Bachmann cries 'bias' after Saturday debate
Spartanburg, South Carolina (CNN) - Michele Bachmann accused CBS News of 'media bias' Saturday night after her campaign was included on an email chain that suggested she would get fewer questions than other candidates in a debate co-sponsored by the network and National Journal.
"I think it's only respectful to allow the candidates to be able to speak and not intentionally ahead of time make a decision to limit candidates' opportunity to speak to the American people," the Minnesota congresswoman said after the debate, which was held in South Carolina. "Clearly this was an example of media bias."
In the email chain, a CBS employee notified CBS News political director John Dickerson that Bachmann's spokeswoman, Alice Stewart, had volunteered the candidate for an interview on Dickerson's post-debate webcast. The employee copied Stewart on the email and told Dickerson that she had been cc'd.
Dickerson replied, apparently unaware that Stewart was on the email chain.
"Okay let's keep it loose though since she's not going to get many questions and she's nearly off the charts in the hopes that we can get someone else," he wrote.
Bachmann's campaign sent the email chain after the debate, claiming it suggested planned bias at the debate.
The congresswoman, who's now registering in the single digits in national polls, was not asked as many questions as the front-runners in the race.
Furious with Dickerson's response, Bachmann's campaign manager Keith Nahigian stormed through the spin room, where he said, "John Dickerson should be fired. He is a piece of shit. He is a fraud and he should be fired."
But in a statement obtained by CNN, the news network described the email chain as a "candid exchange."
"It was a candid exchange about the reality of the circumstances–Bachmann remains at 4% in the polls," said a CBS News spokesperson.
Dickerson agreed, saying "Bachmann is at 4 percent in the polls and has been for a while."
He added: "Other candidates aren't. I sent an email based on that."
Asked about claims of bias, debate moderator and CBS "Evening News" host Scott Pelley said he didn't know about the chain but that he and co-host Major Garrett of National Journal tried to be fair with time to all the candidates.
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Of course CBS is biased. It is a shame to think that George Westinghouse's legacy is the CBS network.
Well, it's the truth. She is what she is, God help her - and us.
and Ron Paul is consistently polling in the double digits in Iowa and NH, yet he is treated like he is polling at 4%. He got 90 seconds of speaking time in an hour. If anyone needs to be outraged it is the Ron Paul campaign.
Reality sets in for a non-candidate. But hey, you'll always have that 'straw poll you won eons ago. All this and more on the 'Tea Party Clown Car Show!
Bachmann and her campaign staff should just accept the fact that the news media and most of America do not consider her a viable candidate. Given that tonight's debate was focusing on foreign policy, what did she expect? Being due south of Canada is not foreign policy experience.
Heck Michelle even a TEA PARTY group suggested that you quit so get the hint. You're NOT going to win and you're really a waste of time. NEXT!!!!
Boo Hoo Boo Hoo Boo Hoo
This stuff is priceless ( as I throw another handfull of popcorn in my mouth) Like Obama said ("I will wait untill the last one get voted off the Island") Look's like Michele Bachmann, the rant, is next . . . or could it be Perry, the empty suit? Tune in tomorrow. For-sure!
Yeah, it hurts doesn't it Bachmann? Now you know what Ron Paul faces every single debate, and every time there is a Republican event.
It's time to put an end to media bias not only for Ron Paul but for all the candidates. A debate is supposed to question ALL the candidates on ALL these issues. Stop allowing mainstream media to control YOU. Speak up during these debates, and do your own research on the candidates.
The media is no longer a reliable source for information.
Perry – 5 questions, 2 follow ups
Newt – 5 questions, 1 follow up
Cain - 5 questions, 1 follow up
Romney – 4 questions, 1 follow up
Santorum – 3 questions, 2 follow ups
Bachman – 3 questions
Huntsman – 2 questions, 1 follow up
Paul – 1 question, 1 follow up
If anyone needs to be kciking some asses over this debate, its Paul.
HAHA. She should talk to Ron Paul about this media bias.
What she said today “Obama is allowing the ACLU to run the CIA” , “ I would be willing to use waterboarding” she won’t cut aides to Pakistan .
We have stop stupid comments like this so we have to cut her times CBS did a good job
At least Cain didn't call her a princess !
she is starting to sounds like Ron Paul.
and ron paul got less time then this lady.
America always has a bias for winners and against losers. I thought a Republican, of all people, would understand that.
Cry all you want MB And blame everyone else for your own demise. Fack is we are so sick of you your stupidity and your lies. Just because you cant take the hint and stop imposing yourself on the rest of us doesnt mean theyre bias they flat out know you have nothing intelligent to say. Your latest performance makes point clear. Hop on your broom and fly away before a house falls on you!
Welcome to Ron Paul's problem. And he is more of a serious candidat.
Don't worry CBS. Americans don't mind you deciding who runs and who wins these elections.
that ugly thing doesn't have a chance anyway
Bachmann also said at the debate that the U.S. should less Socialist and be more like China! She's living proof that "religious universities" are total scams.
Let me be perfectly honest. I do not like Michelle Bachmann now, when she was only sticking to her craziness in Minn.. Now that the cream so to speak has risen to the top and she's not part of the cream, hopefully sooner then later she will simply go away. Please......
Why is this bi zitch complaining now ?? LOL......I mean, Rick Perry is ahead of this IDIOT in the polls !! Michelle Bachman is lucky if she gets 4% in Iowa recently polls suggest, and she warrants equal time in these debates ?? Why ?? Perhaps she needs to be reminded she hasn't been showing up in Congress, where she has been getting paid for not working......,typical Tea-baggin' MORON !
Fair. Right. Ron Paul got 90 seconds.
Pretty insulting... She wont win. After the last few weeks, who knows if any of them will, but she deserves the same speaking opportunity afforded to all candidates.