are many people, intelligent people, that dislike the Obamas for certain things, namely politics. THIS IS REALLY STUPID MICHELLE!!! IN FACT YOU ARE STUPID MICHELLE, SARAH, LAURA, AND EVERYONE ELSE THAT IS LOOKING FOR SMALL, INSIGNIFICANT THINGS TO BE UPSET AT THE OBAMAS. You have all that money, please try to find a clue and put it on lay-away!!!
Hey party of "NO", news flash: Increased breast feeding could result in decreased usage of state-funded formula. Sounds good to me. And of course we know that insignificant tax write offs for breast feeding are one of the more important issues facing our country right now. So glad to know you have your finger on the pulse of the nation.
I am so sick and tired of commenting on some of these "right wing" lunatics. we are talking about future mothers here...mothers that will have less tendency to breastfeed due to the challenges of work and economic issues, rep bachman definitely does not fit that bill. It is all well and good that she breastfed 5 kids, now let her allow those who choose to do so in the future have similar opportunity
I swear that the tea party / Gop would find issue with anything the Obama's do or say ..If the pres called a press conf to announce the cure for all cancer the right would be upset that hospitals and reseach labs would lose money ...The same people that found no fault with Bush Jr cant find anything good with Obama??? Only thing I can think of is that hate really does cloud vision and confuse thinking....
The Republicans are showing their lack of class once again. What a pathetic lot!
Did the First Lady instruct the IRS to issue these rules? No. Once again, the hard Right shows how wrong they are. And, if I were one of Bachman's kids, I would have preferred starvation over suckling from that sow.
Is Ms. Bachmann for real? Whatever it takes to keep your 'base' energized, hunh? Try sticking to those talking points that matter most right now - jobs!! jobs!! jobs!!
Bachmann as twisted as a pretzel!!!
What would you expect? They have no answers to create jobs or get the economy back on track. The problems of which they help create. So their only recourse is to do nothing but berate and slander. What was the last good plan to come from the GOP? The $400 Billion Medicare Drug Plan? No, wait I mean the $550 Billion Medicare Drug Plan? No, I mean the $1.2 Trillion Medicare Drug Plan? I'm sure Michele Bachmann would have liked to say more, but it was time for her to go and kiss the Koch Bros. ring.
Will someone please get a message to Michele Bachmann and let her know she is a "DING BAT".
Rep. Bachmann breast milk probably has botox in it.
What? It's a tax deduction. I'd like to see what Ms Bachmann deducts from her taxes.
Another case of conservative attack dogs misrepresenting what was said. The government is not buying the breast pumps, but including them as qualified medical expenses. This is for the mothers who need to work and consistent with many qualified exclusions to taxable income.
The best practice is for breastfeeding beyond 6 months, far longer than many mothers can afford to be out of the workplace.
It is, what it is! What is it with women like Palin and Bachmann having issues with First Lady Obama's efforts in reducing childhood obesity. So Palin for the pass 6 months, and now just today Bachmann are telling the America public that only they, meaning white women have the answer on raising children in this country when the country's founding fathers and their wives trusted [ most times] and forced the black woman to raise their children because when the white woman neither had the time and/or was capable of showing love [.i.e Gone with the Wind, saga] to their own children during this period of the country. So now, Palin and Bachmann are trying to disgrace the First Lady's stance on obestity when their mother's mother, mother, mother, mother and mother trusted the black woman with their children. Why can't they just shut-up!
I don't think that is quite fair... some women don't have a choice. My milk never fully came in, I was forced to bottle feed my son formula...due to medical issues that didn't come to light years later. Ever since I feel society punishes women for not breastfeeding, no one brings up the fact that some women just can't do it
Is this chick for real . Holy moly , the First Lady gives a simple suggestion on breast feedi ng and a possible tax break for suplies and Bachman thinks its the coming of the Fourth Reich . Sounds to me Psycho Bachman is a little pissed she didnt get a chance to get the tax break herself . Bachman , do your self a favor , PLEASE RUN FOR PRESIDENT . I cant think of anything that would be more funny on any TV channel than watching this moron crash and burn , AND SHE WILL.
Has anyone asked Bachmann how much "Government" money she received from taking care of all those FOSTER CHILDREN?
These women sink to a new low whne they attack someone for promoting breastfeeding.
Lord save us from these evil people who have nothing good to say about whomever doesn't belong to their camp of madness. Another reasonable woman out there would commend the initiative to promote breastfeeding amongst her fellow women, rather than indulge in banal fear-mongering about the impending doom coming upon us all courtesy of the "nanny-state". Gosh, what a shame..
Yeah a small tax break for moms is really indicative of the coming socialist New World Order. Give me a break, you whackjob. When a Republican says "breastfeed your baby" it's good advice, but when a democrat says it, it's "nanny state" socialism? This is why the far Right does not hold any credibility with me.
There are so many benefits to breastfeeding and just as many disadvantages of formula feeding an infant. With just a little patient education in the matter, this never-ending argument could end and everyone could be better off. Education is key to a healthier America!
Another loud mouth with very little actually said. Between Bachmann and Palin I am not sure who is dumber. Kind of reminds me of a movie but unfortunately there are people who take what these two say as important and as the truth. Hope one of them becomes the Republican choice for 2012. Keep covering them because the more they talk the more common sensed people see what they are really about, themselves!
Where do they draw the line? Public schools, roads, fight against drugs all need Government funds, but I guess breast feeding is such a terrible thing to promote.
So when a Democrat suggests a tax break for families, it's the government paying for something for people, but when the Republicans stop everything to give millionaires and billionaires tax breaks, its letting people keep their own money and is not considered something we have to pay for.
OK, now I've got it.
Idiot. Now we have a republican who is upset about a demoncrat cutting taxes?
Palin, I mean Bachmann, try talking to a Doctor.
I never thought I'd be able to say it, but this ditz is worse that Palin. Ignorant, foolish, and loud. Why does CNN and other media pay her the slightest attention?
New Definition of Nanny State? This woman is an idiot. So, now making something tax deductible is wrong?
So, lets recap... Republicans don't like the idea of kids eating healthy food, though no one is being forced into anything... and they don't like the idea of making breast feeding supplies tax deductible. Either that.... or they are just trying to disagree with any and everything Democrats, Obama in particular have to say, even when its not actual legislation and is a good idea proposed by the first freaking lady.
In terms of equal rights...can a guy get a tax deduction if he sells his sperm, in large quantities, to a sperm bank? Production costs, etc should be a tax deduction. Since OBAMA is giving it away I thought I'd ask. I mean, really.
Bachmann is an idiot and a liar. Ditto Palin. Why does the press take them seriously?
I never in my life thought I'd agree w/anything this crazed nutcake says, but on this, I do. No way would I support getting a tax break for someone's breast pump. In fact, I say the more kids you have the more taxes you should pay, not reverse like we have now! I have two children and understand they require resources like schools and roads to get them there, etc. After one child, we should pay, not get a break. Those who don't have more than one should get the break. That'll get the righties in an uproar.
The nanny state. I get it! Very funny, Ms. Bachmann. I never knew she was a comedian!
Seriously, though. How much do these items actually cost? I can't imagine this is anything more than the most minor of items the government is willing to cut taxpayers a break on. It should easily pay for itself in long-term health benefits to our citizens, if the studies regarding breast-feeding are any indication. And I think Mrs. Obama was right to encourage breast-feeding publicly. I'm sure there are a lot of people who aren't aware of the impact this can have on their children.
There are some instances where playing the political game really just makes you look petty and vindictive. Breast-feeding a sign of the "nanny" state? Funny, but it's not going to help you get re-elected.
This woman is insane! I can't believe this is an issue with rational people. This woman is so paranoid, so illogical, I can't believe people actually voted for her.
More unprecedented critcism, and targeting of our FLOTUS, primarily amongst people who share one communal brain cell.
Bachmann is using it now.
Thanks, once again, CNN, for aiding and abetting these diletantes, and sanctioning their stupidity by providing it with more publicity than money could buy.
Do women like Bachmann and Palin ever engage their brains before employing their mouths ? Nanny state ? wtf does mothers being encouraged to naturally nurse their children have to do with nanny's ? more pure silliness from the Repugnacants
Wow. There is actually someone dumber than Palin.
This lady is psyco and I wonder about the state of mind of the people who keep putting her back in office. She is a racist narrow minded want to be who is just plain crazy. Every nut needs their moment and hers has long passed. Please keep the camera out of her face, people with common sense has had enough.
A GOP candidate being against breast feeding? Sometimes it is hard to tell if I am listening to real candidates or watching a SNL skit or something on the Onion News Network. Ms. Bachman, please restrict yourself to the duties you are being paid for by the people of America and that is being a member of Congress, hopefully figuring out how to create jobs like you promised.
Michele Bachmann (like Sarah Palin) is an ignorant racist who would find fault with ANYTHING that the current President and/or first lady says or does. What a TOTAL waste of space!!
unbelievable. what will bachmann stop at when it comes to the ridiculous?
based on the obesity numbers in this country, clearly someone needs to tell parents how to raise healthy kids
Michele Bachmann's comment is another example of right wing hypocrisy and schizophrenia. After Bachmann's right wing uses the GOVERNMENT to FORCE a woman to have a baby with intrusive "pro-life" legislation, they then have the gall to say that Obama's support of breast feeding creates a "nanny state". Obviously, Bachmann and her crowd's mouths fly open to criticize EVERYTHING the Obamas say or do without even thinking about it first. Sadly, millions are soaking up this kind of contradictory Republican slop propaganda. To such hateful "sheeple", as long as it's attacking the Obama's, it must be true.
This is another example of politicians being on their high-horse without knowing anything about the real middle class. I am incharge of our maternity department. I see parents making bad choices everyday–toddles drinking pop and fatty or sugary "food". We are baby friendly and do eveything possible to promote healthy choices for families. We also help new mother's "earn" baby supplies by making healthy choices throughout pregnancy and after. Encouraging mother's to continue breastfeeding while going back to work or school would certainly be offensive to the GOP–Palin-Bauchman 2-12=Dumb and Dumber
Bachmann as usual is twisting the facts around to support a right-wing agenda.... Providing an OPTIONAL support system to women considering breastfeeding is great.
Bachmann just can't deal with the fact that an African-American is the President
Rep. Michele Bachmann is another Palin. Idiot to the core, and disappointment to American women. The way many Americans bring up their kids is deplorable – she is living in that privileged class and has no idea what common Americans live & feel like. Please don't speak for us. I would rather trust Michelle Obama or even Barbara Bush.
"Sarah Palin told Ingraham last fall that 'the first lady cannot trust parents to make decisions for their own children, for their own families in what we should eat.'" Michelle Obama citing a study that could help families prevent childhood obesity. If all parents could be trusted to make these decisions without guidance, we wouldn't have childhood obesity. Nor would fast food restaurants be the dining of choice for so many. What a ridiculous "tempest in a teapot."
This woman and Sarah Palin bring shame and dishonor to this country, Conservitives and Republicans, have your standards gone so low that this kind of nuts represent you, shame.
Bachmann, you ignorant fool. If the government was mandating that women must breast feed, you might have a point. This is a tax deduction.
Geez, woman, I know you like the sound of your own voice, but really....
Does the congresswoman not have other important issues to deal with such as passing a spending bill? What a waste of time, that's all the GOP knows how to do. Talk trash & waste time.
Trusting parents to make nutritional choices for their children has led to the incredible high incidence of obesity today!!!!
Obviously Michele Bachmann has not had a good look at her state where poor people live in worst conditions that a low third world country, education nutrition and health services are far behind Haiti or any African country, she must think is OK..
I was shocked to see the deplorable way some American live, with high infant mortality and poor nutrition, “” in the richest country in the world”” < I bet she goes to church, and she is pro life. After they born I guess Michele Bachmann thinks they are on their own, then they can die, but not before delivery..
How does the Republican party manage to find all these anti-woman women?
Breastfeeding is great! But, I don't think the financial incentive through tax-breaks is going to get more people on board. Women choose not to breastfeed because of the inconvenience. Maybe Mrs. Obama should have suggested that the government supply every breastfeeding mom with a wet-nurse to pick up the slack. Let's hear it for more boobies!
I think we have more important things to focus on.....the debt, the environment, illegal immigration, etc. etc. Everyone knows breast feeding is good for babies in a lot of ways...LET'S MOVE ON.
Really, come on! A nanny state. What a complete fool, who would even listen to this stupid woman. Its a TAX BREAK and they have to turn it into control and spin it. I think it is great. If it incourages women to breastfeed it is wonderful!!
I don't understand why this representative is making such a big deal about this? There are countless benefits for an infant to breastfeed and many of the supplies for parents to aid in this are quite expensive. All that Mrs. Obama is commenting on is the fact that parents can deduct these expenses, she's not expressing the government should pay for these supplies. I don't see any problem with Mrs. Obama's comments.
The government isn't stating you must breastfeed, they are giving you incentive to do something that benefits children. This women is a nut job. Who in God's name gave this women a pulpit to preach her insane ideas?
I'm confused why she is so upset. The government is making this easier by giving a tax break, and no longer calling breast pumps "feeding supplies" (what is a child, an animal?) - This issue though, shows the roots of the IRS's problems – getting involved in every detail of our lives with a complex code. The solution, at least to remedy that, is the fair tax – a set sales tax for everyone, and no income tax.
The far right championed by Bachmann and Palin can not see any thing good done by the Obamas. They have the right to say what they like but can not offer any solution to any thing. It is sad that the country has be so divided for political reasons.
The taxpayers can just pay for WIC instead.
Attack........attack.........attack. Palin, Bachmann, Pawlenty, Angle, Trump. When are the real conservatives of this country going to stand up and say these people don't represent anything good about America?
Well Sarah and Michelle....parents HAVE been making the decisions on their kids' diet and in the past 25 years look where it has taken us-record numbers of children who are obese and vulnerable to further health issues as a result. Not only a bad thing for children and their families–but also putting strain on and increasing the cost of all of our health care. Is that not a national issue? What's wrong with the White House showing a little leadership in the area by suggesting better alternatives? What's wrong with you people?
No matter what the Obama's say or do, Repubs will have negative comments about them. Just once, I would like to see them have something to say about the US.
Another GOP boop vying to get Big $ from the haters by slamming President Obama and the First lady. Former half/term Governor Palin made millions doing such and now everyone and their neighbors are trying to get in on the action. The GOP just continues to get more and more ridiculous ... is there no depth to where these money grabbing politicians will stoop, evidently helping working mothers breast feed is a bad thing, even through it does not cost much, helps the economy, and goes far in helping secure the health of the next generation and keeping long term medical cost down.
I am going to guess that Congress women Backmann never had to decide between buying a breast pump or groceries and never had a job making close to minimum wage.
I remember when there was an issue with air bags being a danger to small children. The government response was to recommend that small children be placed in the back seat – right, I have a pickup truck. However, I remember what my brother said at the time – 'Now they're (the government) telling us where we have to sit in our own cars. Bachmann is absolutely right about this and I'm glad it was a woman who called the First Lady to task on this. This is almost the definition of a liberal fanatic – every time they see a problem their immediate response is that there needs to be a law and that government needs to do something. And if there is no problem, then they go to the extreme of creating one, as in the case of Al Gore and global warming. It seems like the real issue here is that these people are so insecure in their own lives
that they feel not just the urge, but almost an obsession, to keep telling other people how to live their lives. A conservative wants to live their life a certain way – a liberal wants to live their life a certain way AND wants to force you to do likewise.
So Bachman breast-fed but doesn't think other moms should be encouraged to do so?
Much Ado About Nothing......William Shakespeare
Chance of Michelle becoming president 0%.
Just another example of republicans proving that the only thing they support is birth... not life.
She is right though... shouldn't be a tax eduction... but then we should also but the tax deduction for having children as well. Single/childless persons shouldn't have to subsidize those with kids either.
Plus... if we can't support life... then stop the corporate welfare and defense establishment welfare that goes on all the time.
Shrill enough? Can't find anything more important than breast feeding to scream about? Bachmann is a dunce.
Can't make this stuff up......Michele Bachmann should be fixing the deficit problem instead of attacking the First Lady.
The right need to find other things to complain about. The only time I hear the population side with the right is because 'We have the same religion/morals.' If your morals are racism, prejudice against the poor, discriminating against those who are not the same religion, and oh my, being against having a CHOICE for abortion, then you're scum too.
This woman (and others like her) are masters at trying to make something out of nothing. A person who's whole platform is to dis others is someone who has no ideas of her own, and doesn't care if she's being divisive for no reason at all. There are certainly bigger fish to fry, and if Bachmann wants to play with the big boys in the world of politics,she had better quit picking on small stuff and let us know what she thinks about the broader picture.....foreign policy, economics, jobs, etc. Breast feeding is, was, and always be, each woman's choice based on beliefs and abilities, but having information on current studies will help each woman make her decision.
Makes me wish for the good old days of Dan Quayle... Perhaps Bush was right – that Dan Quayle indeed WAS the most qualified person in the Republican party...
I find her comments quite funny. She rails against what they call Obamacare and yet when the first lady try to fight child obesity, which can contribute to rising health care costs, she's against it. Besides, Michelle wasn't mantading government control, she was merely advocating breat feeding. More lies from the rigth. Between her and Palin, they want kids to eat junk food and get fat. How can this be good for the health car problem. Once again, the party of "Do as we say, not as we do" stirke again. The onlt sad part is that there are nut cases out ther who suppot them, like Mr. Insane, Beck.
Apparently the right can be in your womb and in your bedroom without this being government interference. But if the government wants to keep your food safe and your children healthy, that's government interference. This woman needs to go back to Minnesota and shut up.
I hope for Bachman's childrens sake that the lead based paint chips she obviously ate did not contaminate her breast milk.
I suppose if it were a tax deduction for breast-feeders earning over $250K/yr she would have liked it better.
Another incompetent, unqualified, ignorant, and uninformed conservative female. Why is this a running theme in this group? The conservatives & GOP would prefer to give tax breaks just to the wealthy because that's who buys their seats in office. Bachmann and Palin provide enough evidence on a daily basis demonstrating their stupidity and lack of political prowess....no mention of the situation in Egypt or Tunisia or anything relating to foreign policy because they are inept, however, they will make these pathetic attempts to go after statistically and scientifically supported FACTS that the First Lady champions. Someone get Palin and Bachmann a saucer of milk...meowww....and a rabies shot.
We are a FAT NATION. FAT is FAT, unhealthy, unattractive, etc. Take it from someone who used to be FAT. It ain't pretty and neither are the "entitlements" that are necessary to keep us that way.
Wow! So, the right wants to lower taxes because they oppose a big government taking from the rich and giving to the poor. Then, when there is a tax deduction to lower taxes, they say it is a 'nanny state' and the government is subsidizing it. Exactly what *does* the right stand for?
cork this imbecile. the govt. isn't buying breast pumps. if anything this witch should applaud the IRS for reducing taxes! all they have done is allowed tax deductions on supplies – so for those choosing to go this route, the tax burden on this particular item is reduced.
how the hell can this pathetic woman be against a minuscule tax deduction like this, but for the massive farm subsidies and tax incentives she takes personally? yet another "conservative" with their hands out to the evil socialist government.
Really? We're at war, congressperson getting shot, fuel prices going up, Middle East in crisis, and this presidential candidate's issue is with breast feeding? smh
What is Ms Bachmann talking about? Mrs Obama is PROMOTING breast feeding. For good reason. As far as the other issue goes, the IRS may give you a deduction, which is not even close to being the same as buying a pump. Is this Republican math again? Learn how to do your own taxes, Ms Bachmann , before you start fooling with mine.
I used to have respect for the GOP.
Seriously? She's getting a hard time for this? The multitude of things stuipid Americans don't know and we're giving a woman of power grief or doing what she feels is right to help this overweight country and to promote a practice, breast feeding, that not only may help prevent childhood obesity but also has so many positives for the growth and development of children...politics...Loud Mouth Bachman and No Brain Palin need to stop being so petty and try doing something good, for a change. They are two of the most selfish folks speaking to people.
What is the big deal? the Repbublican party has it bad for the Obama's. Republicans are the devils advocate and promote keeping the poor poorer and rich richer, I wish they could walk in the life of a poor person so they would know how they feel. I guess they go to the firey pit they think they can take all their riches. You leave this world as you come in all be yourself and no riches with you.
"Sarah Palin told Ingraham last fall that "the first lady cannot trust parents to make decisions for their own children, for their own families in what we should eat.""
Right, because by looking around at the kids I see everyday, I can really tell that the parents give a crap what these kids eat, give me a break. Just because someone recommends that people should eat healthier, then they are trying to tell everyone what to do, and we all know that someone telling you to try to eat better food for you is tatamount to treason, or worse, *shudder* thinking of your health.
Give me a freaking break. I was expecting to see that the First Lady actually made an offensive remark. But making a simpe statement (a truth at that) about breastfeeding?! She didn't say everyone should or that the only way to be a good mother is to breast feed. And Bachmann has the nerve to announce that she herself has breast fed five children! What is she taking issue with here? All it means is that she would have gotten a write-off! Unbelievable.
Michelle Bachman has an excellent point. The scope of activities of the federal government has morphed beyond what is necessary and useful. Since the basic functions have been so poorly done and the cost has become a huge problem it is time right now to get back to the basics of government. Pull it in.
But I think Michele Bachman has a great sense of humor and it will serve her well.
Doesn't Bachmann have anything better to do than this? Why is she even in office?
She must have major contributions from companies that market baby formula. Opens her mouth often enough to change feet,
Bachmann is a lizard, so is Palin. Breastfeeding promotion can be contorted into something bad? Ladies.... get some class.
If Mrs. Bachmann has a beef with the whole tax write-off thing, Mrs. Obama is not the place to start. Unless the article grossly misconstrued the connection, the tax write-off things is in the IRS's and Congress' court.
Long term, what's more expensive: A one-time breast pump expense or formula? How much state money is spent on buying formula for people on welfare and EBT? Formula is much, much more expensive over the long term.
So in a fairly linear way, Mrs. Obama is supporting something that would lower food stamp costs for states. Her campaigns for lowered childhood obesity in general will help lower healthcare costs, unless Republicans stonewall her at every turn. You'd think they're trying to see her fail. But I'm sure they wouldn't stoop to such a level.
Michele Bachmann is ignorant and down right mean. Ms. Obama has been and continues to be working towards the improved health and fitness of children in this country. What people should take away from this article is how little Michele Bachmann has to offer this country. Her state should be ashamed for voting her into office.
Yet, these same women want to be up in my uterus, telling me what I can and cannot do with it!
Unbelievable!!!!
Gee, I wonder if Rep. Bachman opposes tax write off for business related expenses...dinner out with clients, mileage, clothing for work, gym memberships. I suppose supporting the "nanny state" for big business is somehow justifiable to her.
Bachmann is the new Palin; have we ever heard her say something constructive?
All these women can do is gripe about somebody else.
I'm beginning to reallly not like this Bachmann woman. Can she find nothing else to grouse about?
This woman is out of her league, going against the First Lady. How about working to cut the millions going to rich farmers like herself and the congress woman from South Dakota.
Blah, blah, blah! Too bad the only publicity the far right females can garnish is to lob insults at the First Lady. How pathetic!
There are more important issues to be resolved like JOBS.
First....How is Michelle Obama responsible for an IRS ruling?
Second.....Ms. Bachman presents the issue as if ANYONE who buys a breast pump can deduct it from their taxes...that is not the case. The fact of the matter is one can either use their Flex Spending Account to purchase one, or IF one’s TOTAL medical costs meets the required percentage of adjusted gross income, THEN one can deduct the cost of the breast pump.
Facts...a concept that the far right seems to be very unfamiliar with.
As long as the government "advice" comes from the right, the Conservatives are ok with it. Remember "just say no"? I'm guessing that Ms. Bachman is getting a big fat campaign donation from Big Soda, Big Fast Food, and Big Junk Food to criticize what is obviously a very logical attempt by the government to inform the citizenry about the dangers of being over-weight – which by anyone's account is a HUGE problem in this country – which costs all of us Billions of dollars in increased health costs. Can you feel the absolute hate toward the Obama's by the Palins, Limbaughs, and Bachmans of the world?
Michelle Bachmann is a quack. I hope her and Palin run together for president. I will pop the popcorn and sit back to watch the show. Two clowns running the circus of the TEA party. For once, campaign ads will be worth watching.
The government did pay for you to breast feed,...you're a government 'employee'. Also, you have a sweetheart deal with health insurance and what is taxable as a member of Congress. This is about babies' health. You and your fellow zealots want the government to be invasive about reproduction and birth..you remember...the hypocracy...you want all children to be born, regardless of the circumstances (assault, incest, etc), but the government can't help with their healthy growth. So, again, for you it's shallow, irresponsible rhetoric without any consequences for you and others, you don't adopt, foster or care for any of the babies who need help the most. I'm disgusted with you and others who think like you.
Oh come on!
How DARE the government try to make things a little bit easier for breast feeding moms. The gall. The ire!
I notice how Ms. Bachmann has zip to say about pulling ALL federal funding from Planned Parenthood, and has chosen to focus on...breast feeding.
I'd rather live in a "nanny state" (?) than in the anti-woman state that the right seems to want to cultivate.
This is another case of the government getting involved in and controlling our personal choices and freedoms.
Michele Bachmann is an ignorant fool ...I hope she runs for president. She and her extremist conservative ilk are dragging the Republican party further and further to the right. It will push the moderate independents back into the Democrat fold.... Keep flappin' dem lips...
Our First Lady seems so bored with her position that she's looking for any opportunity to make noise that will be heard. IMHO, she's become invasive in her subject matter and more condescending in her manner. Sometimes, people in positions of authority or influence should reflect more carefully upon what they intend to say and also upon how the message might be construed or misconstrued. Breast feeding is not something the First Lady should be championing. We already have scads of agencies and departments throughout all levels of Federal, State and local governments addressing health, well-being and family issues.
So i guess she saying she opposes fighting child obesity...or is it because Mrs.Obama said it its a problem... Republicans....
She has no problem accepting government handouts to help milk her cows, yet she has no compassion for a poor mother.
Give me a break, not only does breastfeeding help to prevent early childhood obesity, it's actually healthier for them. Why do you think women produce it. Nanny state? Promoting good health in a country that is entirely too fat as it is, is promoting a nanny state? Really. You don't have anything else better to do with your time besides attack a woman that wants to make help make our country more aware of a healthy lifestyle?
Uhmmm.... seems like a pretty reasonable tax break – something I thought Republicans generally favored. Where is the outrage about all the deductions we allow businesses to make from their taxes?
Wow!! Of all the things to take issue with. Unbelievable! Bachman is a complete and total ignorant nut case!! If she had two brain cells to rub together the friction might form a cherent thought. Alas, all we have is more of her mal-firing synaptic impulses resulting in her spewing stupidity and down right lunacy. If Mrs. Obama discovered a cure for cancer, this nit wit would be screaming about how the FLOTUS is promoting not only government control of peopel's lives, but now their deaths, too. If the tax break were available when Bachman had her babies you'd better believe she'd have taken advantage of it.
Michele Bachmann is obviously using Sarah Palin as a role model. What a pity. Every First Lady has a project. Recent studies show that breast fed babies have a lower rate of childhood obesity. Obesity is a huge problem in children and a real health hazard. These two nut jobs are attacking the First Lady and in doing so, they are ignoring the welfare of children.
I am having trouble deciding which one is nuttier - Sarah Palin or Michelle Bachmann. Wake up Republicans! These lunatics are setting the agenda for you.
This is just Bachman wishing she was as good a mother as Michelle Obama is. She and her cohorts are just scum.