Nashua, New Hampshire (CNN) - Might anyone wonder, Sarah Palin, who?
At a time when the former Alaska governor appears to be shrinking from the spotlight, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann is stepping up as yet another favorite daughter of the conservative movement.
In recent television appearances, political activities and speaking engagements, Bachmann has matched Palin's slams against President Obama and garnered seemingly equal affection from conservative activists.
But it remains to be seen whether embarrassing and highly publicized gaffes will affect her presidential chances.
On Saturday, the Minnesota Republican was in full swing: speaking at a high school academy in Manchester, headlining a fundraiser in Nashua for the New Hampshire GOP, and capping her day at a Tea Party-type event in Barrington. On Friday night, Bachmann attended a fundraiser at a private home.
Her weekend rollout was not without incident.
At the Nashua fundraiser, protesters crashed the carefully choreographed event. And at the earlier engagement in Manchester, Bachmann said of New Hampshire, "You're the state where the shot was heard around the world at Lexington and Concord."
The Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 were fought in Massachusetts.
In the YouTube-era, those kinds of embarrassing moments can be replayed over and over with potentially damaging effect. Especially given other gaffes from Bachmann. She recently raised eyebrows over comments on the nation's founding fathers and slavery. And she was mocked for appearing to look off camera during her post-State of the Union Tea Party response.
CNN rode in a van, exclusively, with Bachmann as she was ferried between her first and second stops in the Granite state.
It was a rare sight: Bachmann and husband Marcus joking with three of their five children; Bachmann putting finishing touches on a speech; and everyone talking about sports.
When the conversation turned to the NBA's Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics, Bachmann lit up and said, "Yeah! Isn't he a great basketball player?" Garnett previously played for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
There was also an all-important family discussion. "How did you sleep last night, you guys?" Bachmann asked her family.
Aside from family, the issue of fiscal responsibility was a matter of concern to the potential candidate.
"We've talked a lot, already this morning, about your great state motto: 'live free or die,'" Bachmann said at the beginning of her Nashua speech. "And it causes me to think also about the motto of the state of Virginia: 'Death to tyrants!'"
From there, Bachmann – who is chair of the House Tea Party Caucus – repeated many of her oft-stated, Tea Party-rhetoric-laced slams. She continued her call for the repeal of "Obamacare," railed against the tax code and federal spending, even repeated a controversial line against the president.
"I said that we have a 'gangster government' running the show down in Washington, D.C. And I don't step back from that statement," Bachmann said at the fundraiser. "Because this is an administration that is intent on taking from its opponents – and giving to its friends. There's a lot in common with a lot of Chicago's history in this administration."
Obama was not the only president to receive criticism. Bachmann even lashed out at the last Republican to hold the office.
While talking about the federal deficit, Bachmann said: "As you know, this year alone, the deficit will be $1.65 trillion. This is remarkable. Under the big-spending George Bush – and he was a big spender. I respect our president. But he was a big spender. Just consider: in 2007, the deficit was something less than $175 billion for the year. Last month, under Barack Obama, the deficit was $223 billion. We are going off the cliff with out of control spending."
At least one prominent Tea Party leader is encouraging Bachmann to run for president, while not mentioning Palin.
Though not an official endorsement, Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips wrote in a message to supporters: "at this point, this movement is going to have to choose a standard bearer for the White House in 2012. It may be a little early to choose that person now, but it is not too early for us to encourage good conservatives to get into the race."
"Run Michele, RUN!" Phillips wrote.
Follow Shannon Travis on Twitter: @shantravisCNN
From CNN Politics
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I'm conservative and even I can't stand this self-absorbed screeching squawk-box. Didn't like her much before but her State of the Union grandstanding totally put her in the trash bin for me.
So is getting ae Tea Party endorsement predicated on one's not knowing American History, or just not knowing the fine point of the U.S. Constitution (such as the First Amendment)?
I honestly believe that people would not be that stupid to vote for someone like her.
Wow, really? What a dream candidate – to the Democrats.
These women, Palin and Bachmann, just wake up in the morning and say I want to be president. Running for president iof the U.S. isn't like being a PTA president but it appears to be their way of thinking.
Why are all the prominent Republican females dunces? Is it because it does not threaten the top male Republicans?
Bachmann for President! It would be the best entertainment on television to see her debate against Obama!
I am completely flabbergasted that any one could take this woman seriously. In a time of crisis, such as we are in, we need strong, intelligent leaders who are ready to make the best choices for all Americans.
Individuals like this woman, Sarah Palin, and the majority of the Tea Party backed candidates claim to love America....they simply hate most of the people who live here (some public figure said that and its stuck with me)
Political polarization is bad for this country period. Until we learn to compromise and make decisions based on the good of the people and not our own bank accounts or corporate fat cats or whichever Church we decide to worship in we will have no prosperity.
It is "Thus Always to Tyrants" you uneducated RepubliCON.
was she complaining about the money spent on this useless was? go away idiot
The tea bag hag is at it again, I see her as running on the idea that we need to change our consitution to eliminated the right of seperation from church and state. I hope people realize that people like her don't see a way to help our country, all they see is what ever happens they will become very wealthy in the process, look at palin, she quit her goverment job because she seen a chance to make more money in one year than her whole life time, but to do so she had to sell her soul to the likes of the Koch brothers, ask her if she has any connections with them. Marx said religion is the opium of the masses and the tea bag hag is using that to get wealthy not to futher our democracy. They are not for abortions but they are not for helping the poor women when the child is born. They do not believe in out of wedlock babies because it a fact they believe the man is boss and a woman could never raise a kid by theirself. Vote for her and vote to go back to the dark ages.
SC had a rally today mostly focused on education. Have no idea of the number attending but it was a very good and well organized event. There were a few TPs there, but no one tried to force them away. As a former Indep., now Dem., I truly believe if the Dems. don't step up and rid our country of these money hungry Reps., life as I have known it over my 65 yrs. will cease to exist. I have a grandson whom I want to grow up as I did-with the American Dream.
And no, I am not on welfare and I've worked all my life and paid into S.S. as well as paying my fair share of taxes. DEMS GET OFF YOUR BACKSIDES AND DON'T STAY HOME IN 2012-VOTE!
This woman is unbelievable. On one hand, I want her to run because I think she could never win. On the other hand, I don't want to continue reading about her!
I said that we have a 'gangster government' running the show down in Washington, D.C. And I don't step back from that statement," Bachmann said at the fundraiser. _______________________________________________________________________________
Seriously Michelle? Really? That's your take on one of the best presidents in the history of this country? You and your minions have been whining about President Obama being a socialist while ignoring the facist behavior of the rabid right. I wonder how many conservatives are also members of public unions? Do you get it now? Has the governor of Wisconsin opened your eyes wide enough yet? The Republican party IS NOT the friend of ordinary Americans.
Isn't NH the 57th state?
Gaffe.........ah, sorta like 57 states I guess. Can't see what the big deal is. Everyone who has ever spoken in public makes gaffes. It just happens people – deal with it.
Please give us a break from this really crazy and not so bright woman. How she ever got in the congress is a question a lot of people should ask.
She and the republican governors are working for the fascist cock brothers. %un them out on a rail, or accept Hitler-like dictatorship for the children and grand-children.
Randolph Carter, come back. We miss you.
This new wave of GOPers, boy I dunno, I men I knew they were asleep in economics class (voo-doo, trickle down supply side) but they ain't so good a that there geography and history neither.
This woman is a total "Space Cadet".
She epitomizes the mentality of most of the Right Wing of the GOP..
A great. That's all we need. Of wait. LET her run! She'll be perfect fodder for the late night comedy crew and Obama's supporters won't have to work as hard to get him re-elected.
Shannon Travis, You are a nutjob. Michele Bachann is no Sarah Palin and never will be.
You've gotta love the Left. Bachmann is a diversion from the real candiate. Let the left salivate.
Virginia's state motto is not "Death to tyrants." It is "Thus always to tyrants," translated from the Latin. What a freaking idiot this woman is.
Maybe he was saying RUN because he was telling her to run away, not run for president. Michelle Bachmann as president – bad idea, everyone. She cannot answer a single question on how she could fix things or how things should be run. She just continues to spout rhetoric. When asked point blank exactly what she would do to improve things, she just repeats her statement and says she cannot say how to fix it because she doesn't know the details. Then, how can she know it is even fixable?
Republicans, Please, please, please nominate this idiot for president.
I was at the "fundraiser" in nashua and all I can say about the "reporting" of this article is this. At the very least this article is extremely dishonest. At the very most one could say that which was said by congressman joe wilson, "you lie". I assume shannon travis is less of a reporter and more of a commentator of politics. The difference between a "gaffe" and a lie is one of honesty. One can honestly make a "gaffe", (if in fact the reporting of the manchester event was reported honestly. But that in my mind is suspect having been present in nashua and know the truth behind the dishonest reporting being presented here of that event.) But a lie must be contrived, and willful. I am disappointed by this so called reporting of an event that I have had witnessed. The power of the constitution is the vote of the individual. The truth has no agenda! The reporting of shannon travis does. And presenting the truth is not her agenda.
Will the day ever come when CNN does not do a hatchet job on Republicans? How about reporting on all the special deals with health companies and drug companies that Obama has made with Obamacare? Oh, I guess that does not meet with your political goals.
So Bush starts an illegal war and crashes the global economy, but he's a 'big spender' she still respects.
Barack Obama cleans up Bush's mess and he's a gangster? I note she makes no mention of respecting him.
It seems republicans only respect republican presidents. I suppose they have to, after all, no one else does.
The , "protesters crashed the carefully choreographed event." The truth of this statement is that they lied about who they were by saying they were part of a hockey team traveling and had asked to be allowed to enter the event to see the congresswoman speak. They were publicly announced and received as they had claimed by those in attendance. "Bachmann even lashed out at the last Republican to hold the office." this is also distorted reporting. The congresswoman's statement that president Bush was a big spending republican was not only done respectfully but was also honest and truthful. It was in no way "lashing out". Dishonest reporting distorts and manipulates words and context to present truth in a repackaged way to purposely make it look like something it was not meant to be. This is truly shameful.
Palin... Bachmann... One is worse than the other.Can't stand the sight of either one of them. Neither of them know their country's history. These idiots know nothing about the Founding Fathers they preach so much about. Hope they're on the same ticket in 2012. GO OBAMA 2012!!!
Ahhhhh! Michelle B. You funny American.
and real Americans. The middle class is at stake.
If you think Bachmann is dumb, just think how dumb the electorate is that voted for her and has fallen for all her stupid remarks. I really wonder about Minnesota. Maybe its the cold or something in the water since they do have so many lakes.
GOP = Gaffes-O-Plenty
You wait, Foot in Mouth Michele and Beauty Pagent Runner Up Sarah are going to get in a genuine hair pulling cat fight. Couldn't happen to a couple of nicer know nothings.
A Sarah Palin clone! Those of you in Minnesota that sent this dumb woman to Congress need to have your head examined. I loved her Facebook comment about her mistake. Dumb and dumber!
Did she say this was her visit to the 57th state with one to go? Oh, wait, THAT WAS OBAMA. Please stop making big deals in your biased reporting when Obama has had plenty of them unreported by you!
I think Bachmann is a complete wackjob and I really hope she DOES run so I can watch her reduced to rumble if not by the other GOP candidates but President Obama if she makes it that far, BUT I will give her credit for this...unlike Sarah Palin, Michelle Backmann will come out and talk to other media besides FoxNews nor does she just complain on Twitter and Facebook. She has even appeared on MSNBC several times and has talked on moreso progressive programs, even though she seems not to be able to back up some of her silliness ( Obama's India trip cost 10million dollars) she has the moxie to go out and do it. Sarah Palin would NEVER do that which is why I doubt if Palin is going to run for POTUS.
Wow, next she may something really stupid like there being 57 states in the United States. Oh wait, some unqualified candidate already said that and look what it got him, he was elected president.
I'm only too happy to see this person as a representative of the GOP – the party is slowly but surely heading down the road of national embarrassment. Is this really the best the GOP has to offer in the way of potential Presidential candidates? 2012 is going to be a rout.
Bachmann is one big flub! I am SO grateful I do not live in her district. It's bad enough she represents part of Minnesota.
I thought this bimbo was elected to do a job in Minnesota. Why is she gallavanting around the country to other states worrying about what's going on in those other states instead of spending her time where she was elected to be taking care of their business?
And the Republiklans whine about the Dems not doing their jobs. Shameful.
Oh, so NOW the Tea Party darlings are starting to slam Bush? I wonder how long before the GOP closes the purse strings and the Tea Party becomes a REAL third party instead of a GOP front?
She is as dumb as a sack of rocks. What a complete moron. I hope she runs in 2012, along with that other numbskull, palin, so we can all yuck it up. LOL
Given her obviously flawed knowledge of American history, how can anyone take this woman seriously in any context, much less a presidential one? She believed that during the founding of America, anyone had the opportunity to be successful, regardless of race. I'm sure that was news to the slaves who were being made to toil in the fields, the Chinese who were forced to build the railroads, the Irish who were told they "need not apply" and the Native Americans who were slaughtered en masse.
Do the G.O.P. have an assembly line of female air heads these days. Really ashame though; they look so nice until they actually have to open their mouths and engage those tiny brains. Any wonded why America is falling apart these days?!
Wow – another extremist, right-wing dimwit, who needs a history lesson. She and Palin – two politicians who don't have a GHOST of a chance of winning the center.
All I can say is, bring her on!
I think Bachmann and Palin would make a great ticket for the Rethuglicans. It really doesn't matter which one is on top–both are appallingly ignorant, egotistical nut jobs. Besides, can anyone else imagine how much fun Tina Fey and company would have with duo? No script would need to be written, they'd only have to repeat, verbatim, the actual lunatic fringe ravings that come out of their mouthes.
another air-head supported by the witless...
Re: favorite daughter of the conservative movement.
was that conservative movement, or conservative moment...hard to figure which, since they chance so often...
amazing-this is the best these people can come up with?From the bad to the ridiculous!One ignorant narcissist followed by another.At least they are consistent.Neither Bachmann nor Palin are worthy of half the attention they have conjured up for themselves.
If setting back women's rights 50 years is what you are into Michele is your girl. Oh, and she supported Bush fully when he was in office. If it took her this long to see how wrong he was I dont think I want her picking up that phone at 3:00 a.m. But I agree with one thing, she is a lot like Palin. Being a woman should not be an obstacle on the road to the White House, but being pretty should not be our prime qualification. If Minnesota gets tired of her there is always a place for her in Wiconsin.
another Sarahesque that loves to hear herself talk ... blah blah blah.
"Run Michele, RUN!" Phillips wrote.
LOL... LOL... LOL... God bless Michelle Gumps precious little heart. I can just imagine a Michelle Gump Presidency, 4 years of investigating members of congress on their anti-American views. After listening to Bachmann though, she'll more than likely take it literal and jump off her bus and start running when she hears this.
We need a fiscal conservative, not a social conservative whack job who wants to legislate her own views of morality onto the rest of us.
Can the Tea Party find anyone more stupid? Bachmann is the most embarrassing lunatic and I wonder how on earth she made it to our Congrress. She knows nothing about our nation's history and knows nothing about our current issues. Bachmann is not worthy to even be in Congress and God help those 5 children who have her for a Mother. Is being stupid, uneducated, and making a public fool of yourself a requirement to be in the Tea Party?? The Republicans got exactly what they deserved with these extremist morons now bringing down their Party to nothing but a bad joke. It says a lot when you have 1/3 of the Republican base still believing President Obama is a Muslim. You just can't fix stupid.
I just do not understand how Americans can vote for this ( I'll be polite lady) who is a racist and religiously bigoted right wing conservative ideologue.
She needs a lesson in tolerance or how not to be intolerant of those whose racial and religious views are not like hers.
Regards,
Hodgson.
Michele Bachmann Is just another Saran Palin , and they are both back by the Tea Party and the KOCH'S BROTHER. If you keep voting for these people American people won't have any right at all. Look at what the tea party GOV. of Wisconsin Is doing now. And all these tea party people are racist and hateful people.
Another gaffe in NH trip. Go figure. But did anyone notice she sure has the insults against our President down pat? They are nothing but empty suits with slurs and insults, no ideas on how to get this country moving forward. So much for the JOBS and the economy they promised during the midterm campaigns. Pathetic lot they are.
Virginia's motto is :Sic Semper Tyrannnus" - "Thus Always to Tyrants". Close but no cigar, Ms. Bachmann. But then history isn't really your forte, is it?
Just another ignorant loud mouthed woman harping the republican agenda. These attention w hores are just an embarrassment to educated informed women every where but they are the best the GOP has to offer America. How pathetic and sad.
I never thought I'd be able to say this, but here's someone who's more stupid than Sarah Palin!
Bachmann doesn't "make a gaff;" she IS a gaff ...
How does someone who has clearly FAILED 5th grade American History make the claim that she is qualified for running for, much less holding the highest elected office in the country? For that matter, how is she qualified for the office she now holds? This is the same self-important dimwit that presumes to lecture others on the US Constitution. She should try READING it first, along with an elementary school history book.
And at the earlier engagement in Manchester, Bachmann said of New Hampshire, "You're the state where the shot was heard around the world at Lexington and Concord." The Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 were fought in
Massachusetts.
Sounds like she knows as much about geography as the Wasilla Quitter ... two pea-heads in a pod ...
"Because this is an administration that is intent on taking from its opponents – and giving to its friends. "
Once again, Bachmann is engaging in the typical Republican tactic of projecting onto their opponents their own bad behavior.
They are such a bunch of psycho sickos, that Republican party.
Fact: All of the Republicans' policies – economic, foreign and military – are PROVEN FAILURES.
Voting for a Republican is like a chicken voting for Col. Sanders...
This woman is a joke. She sullies the name of the great state of Minnesota every time she opens her big, stupid, mouth. Seriously, did this woman not take simple United States History courses in grade school, high school, or college? Or did she get that J.D. by giving head to her professors?
It's nice to put a face behind stupid. How many times does she have to prove to everyone, outside the tea party, how incompetent she is?
Yep ! She is as good at history as her friend Palin. Have the Republicans no shame allowing these idiots to represent them ?
The woman is an idiot on good days. She's making Palin sound like a rocket scientist...and she's not as smart as the fumes from a rockets exhaust.
When I think of the Tea Party, I'm beginning to think of the Mad Hatter and all the other cartoon charactors in Alice in Wonderland. It's all a terrible dream. How can grown up adults have such small minds that they would think Sarah Palin or Michele Bachmann could actually be good for this country, and at the same time deride a constitutional law professor. It's beyond the pale.
I would love to see a female president someday but certainly not this woman nor the kooky Sarah Palin. Glad they belong to the Republicans.
Bachmann = Palin II. They're both ignorant trailer trash and won't last long.
Yes definitely run Michelle! I could use the laugh.
We're sorry – we've had a bit of trouble keeping Michelle from wandering around the country and mis-speaking 5th grade history. If you should see her, please tell her that her 6th district residents are wondering where the heck she's been and why the heck we're paying her salary. Haven't seen her in town or in her office since the night of the last election. Actually, you can keep her, we just want her salary back. We could use it to cover tax breaks for several billionaires. Thanks!
Gads, not another Bozo.
Ever notice that none of the Republicans – including Bachman – ever talk specifics about their policies? It's just lie- and hate-filled rhetoric, designed to get their "base" riled up and to the polls to vote against their own self-interest.
They also never talk about the Middle Class. Why? Because they don't believe there should be a Middle Class; there should just be the very few, very wealthy and the rest of us can live in a dog-eat-dog world of poverty.
How these nutjobs can remotely consider themselves Christian is beyond me ... except I know they are cut from the same cloth of every other person who uses their so-called faith in God to excuse all their horrific behavior.
Here we go again... mainstream, liberal media trying to bring a conservative female rising star down. Those gaffes are nothing compared to Biden's – and even Obama's – gaffes. CNN, please don't start. It will only backfire against your network in the end. You should know that by now.
boo hiss....just one more kook from the very far right.
Israel approves settlement construction in Minnesota ,Bachmann attended a fundraiser at a private home.
Snooki Palin #2 is headed toward SNL like Palin,not the GOBP nomination.
Sadly dumb and dumber has already been taken. Although I often question her legitimacy as a thoughtful, well-versed, and competent legislator, she (like Palin) is that moth to the flame of publicity and the moolah attached to it. Funny, I should note that she made mention of the state motto of Virginia, which is "Sic temper tyranus", for those not Latin literate it translates to "Thus always to tyrants", so she was close. What she failed to heed is that same motto was made historic by no one less than John Wilkes Booth who shouted it during the assassination of Abraham Lincoln at Fords Theater in April 1865. Not to go without mentioning, Lincoln was the first elected GOP POTUS. Not that that fact should be lost on Mrs. Bachmann, as I'm sure she could not recollect that fact given the opportunity to dwell on it. Speaking of facts, Mrs. Bachmann should go back to the schools she allows as a legislator to be under-funded so that she too can learn (or re-learn) American history. I'm sure the residents of New Hampshire and Massachusetts would agree on that. We miss you Dan Quaylee, oops, Quaile, I mean potato.
I just don't see us having anyone credible running for president in 2012-just the same old Newt, Sarah [Rupert's proxy], Haley [Barbour] and the preacher-same old ground up and spit out "has beens." And now Bachman who doesn't even know that Lexington and Concord are in MA-the GOP is a truly confused bunch without any direction. Looking at this field, I think I'll go w/Obama.
Rep. Michele Bachmann needs to use caution as she is on the verge of offending and ganering the full wrath of Sarah Palin. Bachmann is close to the level of stupidity displayed by Palin
If this woman is elected president, I will move to Canada....
Ms. Bachman should be good for a lot of gaffe video footage. Did she give herself a haircut? Yowsers – she better rethink the do for good photo ops. Come to think of it, Hillary Clinton should do the same. I think people who lead this country or want to lead this country should not look scary.
Just when you thought no other republican woman could possibly be more stupid than Sarah Palin....along comes Michele. Sarah, I'm sorry for calling you the dumbest woman in politics! Would the GOP please field a competent female and stop making women look incredibly stupid??
Gaffes will not hurt you.. Just ask Obama how many states there are in the US!!
If you want a president who does not know history, worry about the facts, have a limited understanding of the world, very limited insight into anything but can smile to the camera and repeat what she is told she is a great candidate. perfect for the "tea party".
You liberals are so full oif it. You claim your for womans rights and want them to succeed but you will slam this woman like you did Palin because their Republicans. So what if she made a mistake about history. At least she didn't say there were 57 States. Did you forget about that? Wake up LIBERALS, people do make mistakes. The only one who doesn't make mistakes is God.
This woman is so brain-dead that she makes Sarah Palin look like a genius. Shouldn't that tell you how dumb her supporters must be? I applaud the Media for revealing what is obvious to anyone with a modicum of intelligence: You tell when Michelle is saying something stupid...her lips are moving.
Note to Sarah: Don't take my remark as a compliment. Being 2nd dumbest woman in the world isn't a high honor.
Honestly, why would someone running for President know that the "shot heard round the world" occurred in Massachusetts; not New Hampshire? Really, do we want some elitist "know-it-all" as President? It’s not like this is common grade-school knowledge. I know the Republican response, “she misspoke.” Yeah, she misspoke because she believed that the “shot heard round the world” occurred in New Hampshire - what an idiot!
There is a huge difference between Palin and Bachman.
Palin is not very bright, not well educated, not well read, and is a pathological liar.
Bachman is not very bright, not well educated, not well read, and is psychotic.
Also, Palin is cuter.
This woman is a dangerous ignoramus. She also said that when everyone arrived in the US throughout history, they all began as equals. Tell that to the hundreds of thousands of African slaves, and the same for the Irish. Please get this fool out of the limelight before people believe her.
Yes Michele, please run. When Bachmann and Palin enter the presidential race, if they do, they will find their outlandish statements and false accusations, especially those of Bachmann, will be highly scrutinized and criticized (e.g., Palin's blood libel). They won't be able to get away with ridiculous imputations. Take that away from them and there is nothing left.
Why is anyone surprised? Open mouth to change feet.