Bachmann accuses Perry camp of 'stealth' political attack
(CNN) - Michele Bachmann accused Rick Perry's presidential campaign Friday of a "stealth" political attack - a charge the Texas governor's campaign flat out denied.
"If Gov. Perry has something to say to me, he can come out to the debates and say it," Bachmann said in an interview with CNN. "But this is egg on the face unfortunately for the Perry campaign."
At issue: tea party sponsor American Majority's urging for Bachmann to drop out of the presidential race. On Thursday, the group's executive director Matt Robbins told CNN that Bachmann's White House bid "is not a serious presidential campaign." His comments coincided with a blog statement from American Majority president Ned Ryun, who outlined reasons why "it's time for Michele Bachmann to go."
Among other claims, Ryun wrote that Bachmann's emphasis on social issues was damaging the tea party movement.
In an interview with CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer," Bachmann fired back, targeting the Texas governor.
"Well, of course, we found out that this is really a misstep on the part of the Perry campaign because these are Perry supporters that came out," Bachmann told CNN. "This was a clumsy move."
Bachmann continued: "This was meant to be a stealth move to make it look like this was tea party."
"It certainly isn't a blow to my campaign because I've had nonstop support coming out of the woodwork from tea partiers all across the country ever since this came out," she said.
When asked whether Bachmann had evidence that the Perry campaign was involved in American Majority's statements, Bachmann replied, "No."
"This is something that people have told us," Bachmann said.
Both American Majority and Perry's campaign deny they were working together.
"We learned about this from news reports today. We were not aware or involved in the group's action," Perry campaign communications director Ray Sullivan said in a statement to CNN.
The group's president called Bachmann's assertion "bizarre."
"I have no connection with the Perry campaign," Ryun told CNN, although he did publicly express support for Perry's tax plan revealed earlier this week.
Ryun also said it's "wildly illegal" for his nonprofit group to endorse a candidate.
"American Majority does not endorse. I'm not working for or with any campaign," Ryun said.
"It goes back to let's focus on the substance of what this whole debate was about to begin with. Where are your substantive ideas to actually advance the ideas of the tea party movement?" he added.
–Follow Shannon Travis on Twitter: @ShanTravisCNN
Watch The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer weekdays at 4pm to 6pm ET and Saturdays at 6pm ET. For the latest from The Situation Room click here.
From CNN Politics
- Florida legislature passes bill allowing carry of concealed weapons without a permit
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- Untitled
- Manhattan DA's office again slams House GOP's efforts to investigate Trump probe, says approx. $5k federal funds used
- Can Trump still run for president? Your top indictment questions, answered
- Donald Trump has been indicted. Here's what we know
Sick of looking at her, and sick of hearing from her. Wish the news wasn't so biased toward the republican agenda(s). Also sick of seeing comments made by (so called) republicans, that spew hate and accuse democrats of being everything but Americans. Patriots come in many disguises. The extreme right wing seems to believe they alone are above reproach when it comes to being patriots. What a crock.
"When asked whether Bachmann had evidence that the Perry campaign was involved in American Majority's statements, Bachmann replied, 'No.'
"'This is something that people have told us,' Bachmann said."
At least she's consistent. Bachmann always believes anything anyone tells her as long as they have no evidence to back it up. That's why she believes that HPV vaccines cause mental retardation and doesn't believe that human activity has contributed to climate change.
This wombat is friggin nuts!
Bachmann and Perry are equally stupid.
"...Bachmann's emphasis on social issues was damaging the tea party movement." I have never seen Bachmann look so competent as when she single-handedly destroyed Perry's presidential hopes. I can understand why they want her gone, she's like an assassin. Her Cain barbs are a bit more like the old Bachamnn everybody is used to, that 666 thing was as paranoid and tone-deaf as you get. The thing I find funniest, though, is that the Tea Party is all of a sudden embarrassed by the Republican base. Get used to it, folks – you're stuck with each other.
"...Bachmann's emphasis on social issues was damaging the tea party movement." I have never seen Bachmann look so competent as when she single-handedly destroyed Perry's presidential hopes. I can understand why they want her gone, she's like an as$as$in. Her Cain barbs are a bit more like the old Bachamnn everybody is used to, that 666 thing was as paranoid and tone-deaf as you get. The thing I find funniest, though, is that the Tea Party is all of a sudden embarras$ed by the Republican base. Get used to it, folks – you're stuck with each other.
"...Bachmann's emphasis on social issues was damaging the tea party movement." I have never seen Bachmann look so competent as when she single-handedly destroyed Perry's presidential hopes. I can understand why they want her gone, she's like an as$as$in. Her Cain barbs are a bit more like the old Bachamnn everybody is used to, that 6 – 6 – 6 thing was as paranoid and tone-deaf as you get. The thing I find funniest, though, is that the Tea Party is all of a sudden embarras$ed by the Republican base. Get used to it, folks – you're stuck with each other.
First off Bachman is so low in the poles you can't even see her. She's like an ant. She's like Guiliani, with 3% of the vote.
Of course, she's trying to make news to be noticed again.
Bachman is Baaahahaha man!. We are laughing and dancing looking at this witch with the harlot eyes.
She's got scary peepers.
It's ironic that Bachmann would call this a "stealth move to make it looks like it was tea party" given that the tea party is a stealth move by the Koch brothers trying to look like something other than big money backed astroturfing.
You can see the crazy in this woman's eyes........
You have to love this Bachmann vs. Perry. Like Friday Night Fights. LOL
Palin II
Are we growing these in the "it's not me" farm?
hahahahaha Shelly, just quit, you are an embarrassment to the the term politician.
Delightful – the GOP continues to cannabalize itself. And Bachmann continues to tenderize herself for the barbecue.
Michele, you see right through their dirty tricks and you are the only one who can save us... God means for you to be in the White House and you know that in the bottom of your heart. Don't Settle !! Stay in the race !!
Popcorn, anyone?
No need for stealth to call this lady out for what she is.
Bachmann/Palin 2012 !! All the way in the USA !!
what a bunch of fools...you republicans are laughable...whatta bunch of buffoons....you should be ashamed Republicans
"This is something that people have told us," Bachmann said.
Oh, I see. Just like when that lady said that the vaccine that Perry mandated caused retardation. Bachmann does not need proof of anything, just an insinuation will do.
Regardless, both Bachmann and Perry are done so it is a moot point.
vote reck perry. he likes tea partys proude. i went tea party meet and they vote me presidant of districk. so gets smarte likes me an votes tea party proude. PERRY – PALIN 2012
Who the hell does Ned Ryun think he is ? Does he think he is a leader in the tea party. He is not he is a member only . I like michele Bachman. I think its time for Rick perry to get out of the race and i dont think i speek for any one but myself.
Of course Perry did it. And immunizations cause autism. And gays can be reformed.
This woman is a nut ball. And frankly, a perfect representative of the Tea Party.