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Bachmann lists her presidential creds
323 days ago

Bachmann lists her presidential creds

mug.mooney

(CNN) - As she contemplates a bid for the White House, Rep. Michele Bachmann is making her case when it comes to why she's qualified to sit in the Oval Office.

Speaking to Fox News' Bill O'Reilly Tuesday, the Minnesota congressman touted her "broad, extensive background."

"I'm a student of many years. I've studied a number of, a wide berth of topics," she said. "I sit currently on the Intelligence Committee. We deal with the classified secrets and with the unrest that's occurring around the world. I also sit on Financial Services Committee."

"But again, I've lived life," continued Bachmann. "Tomorrow, I'll be celebrating my 55th birthday, and I've had a wide, extensive life. And again, my background is a very practical, solution-oriented vision."

"So you are a problem solver," O'Reilly responded.

Bachmann's defense of her qualifications comes in the wake of increasing signs the Tea Party favorite is likely to mount a presidential bid. Earlier in the week the congresswoman hired a key staffer in Iowa while CNN reported Wednesday she is set to appear with South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley during an upcoming trip to that key state.


Filed under: 2012 • Michele Bachmann
soundoff (89 Responses)
  1. Nick , California

    Ha ha.. she must have fallen asleep in history class!

    April 6, 2011 10:47 am at 10:47 am |
  2. Bill

    This woman stands about as much chance of becoming president as the man in the moon. Run, baby, run.

    April 6, 2011 10:50 am at 10:50 am |
  3. Don

    It's like they are trying to make sure Obama has a gigantic victory.

    April 6, 2011 10:51 am at 10:51 am |
  4. Positive

    Ms. Bachmann has shown that she will say anything, regardless of how untrue, to stir up people's anger against her opponent. Both the fact that she confuses creating anger with leadership and that she will use such means to obtain power, makes her someone who should never be in a leadership position.

    April 6, 2011 10:52 am at 10:52 am |
  5. AC

    Bachmann broad experience NOT!

    April 6, 2011 10:54 am at 10:54 am |
  6. Wes B.

    She's 55. She's lived life.

    Yep...that's good enough to be president.

    April 6, 2011 10:56 am at 10:56 am |
  7. Mark

    There are literally 1 million Americans MORE QUALIFIED than Ms. Bachmann to be President

    April 6, 2011 10:57 am at 10:57 am |
  8. rusty155

    You are not QUALIFIED to be President At ALL. Reminder the shot heard around the world you say was, and you say other thing that Prove you are not QUALIFIED. Plus you are back by the TEA PARTY and the KOCH'S BROTHER. The Republican only care about the RICH now, we don't need a Billionaire or two telling you want to do. They are not spending all that money for nothing.

    April 6, 2011 10:58 am at 10:58 am |
  9. NDrifleman

    Her "I'm a student of many years. I've studied a number of, a wide berth of topics," makes me laugh, very uncomfortably. During public appearances in Iowa she couldn't even get issues of slavery and our founding fathers straight. She didn't know where the "shot heard 'round the world" was actually fired from. Yet she thinks she's got what it takes to be President of the United States? Run, Ms. Bachmann, let's see what else you've got in that highly studious mind of yours.

    April 6, 2011 11:00 am at 11:00 am |
  10. MOUF

    My family in MN is just hoping it means she will leave their state.... The fodder she will provide for comics will make her run supremely entertaining

    April 6, 2011 11:02 am at 11:02 am |
  11. Andrew

    Man, the GOP ticket is gaining strength. Trump, Bachmann, Palin, Skeletor. Gonna be hard to beat

    April 6, 2011 11:02 am at 11:02 am |
  12. joeamerican1

    Let's see, Barack HUESSEIN Obama's presidential credentials in 2008 were:
    1 community organizer (means he acquired and spent govt $ wastefully) 2 had the equivalent of 6 weeks experience in Congress (he ran for President most of the time) 3 BO voted Present 90% of the time while in the Senate (very courageous Barry) 4 was found the be the Most radical liberal Senator in Congress 5 attended Harvard even though his grades at Cloumbia were so bad they had to be locked up, nobody can verify 6 studied Saul Alinsky's tactics and a friend of Frank Marshall Davis. Wonderful credentials, for radical progressive lockstep liberals!

    April 6, 2011 11:04 am at 11:04 am |
  13. maf

    Specifics, sounds a lot like Palin, dancing around the question with nothing other than broad sweeping statements.
    Can't wait for the GOP to rip up their own as soon as they announce. The Party of NO is now reaping the results of having no rising star in their midst. Maybe Cantor is he can tone down his smugness. . .

    April 6, 2011 11:04 am at 11:04 am |
  14. Pat

    Minnesota was my second home. I lived there from the age of 9 through age 17. This woman is so far "out there" it makes Ex-Governor Ventura look good. Minnesota, what has happened to you?

    April 6, 2011 11:06 am at 11:06 am |
  15. Obama 2012

    But an Ivy League educated lawyer was not qualified enough for them in 2008. But she has lived. That is great! Such hipocracy on the right.

    April 6, 2011 11:07 am at 11:07 am |
  16. Tim

    This woman, who represents the weird 6th district of my state, has done nothing for our state since she came into office and has done nothing on the federal level as well. She is a disingenuous, self-promoting fibber; always has been, always will be.

    April 6, 2011 11:08 am at 11:08 am |
  17. Ptown

    American history would have been something she could've studied...

    April 6, 2011 11:10 am at 11:10 am |
  18. Steve, New York City

    Hmmm – let me guess? She supposedly has some long list of qualifications? The only qualifications I can see are that she's US-born and she's over 35 years of age. Unfortunately for Congresswoman Bachmann, LOTS of people have those same qualifications.

    April 6, 2011 11:10 am at 11:10 am |
  19. Bill

    Though I think she's a decent politician, she won't be able to beat Obama in 2012. Looks at what the media did to Sarah Palin in 2008. When you're a conservative woman, the far left media will tear you apart no matter what you do or say. I advise Rep. Bachmann to reconsider and not run, instead back a strong candidate like Romney in order for the GOP to have a better chance at beating Obama. If she does run, the liberal media will turn the entire GOP primary into a circus and make Obama the more credible. Let not the 2012 election be about the "qualification" and "credibility" of another GOP candidate. Let Obama's track records and policies be the center point with the people.

    April 6, 2011 11:10 am at 11:10 am |
  20. Evelyn Mills

    Being a loud mouthed broad is hardly a qualification to lead this country.It helps to nave a brain

    April 6, 2011 11:12 am at 11:12 am |
  21. Billy

    Run Michele Run!! I am begging you! Nothing would ensure Obama's re-election more than you as the GOP candidate.

    April 6, 2011 11:12 am at 11:12 am |
  22. harvey 60

    Michelle, the fact that you sit on the Intelligence Committee doesn't mean that you're intelligent. Stick to what you know – running your mouth on FOX, VOX Republicana

    April 6, 2011 11:13 am at 11:13 am |
  23. Russ

    Now there's an oxomoron for you. Bachmann on the Intelligence Committee. Hahahahahahaha. But in her own words she just sits on these committees. It's highly unlikely they consider any of her input. And she has lived live to the ripe old age of 55. Not exactly a qualifying factor. I've lived life to the age of 60. Hardly qualifies me for President. If you're really serious about running for President why would you be talking to Fox News? Hardly any credibility there.

    April 6, 2011 11:14 am at 11:14 am |
  24. Chas in Iowa

    So basiclly she's saying she has no qualifications other than living 55 years and siting on a few committees.
    At least she could say she can see Canada from her house or something.

    April 6, 2011 11:15 am at 11:15 am |
  25. al in memphis

    Tomorrow, I'll be celebrating my 55th birthday, and I've had a wide, extensive life. And again, my background is a very practical, solution-oriented vision.
    __________________________________________________________________________________________

    Huh -This is her qualification. If this works well enough to get her on the ballot, then I going to used the same thing for my resume for CEO of the top 25 companies.

    What in the world did this woman do to get elected?

    April 6, 2011 11:16 am at 11:16 am |
  26. Lynda/Minnesota

    "I sit currently on the Intelligence Committee."

    How long has that been true, Michele? January – April 2011. Bachmann is a classic example of an ego gone wild. She comes from the only *real* Republican District within Minnesota, is being supported by the wealthy congregation and staff of a mega Evangelical Church bordering her District, and she now thinks that somehow qualifies her as America's newest darling. Fact of the matter is, if you ask any one of her constituents what Bachmann has done for them or their District, they won't be able to quantify one example. They will, however, talk ad nauseum about what she SAYS she stands for – either before or after her comments have been fact checked and debunked - it makes no difference to her sheepherders here in Minnesota. But, do run Michele. America needs a good laugh, and believe me, YOU are more than qualified in that category.

    April 6, 2011 11:16 am at 11:16 am |
  27. Rudy NYC

    I'll give her credit for having the courage and tenacity to stand up for her beliefs.

    April 6, 2011 11:17 am at 11:17 am |
  28. Madtown

    "But again, I've lived life," continued Bachmann. "Tomorrow, I'll be celebrating my 55th birthday, and I've had a wide, extensive life"
    ------–

    So, simply existing makes one qualified for the highest office in our land? That's kinda Palin-esque. Never mind the fact that neither one of them have the intellectual capacity, integrity, or sophistication for the job. "I've lived for awhile....elect me!!"

    No thanks. The freaking President of the United States should be the cream of our crop, the very best we have to offer!! The unfortunate fact that these 2 empty-heads are even mentioned in the same sentence as the word "President" is intellectually insulting and a national disgrace.

    April 6, 2011 11:18 am at 11:18 am |
  29. Disbelief

    Please make your bid for POTUS, Michele. Nothing makes a presidential race more fun to watch than a few loonies telling everyone how qualified they are!

    April 6, 2011 11:21 am at 11:21 am |
  30. Mulanrui

    Funny she didn't say, "Im a people person."

    April 6, 2011 11:22 am at 11:22 am |
  31. Dave

    When you look up delusional in the dictionary and it says see picture there is Bachmann. Life experiences? She is a representative from a crappy little district in MN. I guess shooting your mouth off about silly nothings and embarrassing yourself and everyone around you with your goofy extreme right wing conservative values gives you the right to run for president.

    April 6, 2011 11:23 am at 11:23 am |
  32. CPTJX

    What a weak candidate! Minnesota, you should be ashamed. "NH was the first shot in the American Revolution, the shot herd around the world." Your Rep does not even know our history. No wonder why Canada is laughing at us..stupidity

    April 6, 2011 11:23 am at 11:23 am |
  33. Wasilla Willie

    She has about as much of chance of becoming POTUS as my dog has! I say run, our comedians need some new material.

    April 6, 2011 11:23 am at 11:23 am |
  34. David

    Please God! Make her run. Shy of unemployment rates plummetting, I can't think of anything that would guarantee a second term for President Obama than Bachmann on the GOP ticket.

    April 6, 2011 11:25 am at 11:25 am |
  35. AEK

    And I have a very cool hat made of aluminum foil!

    April 6, 2011 11:25 am at 11:25 am |
  36. The Situation

    A student of what? Utter Lies! She like the other Repubs are all jokes!

    April 6, 2011 11:26 am at 11:26 am |
  37. Bill from GA

    Whatever qualifications she may have, her problem is her ideology, and hers does not fit in with mainstream America. Even most pf the Americans who want lower taxes still want a strong military and most of the social network that lower taxes cannot support. Repugs don't want to accept that realty.

    April 6, 2011 11:26 am at 11:26 am |
  38. ConservaFascists/FUBAR

    "I'm a student of many years. I've studied a number of, a wide berth of topics,"

    You obviously didn't study American History 101 dummy. You're a student of hate and deceit. I'm about 99.9% certain that you're a spawn of Satan.

    April 6, 2011 11:28 am at 11:28 am |
  39. AME

    Interesting...she sits on the Intelligence Committee, but she has none herself...

    April 6, 2011 11:28 am at 11:28 am |
  40. DIANA

    This sound like what Palin said to Katie Couric in her interview. That also explains why she doesn't know anything – SHE'S STILL STUDYING! She needs to study more history. Did she study Palin too?

    April 6, 2011 11:28 am at 11:28 am |
  41. Dan

    She did not list her main conservative cred., that she is nuttier than a fruit cake and should seek help for her many mental health issues.

    April 6, 2011 11:28 am at 11:28 am |
  42. Mikey

    "So you are a problem solver," O'Reilly responded.

    Yet another probing interview by Fox.

    Someone needs to tell Michele that you can't go around making totally wacky statements for 10 years and then suddenly become the leader of the free world. But then again, it's at least a 50-50 that she just wants to get on the Palin gravy train.

    April 6, 2011 11:29 am at 11:29 am |
  43. kelsey's grammar

    Being a US citizen and over 35 is hardly enough to qualify one to the highest office in the land. Bachmann's first area to tackle should be her delusions of grandeur. Then, she should quit embarassing we citizens of Minnesota each and every day. Then we can talk.

    April 6, 2011 11:30 am at 11:30 am |
  44. Kate

    She and Palin should team up for the GOP ticket. No doubt we'd be the laughing stock of the world! Just one of them is bad enough!

    April 6, 2011 11:30 am at 11:30 am |
  45. jimm

    What problems has she solved?

    April 6, 2011 11:31 am at 11:31 am |
  46. Irma in North Carolina

    You have a few more quailications then Palin, but being a member of the tea party and your big mouth isnt going to help you any.

    April 6, 2011 11:31 am at 11:31 am |
  47. LA, LA, LA

    My god, have we reached the point where any nut can contemplate to be president?

    April 6, 2011 11:32 am at 11:32 am |
  48. DC2003

    Totally escapes me though HOW you got elected to office to begin with!
    For all your "life experiences" ... you run a close second to stupid comments with Fail'n-Palin.

    April 6, 2011 11:33 am at 11:33 am |
  49. vin

    "I'm a student of many years." Ok, anyone else ever have Mr./Ms. Manyears? Really? All that knowledge, you know, geography, civics, whatever, AND on the House Intelligence Committee. This TRAIN WRECK will be priceless entertainment.

    April 6, 2011 11:34 am at 11:34 am |
  50. Marie

    She studied a wide berth of topics? She must have forgotten to study basic American history. She thinks the founding fathers ended slavery.

    April 6, 2011 11:36 am at 11:36 am |
  51. Martha in CF

    Oh please...she is presidential material? Give me a break.....Canada here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    April 6, 2011 11:41 am at 11:41 am |
  52. Mark

    God help us!!!

    April 6, 2011 11:41 am at 11:41 am |
  53. Randy, San Francisco

    Bachmann's credentials will account for little because she suffers from the Palin foot in the mouth disease. Her wingnut ranting and raving about nonsense shows her to be unpresidential.

    April 6, 2011 11:42 am at 11:42 am |
  54. TEE

    Lets not leave out credibility, basic american history, and the ability to tell the truth, none of which is a skill she posses...

    April 6, 2011 11:43 am at 11:43 am |
  55. Dave

    Bachmann sits on the Intelligence Committee... There's a contradiction in terms. She's dumber than a post and nuttier than a fruitcake. Actually, she fits right in with most GOP candidates...

    April 6, 2011 11:44 am at 11:44 am |
  56. RiffRaff

    Another pretty girl with no brains-in Congress for her 2nd term before she realizes she needs to understand the Constitution and brings in Scalia for a tutoring session-and thinks shes qualified for President. Thats her accomplishment in 4yrs of service. 2 yr term spending 18 mo trying to get elected for the next time. Do your job!! Other than ridiculous remarks about Planned Parenthood 'drive thru' abortions what does she have? Ignorance & misinformation.

    April 6, 2011 11:45 am at 11:45 am |
  57. Jon in Rochester NY

    She forgot to add that her family became wealthy on government farm subsidies, but she probably omitted that intentionally because that is a form of "socialism" and she is Tea Party favorite.

    April 6, 2011 11:45 am at 11:45 am |
  58. Greg Smith

    Nothing in her background shows any qualifications for president. I repeat nothing. Student for many years of what exactly, economics, political science, engineering, what? So she's 55, ok there is a qualification, she meets the minimum age requirement. What problems has she solved?

    April 6, 2011 11:46 am at 11:46 am |
  59. CaliforniaBC

    "I've studied a number of, a wide berth of topics,""

    WHAT?? Uh...Bachman..ya do good gramma...uh huh, uh huh, uh huh...

    My god woman...you want to tout your credentials but you can't even speak coherently.

    April 6, 2011 11:47 am at 11:47 am |
  60. Nobody Special

    Good luck with that Ms. Bachmann.

    Please get back to us with how it works out for ya'.

    April 6, 2011 11:49 am at 11:49 am |
  61. Ellen

    "But again, I've lived life," continued Bachmann. That's makes everyone qualified, even our cat! Ms. Bachmann is Palin II, and two wrongs don't make a right. Except right wing.

    April 6, 2011 11:51 am at 11:51 am |
  62. Al-NY,NY

    She can't even give a coherent answer to a FauX News person who undoubtedly couldn't care less what she says. As long as her disjointed ramblings prop her up, he (OReilly) is fine with it. As for her creds... none, none, and none. She babbles on about anything and everything but doesn't actually SAY anything and is by no means ready for POTUS.

    April 6, 2011 11:52 am at 11:52 am |
  63. fayse

    No, Michele, You are not Presidential material. If you have studied extensively then why do you always skew the facts and misstate history?

    April 6, 2011 11:54 am at 11:54 am |
  64. kevin

    She is so darn funny. Michelle you should run for the President of Comdey. I would vote for you.

    April 6, 2011 11:54 am at 11:54 am |
  65. si weir

    if she runs let the good times roll. michelle will have to be interviewed by someone other than fox news. then we get to see her under pressure. remember her last outing on natl tv after the election? the glazed stare off camera? as i said let the good times roll.

    April 6, 2011 11:56 am at 11:56 am |
  66. SayWhat

    "I'm a student of many years. I've studied a number of, a wide berth of topics," she said.

    'Nuff said.

    April 6, 2011 11:57 am at 11:57 am |
  67. D-Nice

    Her WHAT? PRESIDENTIAL CREDS? HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! CNN, you make me laugh...
    "I'm a student of many years. I've studied a number of, a wide berth of topics," first of all, that statement doesn't make sense... its a breadth of topics...

    "I sit currently on the Intelligence Committee. We deal with the classified secrets and with the unrest that's occurring around the world. I also sit on Financial Services Committee." you didn't mention that its probably for profiling purposes, as the Good Ol' Boys Club, known as the GOP, keeps you there for laughs.

    Republicans and God, if you work together as the Republicans probably believe, PLEASE PLEASE have her and Palin on the 2012 ticket! PLEEEEEASE?

    April 6, 2011 11:59 am at 11:59 am |
  68. rick

    She has a "broad, extensive background" and is qualified to sit in the Oval Office. HA!HA!HA!HI!HI!HI!HO!HO!HO! Uy, my stomach hurts. The only way this idiot is qualified to sit in the Oval Office is as the cleaning woman. But of course, she first needs to show her birth certificate.

    April 6, 2011 12:00 pm at 12:00 pm |
  69. TM

    Who would trust the judgement of a self professed "birther"? She'll believe ANY lie so long as it's politically advantageous. That kind of judgement got this nation LIED into an unnecessary war that cost thousands of lives and launched the largest national deficit in our history. We DON'T need more of those decisions by our government.

    April 6, 2011 12:02 pm at 12:02 pm |
  70. X-JerseyGuy

    She might sit on the Intelligence Committee.....but that doesn't mean she is intelligent. She doesn't even know American history. This woman hasn't got a chance of becoming POTUS. I think all the botox she has injected into her face has finally gone to her brain!

    April 6, 2011 12:03 pm at 12:03 pm |
  71. Udi

    LOL. If we should elect her coz she is 55, why not just get the most experienced person and elect a 99 year old.

    April 6, 2011 12:04 pm at 12:04 pm |
  72. Dan from Tx

    So, her repeated reason is: "I've lived life,"

    WOW! We've really lowered the bar here. Even zombies can apply!!

    April 6, 2011 12:06 pm at 12:06 pm |
  73. shoegazer

    Delusional at best.

    April 6, 2011 12:06 pm at 12:06 pm |
  74. Edward

    Bachman is more dangerous for the GOP than Paliin. Why? Because she's smarter and has a better chance of getting the nomination due to her tea party supporters even though she's just as polarizing and unelectable as Palin. The only GOP contender that can pass the tea party test while still being electable is Huckabee. That said, if the economy continues to improve it doesn't matter who the GOP nominee is, Obama will win.

    April 6, 2011 12:06 pm at 12:06 pm |
  75. keeth in cali

    "the very founders that wrote those documents worked tirelessly until slavery was no more in the United States....Men like John Quincy Adams, who would not rest until slavery was extinguished in the country." ~Michele Bachmann

    So you can forget about all that Abe Lincoln/Emancipation Proclamation stuff you learned in school. Turns out that your teacher was wrong.

    April 6, 2011 12:06 pm at 12:06 pm |
  76. shoegazer

    She looks about as Presidential as Grace Slick would have back in 1969.

    April 6, 2011 12:07 pm at 12:07 pm |
  77. Please go away

    This is a joke post right?

    April 6, 2011 12:07 pm at 12:07 pm |
  78. Katie

    "I've studied a wide berth of topics" isn't very specific at all. She should clarify what she's educated in so that we as Americans can make informed decisions about who we want in office.

    April 6, 2011 12:07 pm at 12:07 pm |
  79. Edd

    I never knew there was such a person as dumb as Sarah Palin until this one opened her mouth.
    We now have 2 Idiots who THINK they know what it takes to run a country.
    I bet she can see Canada from her front porch!

    April 6, 2011 12:08 pm at 12:08 pm |
  80. StrategicBob

    it won't take long to read this ignoramous's list of presidential qualifications

    April 6, 2011 12:09 pm at 12:09 pm |
  81. rick

    I have "lived life" and have shot a rifle in my early years, so that makes me qualified to be her Secretary of Defense.

    April 6, 2011 12:09 pm at 12:09 pm |
  82. cecilia

    and also and most important – she is cute and her hair is long and glossy and so are her lips and she has that high pitched girly voice so popular with tea party and republican men. and on and on and on

    April 6, 2011 12:14 pm at 12:14 pm |
  83. Kathy

    Was getting a big fat check from the government in the form of farm subsidies included?? Yup, doesn't even farm but gets a check. Where is the Tea Party outrage on that????????

    April 6, 2011 12:16 pm at 12:16 pm |
  84. kuewa

    I've also lived life- difficult not to do so when you are alive. Perhaps I could be the tea party candidate.

    April 6, 2011 12:17 pm at 12:17 pm |
  85. FRANK - LAS VEGAS

    She's studied, apparently on her own since she's a big home school proponent. Unfortunately, she can study all she wants but hasn't a clue as to what it means. She's like so many people who have the impression that they are qualified for something because they read an article about the subject. Her simplistic view of issues can be equated to a 22 caliber mind in a 357 magnum world. And while she sits on the Intelligence Committee it's obvious non of it has worn off on her. Her mission seems to be to further dumb down America to her own level of incompetence. The only advice I can give her is; just because you hear voices in your head doesn't mean there's a crowd behind you.

    April 6, 2011 12:17 pm at 12:17 pm |
  86. Twilighttrail

    My democratic fellows are fond of saying the likes of Bachmann can't be elected, but what are you thinking? We elected - more or less - George W. Bush twice. Even if you say it was fraud, the Florida games and subsequent Surpreme Court crowning never would have happened if so many folks country-wide had not voted for him, thus making Florida the deciding contest. I started saying in the 80's "The people most anxious to gut public education are the people who want to control an ignorant, easily propagandized population." Well, now we have the end result, a country in which the Michelle Bachmann's of the world are discussed in the national media as serious candidates for President. I believe the campaign against public education has been very successful, and the Founding Fathers the Tea Party is so fond of referring to are spinning in their graves.

    April 6, 2011 12:18 pm at 12:18 pm |
  87. RF

    I can see Milwaukee from my back yard! That is her qualification!

    April 6, 2011 12:19 pm at 12:19 pm |
  88. CHUCK

    What a waste of time and effort. I will never vote for a tea party candidate.

    April 6, 2011 12:22 pm at 12:22 pm |
  89. Rib15

    The idea that this wackjob would even be considered for the job of having her finger on The Button leaves me wondering at the state of the Republic....

    April 6, 2011 12:25 pm at 12:25 pm |