Bachmann: Santorum win a 'shot across the bow'
(CNN) - Rick Santorum's trio of wins in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado can be attributed to a renewed focus on social issues, Santorum's one-time rival Rep. Michele Bachmann said Wednesday.
Speaking on CNN's "John King, USA," Bachmann said the surprise victories Tuesday were a "shot across the bow" for the GOP.
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"I think what we saw is that the voters haven't made up their mind yet on who the Republican nominee should be," Bachmann said. "But really the biggest signal that was sent is that Barack Obama is in big trouble."
Bachmann said Minnesota's contest was the first in the 2012 election cycle where voters zeroed in on social issues given the swirl of attention on new rules from the federal government requiring employers, including religious institutions, to include contraception in their health insurance plans.
"This was the first social issue election that we've had so far, that's what you saw in Minnesota," Bachmann said. "That's what you saw in Missouri and Colorado. You saw social conservatives weigh in a big way for the first time and I think it's because of Barack Obama's policies."
She added, "I think one thing that we're seeing is that the issues of the day are really driving these elections. The Republican party has always been a three legged stool. We're a party the believes in strong national defense, strong fiscal conservative policy, and also strong social policy. What you saw last night was the social conservatives wing of our party saying 'We are very concerned about this issue.'"
Parsing out the remaining candidates, Bachmann said each appealed to a certain type of Republican voter, but that having them all in the race was causing the party to divide into blocs.
"I think each of these candidates represents part of our party and that's why we have to come together and have unity. We are seeing tremendous factionalization."
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Nobody cares what you think. The voters made that clear when they didn't show up for you.
BACHMANN, go back to Minn and be a farmer,after you get kicked out of congress with the rest of the teabags!!!
Does anyone even care what Mrs. Airhead says anymore. She is in the same category with Palin – totally clueless on important matters.
Somebody tell this woman to shut up. Her drive to defeat Obama is what made her very unappealing to even her base. Yet she carries on as if she has any say.
Honey, look at the poor turnout & then decide how far your shot went or just fizzled at the bow....
This women's political take on these results are delusional. It means that Obama has a better chance at re-election because the GOP is split. Someone should explain that to her.
When Republicans have no solutions to the real problems of Unemployment, Health Care, Foreign Policy, Debt and Deficits they turn to the tried and true Hot Buttons of Abortion, Gays, God and Guns. I have yet to hear from any of the Republican hopefulls even ONE concrete tangible idea. Nothing but power point bumper sticker slogans. They are devoid of any real ideas.
Don't you mean "tremendous fractionation" ?
Send a message Minnesota, kick her out of congress.
I'd vote for Bachmann long before I'd vote for Santorum, and she's never been right about anything.
I hope it keeps going back and forth. But I hope Paul wins the next bunch.
Well she is not my cup of tea.
Right Bachmann, the voters can't make up their minds because as stupid as the right wing Republican base is, some of them actually don't know where to turn with the current collection of idiots for candidates. There has never been a more radical bunch of lying candidates in the history of our country.
Keep it going Michelle. Your endless blather about things only the fanatics care about will do nothing to hurt Obama. I pray (although it won't happen) that Santorum gets the nod. Obama would not even have to campaign, it would be that easy to get reelected
Please Republicans, bring on the social issues. Americans aren't interested in living in your oppressive, backwards, theocratic world where we're all forced to live according to your dumb, oppressive, backwards theocratic beliefs. You can help Obama win all you want. Thanks!
No one cares what this woman has to say.
And this comes from the woman who said she was called by God to be president? Is God ever wrong? Everything this woman says is wrong, one lie after another.
Hey Rick, you know she wants the VP spot. Choose her, it's a great idea.
Best wishes B Obama
this is where the conservatives step over the line by trying to dictate other people's lives. They have the right to their own beliefs but they do not have the right to dictate another's or a business deal. The issue that comes to light is a business deal between Ellen DeGeneres and JCPennies. Unless conservatives group own the majority stock in compnaies, they do not have the right to dictate deals. This is a perfect example of what conservatives dictators (like Santorum) try to do.
Really? Can this woman finish a single sentence without railing President Obama? Even at her debate performances all of her answers began by berating Obama then reiterating her desire to "repeal Obamacare and the "job-killing Dodd-Frank bill." Even if she were to disagree with his policies and actions (which she does, obviously), she can't throw out any ideas of her own. Just the same refrain.
Rick Santorum is the anti-gay, anti-abortion guy who is running on these social issues. Never mind health reform or jobs. Or anything important or non-discriminatory, for that matter.
Bachmann must be off the meds again.
This woman, and her party are delusional. They hold an INFERIOR position on moral & ethical [read social] issues. Futhermore, we independent-minded voters really don`t want to hear the GOP`s holier than thou pontification on what it thinks are the social mores that should be foisted on the country.
Here`s what us thinking voters see . . . in the wake of ever improving jobs numbers [as the President`s policies flush the Bush-induced sludge out of the pipe], the GOP is pivioting away from the "economy" [given the highest DOW in over 4 years] and Unemploment rate [jobs being created @ a rate of 3 million per YEAR] toward the more divissive issues like attacks on Planned Parenthood, and marriage equality.
The President is cutting the ring off from the GOP. Military / Foriegn affairs have been taken off the table, and the "economy" is right behind it. This locks down the liberal, progresive & independent vote.
GOP drop the shovel and stop fighting against American progress under Obama. GOP donors, save your money for 2016. YOUR CAST OF "c" players are too extreme to win in 2012. Should have put forth Huntsman instead of Gingrich, Bachmann, Perry, Santorum.
►"I think what we saw is that the voters haven't made up their mind yet on who the Republican nominee should be," Bachmann said. "But really the biggest signal that was sent is that Barack Obama is in big trouble."◄
Yea, Bachmann, I guess the turnout in all three states told the whole story!!
Obama 2012 – Kaine 2012 – Warren 2016!!
More like a shot in the foot. When someone like Santorum can win a caucus, all we can say is "Will the last American to leave the country turn off the light?" There's NO way any true American would vote for someone like this.
And if he were to get the nomination, Obama would wipe the floor with him during a debate. Santorum could be good for laughs.