(Jake Turcotte)
Bachmann’s campaign implodes — anti-Americans run wild
By Jimmy Orr | 10.21.08
That sound you heard? It’s the sound of Michelle Bachmann’s campaign falling apart.
The Washington Post’s Chris Cizzilla summarizes it right in his blog entry today called, “Bachmann Goes Boom!”
Who is she?
Who is Michelle Bachmann? A Republican Congresswoman from Minnesota. She was in a relatively safe district. All signs were that she would win re-election. All she had to do was run out the clock.
Instead, she appeared on Chris Matthews’ show “Hardball,” which is the equivalent of running the ball when all you have to do is take a knee. She obviously does not know who Joe Piscarcik is.
Be cool
Matthews can get pointed on his program and may just egg you on — wanting you to say something that will get repeated five billion times. But you don’t have to acquiese. You don’t have to give him a soundbite you’ll regret. Or many soundbites you’ll regret.
But in a pretty fair conversation (judge for yourself — see video below) when the two were discussing Weather Underground co-founder Bill Ayers, Matthews said to Bachmann, “You believe Barack Obama may - because of this relationship - have anti-American views?”
“Absolutely. I’m very concerned that he [Obama] may have anti-American views,” she said.
Digging deeper
But she didn’t stop there.
Matthews asked her, “How many in the Congress of the United States do you think are anti-American? You already suspect Barack Obama — is he alone or do you think there are others?”
You can’t tell at this point if she knows she’s already stepped in it. There doesn’t appear to be a deer-in-the-headlights or as the saying goes this year, a moose-in-the-headlights reaction.
“The news media should do a penetrating expose … on the views of the people in Congress and find out if they’re pro-America or anti-America,” she answered.
Ka-ching
Her opponent Elwyn Tinklenberg was the immediate recipient of this interview raising more than $800,000 since that remark. That’s Obama-like money.
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Tinklenberg’s fundraising efforts over the last few days have eclipsed the total amount of money he pulled into the campaign for the entirety of the third quarter.
Game-changer
As Cillizza points out, these remarks have changed the course of the race.
And, the Cook Political Report — one of the most highly respected handicappers of Congressional races and The Fix alma mater — moved the race (subscription required) from likely Republican to toss up yesterday.
Of the race, Cook House editor David Wasserman wrote: “Bachmann’s comments likely changed the complexion of her reelection race overnight and helped to turn the race into even more of a referendum on her.”
Crisis communications
Not afraid of television cameras, she went back on the air Sunday morning — this time on appeared on WCCO-TV, Minneapolis, and was asked about her Hardball statement on Obama.
Not immediately backing down from the remark, she said the issue is about “the associations that Barack Obama has” before calling on the media once again to investigate Obama’s views, relationships, and associations.
On an Obama presidency she said the public should expect tax increases, socialized medicine, a $40 trillion climate change tax, and the removal of the secret ballot during labor union organization votes.
Anti-American?
But what about the anti-American views that she said Obama harbors?
“I’m not saying his views are anti-American,” she said. “That is a misreading of what I said. I don’t believe that that is my position. I’m calling on the media to take a look at what his views are. Because I think they’ve had an appalling lack of curiosity.”
More clarification
She appeared on John McCaslin’s “Inside the Beltway” radio program yesterday to further clarify her point of view.
“It is amazing to me how the wind tunnel and spin can go around and around in an echo chamber,” she said. “And this is simply a lie. I did not question Barack Obama’s patriotism, I did not say he was anti-American.”
Remember him?
Governor Tim Pawlenty, a short-lister for VP a couple months ago, spoke out about the controversy yesterday and stood in the safest spot possible — right in the middle.
“I don’t think it’s fair or appropriate to suggest that Barack Obama is anti-American,” he said. “If you do a lot of interviews, eventually you are going to say something that you wish you had said differently. It’s just the nature of talking all day.”
<< Now Obama’s got Colin Powell AND Google? | MainComments
2. J.Jay | 10.21.08
This woman is a disaster for McCain campaign. She accused James Carville of sexism when he asked her what significant experience Gov. Palin brings on board. Totally out of line. Good for Gov. Pawlenty to distance himself from her. THIS WOMAN IS CRAZY. Not only she served her seat to democrats on a silver platter but also made sure that there will be an extra nail from her to McCain campaign’s coffin.
3. overdue | 10.21.08
Yeah! Vive McCarthyism!
It’s about time someone said it like it is:
If you’re for charging citizens for their schools, roads, and other basic services, then you don’t deserve to live in this great land.
If you support the Bill of Rights, then get outta here!
As the great Leona Helmsly said, “only little people pay taxes.”
And if you haven’t accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior, then this land is NOT your land.
4. Membery | 10.21.08
I, for one, am glad that the media is finally taking a penetrating look into the hate rhetoric of these super right wing radicals that are willing to carelessly toss around accusations for their own gains. I am tired of being accused of being anti-American because I disagree with the current policy. I am American and it is my love of my country that prompts me to speak out against its actions! These facist politicians need to go! They are the ones terring at the fabric of our society by planting the seeds of division in the masses.
5. Max | 10.21.08
I’d like to better understand why Leftist or Liberal means Anti-American?? What does Anti-American even mean? It’s nonsense! America is great because we all have our own views on how the world should work, and we are supposed to be tolerant of others and their views and try to gather together to get things done. Is this how we are going to “reach across the aisle” and “work together” like Politicians keep talking about? We are going to consider being a Democrat Anti-American??? I want to know if Bachmann is considered by McCain to be one of his “fringe” supporters, or if this is how all Republicans feel? I certainly have my disagreements with Republicans and Democrats alike, but I still consider them Americans or “Pro-America”…
6. Michael | 10.21.08
If Bachmann or Sarah Palin want to find someone with Anti-American views they need look no further than “First Dude” Todd Palin who belonged to AIP, a fringe group that wants to seceed from the union to form their own country.How’s that for ANTI-AMERICAN VIEWS.
7. Elvis Costanza | 10.21.08
I am so delighted that the American public is showing it’s absolute disgust with people like Bachmann. We have had ENOUGH ‘culture wars’ to last a lifetime. The GOP still doesn’t get it and keeps playing the fear card. The only people even listening to them now are the hard-core delusional and ignorant rabble the GOP whips into a frenzy at every election.
8. TSimon | 10.21.08
Oh, no….shock…horror….outrage….Nooooo, of course he’s not anti-American….how dare she say such???!!
Hmmmm, but still I wonder……
Does having a racist, rabidly anti-American pastor make you anti-American?
Does having a radically anti-American terrorist for a close friend and neighbor make you anti-American?
Or does it just make you dumb?
Either way….yikes….
9. Seattle | 10.21.08
Bachmann yearns for better reporting, and cites the media as having an appalling lack fo curiousity. That’s a borrowed theme in the run up to the Iraq war, and not really an issues so much today. Does Bachmann think Obama’s opponents and all the media are clueless after 20 + months of investigation and vetting?
Why haven’t the McCain attack ads yeilded more specifics other than the guilt by association with Ayers?
This isn’t super secret evidence compiled by govt spy agencies, culled and prettied up to make a case for war. Obama is out there for everyone to see.
10. macktan | 10.21.08
She is one of the scariest politicians around. She always smiles, even when she’s saying the nastiest things about people. I don’t believe for one second that most republicans, and especially McCain, believe any of the stuff they say about Obama. They say it to push to buttons of the massively uninformed, to “energize their base.” But they know all are lies and gross distortions. It’s the only way to win.
11. TSimon | 10.21.08
LOL!!
“Tips…do not write a novel, we do not publish lengthy remarks”
uhh, have you checked the loooong comments you’ve published lately….oh, that’s right, you only publish ‘novels’ if they follow the party line…gotcha
Vote for a patriot, vote McCain
12. jerry harris | 10.21.08
Oh well, I am anti-American because I am black. Black Americans are so American that even they don’t know it. When I lived in Sweden(20 years) some radicals said that I was a CIA agent because I was registered with the US embassy in Stockholm(something that is recommended when one is living in a foreign country). I might not wrap myself in the US flag, but I am as American as one can be.
Jerry Harris
Chico, California
13. chuck jackson | 10.21.08
I couldn’t agree with her more. When are Mathews and the rest of you pinheads going to hold Obama and Co. to the same candle as McCain and Palin. Face facts, your credibility is sinking lower and lower but its not too late to pull your sorry a*(&*^es out of the fire.
14. WhatThe? | 10.21.08
LOL, It’s like somebody gave her a gun and she shot herself in the foot and it hurt!
But she didn’t stop there, while she was at it she shot the other one, and then she went back and shot the first one AGAIN, and she kept on shooting at her own feet without no apparent reason… LOL Stupid is as stupid does!
15. Cassie | 10.21.08
Bachmann thinks her words are being twisted — read these two quotes and you decide:
“Absolutely. I’m very concerned that he [Obama] may have anti-American views,” she said.
“I’m not saying his views are anti-American,” she said. “That is a misreading of what I said. I don’t believe that that is my position…”
16. Larry Talbott | 10.21.08
Remember when Republicans were wise financial experts and incredibly adept beaurocrats? Now there just a bunch of arrogant hillbillys.how sad.
17. Christopher London | 10.21.08
This is not about being stupid, Michelle Bachmann was not blindsided, she did not get tripped up. Bachmann is merely one of the ignorant brigades of Neocon’s who gets their talking points from the dark artist himself, Karl Rove and his disciples, Steve Schmidt.
Rome is burning after 8 years of Neoconservative rule and what do the Neoconservatives controlling the Republican Party want to talk about and who are they targeting?
They are running a three pronged assault on the American soul: (1) In rural and small town middle America they are stoking white fear, stirring racial resentment, painting Obama as a terrorist, un-American and
(2) in Florida and other pockets of Jewish concentration in America, through RJC (Republican Jewish Coalition) and right wing PACS preying on Jewish fear and Islamophobia (see RJC Watch) they are working to persuade older Jewish voters that Obama is a Muslim and anti-Israel and
(3) ongoing voter suppression efforts continue unabated in battleground states, trying to discredit new voters and minorites. John McCain and Sarah Palin paving the road towards Armageddon. Bachmann’s coming out is a good thing. It allows the rest of us to see the enemies of Democracy in bold relief.
18. WS | 10.21.08
Bachmann’s comments are characteristic of the sleazy phony-assault tactics Republicans have decided, in their desperation, to use.
When I saw her make her remarks on “Hardball,” I didn’t know who her Congressional opponent was. I found out and sent him $1,000.
19. Ehud | 10.21.08
I’m an American.
I am PRO-United States (not so much pro the other countries that make up America — let their citizens worry about that.)
I will never vote for hate rhetoric or the nazis who use them, whether they be clothed in the American flag or not.
Ehud
20. wolf | 10.21.08
I’ve seen Bachmann on TV a lot. She says junk like this every time she opens her mouth.
To me, she represents what’s wrong with our country, and I hope, Tinklenberg trounces her.
21. Alaska is in American, right? | 10.21.08
Well, this idiot ought to have a field day with Palin’s endorsement of the Alaska Independence Party. Not anti-american enough for you?
22. Oregon4Obama | 10.21.08
This interview paired with Palins response to her wanting to campaign in “more patriotic” places like small towns and McCains campaign speaker saying that the norther part of virginia is a democratic run area that is not the “real Virginia”
anyone SEING a pattern?????????
If you are not for McCain then you are AGAINST McCain;…..similar rhetoric
23. Bill Grant | 10.21.08
She was absolutely correct in EVERYTHING she said. Obama HAS surrounded himself with anti American zealots He has sought them out throughout his career.
Jemimah Wright, William Ayers, Bernadette Dohrn, Louis Farrakhan, George Soros, Saul Alinsky, Michael Pfleger, Raila Odinga, ACORN, Nadhmi Auchi, the socialist ‘New Party’ all have had Obama seek them out for allegiances. Why doesn’t Chris Matthews/Jimmy Orr report on any of that? Because you are pushing YOUR agenda and not the truth.
It is a sad day for the USA when this woman can be subjected to this kind of nonsense from a biased partisan hack like Chris Matthews for telling the truth.
24. Keith Newman | 10.21.08
I am proud to be a liberal. Liberals gave women the right to vote. Liberals supported civil rights and equal rights. Now we are championing the cause that every American has a right to health care and a living wage above the poverty line for any full time worker.
I am proud to be a liberal who who supported World War II when conservatives were against it, and worked to end Vietnam when conservatives were responsible for a political, unjustified, endless war.
I am also proud to be an American where all things are possible for any American citizen.
Ms. Bachman is disgusting and her views are more Anti-American than I have ever witnessed.
25. Don Jones | 10.21.08
I praise the Lady. She is first class, does not back down to media intimidation. Matthews was playing Gotcha, for his own ratings, although he is also one of the opinionated types, that uses his pulpit like a tool.
She belongs in Washington looking out for real working Americans.
26. egc52556 | 10.21.08
Bachmann can try all she might to remove the foot from her mouth, but she has sealed her political future. Goodbye.
27. Proud American | 10.21.08
Heaven forbid it that an American official might commit that most grievous of sins and take seriously the oath to protect America from “all enemies, foreign and domestic!”
How dare she question Barack Obama’s loyalty! All he did was associate with an unrepentant domestic terrorist for several decades, and then (repeatedly) lie about his involvement).
Go Bachmann!
http://www.michelebachmann.com/contribute.php
P.S. To the previous posters who accuse the GOP of being composed of “fascists” and “ignorant rabble”– have you ever heard the phrase, “The pot is calling the kettle black”?
Obama and ACORN engage in mass voter fraud. The Missouri officials complain of “thuggish” tactics. The legions of the Democrats become outraged when Representative Bachmann dares to speak the truth, and do everything they can to muzzle her. These all sound totalitarian to me.
If either of the parties is fascistic, it’s the Democrats.
28. brink | 10.21.08
Bachmann, I’m from Texas and I would vote for you if I could. Socialism IS anti-American. You are not the one who should be apologizing.
30. john j | 10.21.08
you liberal dude’s have your day … we will all be history as a nation in 4 years if the non-qualified president becomes pres….you all mouth off about how palin isn’t qualified to be vp…she is much more qualified to be pres than obamba … the mass left wing media and liberal politicans are buring this great country … better count what little money you have before obamba takes it and uses it to improve mostly his means….
jj
31. Walter Festoon | 10.21.08
So I guess you all would say the John Murtha calling his voters “racists and rednecks” will be played up and talked about on MSNBC. Right, snap out of it people, before it’s too late.
32. Reg | 10.21.08
Same old, same old….and typical Rovean politics. The events of 9/11 took us back to the future of McCarthyism and the Vietnam era, with their official suppression of dissent and criticism in the United States. The problem, of course, is that these tactics work, because they feed on the fear and misinformation that is prevalent in this country. What ever happened to the US Constitution that once played a role in our lives?
33. Peace | 10.21.08
It is very interesting that Michelle Bachmann later denies what she said in the Hardball interview. Is it possible that someone in her camp or in her office might replay the video on this website and point out to her her repeated statements that Liberal = anti-American = Obama. I suppose there are many in her district who would turn the other cheek and allow her to divide this great country with such pee-pee caca. If there is truly something real about Obama relationship with anti-Americans then someone state what the proof is.
What is more interesting to note is how anyone can make a claim about anyone without providing proof. And usually when someone makes statements about the character of another person it is typically a good sign that the announcer has something very bad to hide. What are you hiding Michelle? McCain? Palin?
34. mina1usa | 10.21.08
America is defined by the diversity of her people and their ideas. Michele Bachmann is an embarrassment for American people and for women. I hope the people in her district stop supporting her.
35. Myia Buttwreeks | 10.21.08
Go John Murtha! Liberals can say nothing wrong. You have a free pass.
36. Morton Redner | 10.21.08
Michelle Bachmann is not alone. Like John McCain, Sarah Palin, and innumerable other Republicans, she must think we the people are morons. Does she really believe she can say anything she wants about Barack Obama, whether it’s true or not, and we’ll take whatever she says as the gospel truth?
Isn’t it time we outgrew all this Swift-Boat stuff? Come on, people! We are in dire straits. Our finances, our energy, our environment, our infrastructure, our schools - - this great nation, this dream our founding fathers bestowed upon us - - are all evaporating before our very eyes!
As it happens, these people are Republicans. But whether they are Democrats or Republicans, it’s time to get past those people, to roll up our sleeves, and get down to this business of government once and for all. We have work to do!
37. Scott | 10.21.08
I’m still listening to the GOP because their fundamentals are sound, in a good or bad economy. Reduced goverment (and all the worthless programs that go with it), lower taxes, crushing military. If you DFL’rs would use your brain a little instead or your hearts you’d agree. I bet most of you (if you were old enough) voted for Reagan, didn’t you? Why, if you aren’t for the aforementioned? The GOP is still the same.
38. TrueBlue | 10.21.08
She seems to be alarmed by all this freedom and democracy we’ve been having lately….
39. freddie | 10.21.08
Finally, this the media has turn on the “expose” on this right wing spin machine, this will serve her right, she thinks she can just anything and get away with it, I’ve watched her over time on Larry King and other programs and all she bleets is trash, the very idea that if you think any different from these right wing “wachos” you are anti-american, this to me sounds like Putins Russia and not United States in 2008, I hope she loses and never gets close to the Capitol or anywhere near position of Authority.
40. Robert | 10.21.08
Is it anti-American to want to make this country fairer for some of its citizens and residents? Why does a person’s legitimate grievance get smeared with an accusation of treason? Because it’s easier to attack people you disagree with than to find a workable solution. Once those people go away, you find another group to disagree with. And so on … until they come for you. The Nazis accused outsiders and dissidents of treason. Don’t let it happen here.
41. mavisdarling | 10.21.08
Well, I live in Montana and I just sent her opponent 20 bucks online with my trusty Visa card. Everybody should do it! Even it’s only five bucks! Or a hundred! What the heck! I’ve already sent some to Obama, but he is rolling in dough, so I sent $$ to the Elwyn Tinklenberg campaign this time.
Elwyn Tinklenberg! Gotta love that name. Go Elwyn!!
To donate money, just google his name. I think I can safely say there is only ONE Elwyn Tinklenberg, and he sounds like a really good guy!
42. Joe Bachofen | 10.21.08
I appreciate the article on Ms. Bachmann unacceptable comments, but I am accustomed to higher quality from The Christian Science Monitor, even in a political blog. Jimmie Orr seems a bit too happy that Ms. Bachmann blundered.
The comment by Michael about the “First Dude” and his membership in AIP prompted me, in the the interest of fairness, to look up the Alaskan Independence Party on wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaskan_Independence_Party
The call for this vote is in furtherance of the dream of the Alaskan Independence Party’s founding father, Joe Vogler, which was for Alaskans to achieve independence under a minimal government, fully responsive to the people, promoting a peaceful and lawful means of resolving differences.” [3].
Since its founding, the AIP has radically changed with respect to the issue of secession. At present, it does not support secession, though, at its founding, it did.”
That does not quite support Michael’s comment, but I do get his point.
I am a lifelong independent voting for Obama / Biden but will do my best to help McCain / Palin succeed if they win; we won’t survive another failed Presidential term, assuming we survive the present disaster.
43. keeyoni | 10.21.08
–> TSimon…
Its amazing that with all the resources available (FOX Noise does not count) out there, people can still spout off ignorant uniformed claims such as the Barack Obama and Bill Ayers being close friends. It’s been debunked, so get over it and be enlightened.
People have this notion that they spend summer vacations together and roast marshmallows on ski trips. It seems McCain supporters are just as out of touch as the man they support.
44. First they came for…… | 10.21.08
The republicans should have their own internal witch hunt to purge the evil demons of mcarthyism, xenophobia, racism, greed, and corruption from their party.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081020/ap_on_bi_ge/the_influence_game_housing
Enough of this…”If you disagree with me you must be anti-American” crapola. The most patriotic act is the questioning of authority, the freedom to assemble, the freedom of speech. These are our civic duties. Those that would trade freedom for security deserve neither.
The transfer of power is never pretty and the far right is looking increasingly ugly.
45. Rual | 10.21.08
you know people who write e-mails are no differnt than me ,I voice my opinion, I changed from a Demo, to Replu, this Hood Bayrock from Chicago is a pawn for the well heeled and rich , they know he will do what ever they want, mony talks , Just ask Bill and Hillary , they sold their soul for the sake of some kind of deal, She won but the media and the lousy Demo policy of elections should be simple majority wins , the way it is set up now their is to much room for chincery..
46. Ed | 10.21.08
It’s time, America, to put an end to hate-filled people serving our nation. I invite you to read my blog entry that shares my thoughts. Defeat this sad woman!
47. nlc1 | 10.21.08
I wish the media would report more about John McCain’s associations with lobbyists–starting with Rick Davis and moving on from there, because there’s LOTS more. Do people seriously think Ayers remains any threat to the U.S. 40 years after the Vietnam era? The real threat to Americans’ well-being–especially to their economic well-being–is from the lobbyists who convince politicians to favor big business at the expense of the middle class. Don’t be fooled. McCain is eager to “spread the wealth”–he’s eager to take it from you and give it to corporations. Republicans quit being the party of fiscal responsibility years ago. Look what we’ve got with Bush: bigger government, a mind-boggling deficit, a financial crisis, the Abramoff scandal, and an ever-shrinking middle class. In a study ranging from 1985-2005, only two countries have seen the gap between rich and poor grow faster than in the U.S.: Mexico and Turkey.
Lobbyists may not be as “sexy” as a ’60s radical rebranded as a terrorist, but they’re destroying this country. McCain used to want to reduce the influence of lobbyists. Now, not only does he pal around with them, they’re running his campaign.
48. Robert | 10.21.08
These posts are great… the ‘patriots’ who want us in numerous wars but don’t want to pay for them. Hey John J and T Simon… this country has seen what you guys are all about. Throw a flag pin on your lapel and dodge taxes! Oh yeah, and make sure your kids don’t get an education… wear that ignorance like a badge you wonderful conservatives!
49. DK Sayfeld | 10.21.08
All you have to do is YouTube Michelle Bachmann’s name—she is inane
and scary. Smiles alot though. The usual “angry flight attendant vibe.
BTW to JohnJ. We’re not Liberals anymore, we are progressives. And we’ll take back the word “elite” soon enough. Elite—like the Green Berets are ELITE. Who doesn’t want an
Extraordinary leader? Elite–above the rest. McCain is extraordinary. I WOULD have voted for him and consider him above the fray and yes, elite (in a good way).
Palin, as well as Bachmann on the other hand are below average and wouldn’t even make good human resource managers. For ANY company, hospital or bank. Maybe Vice Principle. Of a Grade School. Maybe. If I walked into an interview and saw Palin or Bachmann behind the desk I would politely decline a job offer.
50. nadiabizniz | 10.21.08
Quote to Chris Matthews:
“Absolutely. I’m very concerned that he may have anti-American views.”
Quote to Politico blog:
“I never questioned Barack Obama’s patriotism.”
So that would make him an anti-American patriot, eh?
nb
51. Irrelevant Guy | 10.21.08
Campaign “imploding”?? Says who? I’m sure this is getting a LOT of play in the lefty blogosphere, on Olbermann, and on left-leaning cable channels like MSNBC, and I’m sure Tinkleberry is raising a lot of money, but how is this going to lead to Bachmann’s defeat?
She ran as an unapologetic staunch conservative in 2006 (not a good year for Rs) and beat a higher profile, better funded challenger in Patty Wetterling by 8 pts. That 50% of voters who backed her knew exactly what they were getting. She didn’t rely on squishy moderates or independents or Democrats to win in a very tough year for Republicans.
Exit question: How many voters that comprised Bachmann’s 8% margin of victory will suddenly flip and vote Democrat because of one comment (that many of them likely agree with)? My guess is probably very little, if any.
52. Liberty | 10.21.08
BOYCOTT Chris Matthews and Hardball, MSNBC, and General Electric
Chris Matthews, to his shame, set her up. He was looking to entrap Bachmann.
Freedom and Truth will prevail over lies and deceit.
53. rolando303 | 10.21.08
Muzzled? She can’t keep her mouth shut. Whatever she tried to say and then unsuccessfully lie about, she has only gone on TV 3 different times to do it. Whether it’s some Republican scare tactics being orchestrated yet again or her own ill-conceived ideas, she has undeniably made her own position up for the taking. And it needs to be taken with someone who is less concerned with “Anti-Americanism” and more with honestly helping their constituents.
55. ptm | 10.21.08
The truth is that Obama has surrounded himself with millions of Americans who believe in him and his view of the future. We are not terrorists and we are not anti-American. But we are against the politics of hate and innuendo. And this year that is translating into being anti-Republican.
56. Hal Seeley | 10.21.08
We have this insidious way of projecting our faults outward and then attacking the person we have projected them on to. Remember the televangelist that preached against sex and drugs only to be caught doing the very things he preached against? Beware you who are attacking Obama as being a closet terrorist, or being a socialist, for it is you that harbor these very thoughts and hide from those thoughts by projecting them onto others. You don’t really fear Obama, you fear the very thing that you are.
57. SteveA | 10.21.08
Anyone smarter than a Boston fern knows Bachman is a nutbar of the highest order. Remember, her entire solution to the financial mess we’re in would be to expand oil drilling to just about everywhere. She’s so pathetic it almost makes me feel bad to say something like that. I don’t know how she got elected.
58. Marcus | 10.21.08
“Because you are pushing YOUR agenda and not the truth”
Well said. If it ain’t Republican red, it ain’t “THE TRUTH”.
If it’s different from the right wing, “IT”S UN-AMERICAN”
Intolerance to others is Un-American. Judging others by a warped and severely skewed view with an eye to violence is not only un-American, it’s anti-Christian.
You crazy red Reps are sounding more like facists and Satanists than what you espouse. Your administration has taken the largest Socialist steps EVER, in any country, except perhaps Sweden. A steady mix of facism, socialism and satanism. Yup, you’re fine fine Americans. Surely uunniquely gifted to root out all those truly against this country.
59. Thank God | 10.21.08
Thank the good Lord Jesus Christ that we have a man running for President of this great country that wants to provide health care for all. Thank the Lord we have a man that follows the word of God and doesn’t twist it to murder endless amounts of civilian women and children. THOU SHALT NOT MURDER! Thank God He is in control and not the dirty anti-Christ neo-con politicians. Jesus is on the Throne!
60. James | 10.21.08
Palin doesnt even know what the VP’s job is!!! She should read the constitution then apply. The Republicans couldnt find another woman who is smarter than Palin???? Cmon now. She is a major drag on McCains campaign. McCain would get my vote if dummy wasnt a heartbeat away from being POTUS!!!
61. ian | 10.21.08
spoken like a truely uneducated, and apparently barely literate person. Bravo JJ..
62. Speaktruth | 10.21.08
Ms. Bachman is a true reflection of what the Republican party has become. Republicans are already quite willing to read our mail, listen to our phone calls, find out what books we check out from the library, and claim it’s all to “make us safe.”
Now Ms. Bachman thinks that there ought to be “investigations” to root out “anti-american” thoughts. Have we really come to the point where an elected official is advocating for the “thought police?”
Just last week, Newt Gingrich called for a “reexamination of free speech, saying a ‘different set of rules to prevent terrorism’ is necessary.”
Where does it end? We already know that Karl Rove sought to place Republican zealots in US attorney positions to conduct political witch hunts against democrats. Where does this willingness to subvert out legal protections for political gain ultimately lead?
Republicans have become so convinced that they are “right,” that they have convinced themselves that “their” ends justify “their” means. They believe themselves justified in making false accusations, such as Rove’s political prosecutions, or McCain/Palin claims that Obama is a “terrorist” or a “socialist” or a “muslim” or an “arab” etc. Anything to get what they want.
Doesn’t the Republican way of doing things ultimately lead to the gradual erosion of all individual rights, “for our own good?”
When our civil rights are mentioned, Republicans love to argue that “if you’re not doing anything wrong, then you don’t have anything to hide.” Problem is that their definition of “wrong” keeps shifting. Will it ultimately be “wrong” for an American to disagree with the Republican party?
Apparently Ms. Bachman already thinks so.
63. AF Veteran | 10.21.08
TSimon, if that’s all you have, please refain from commenting anymore. I’m not a fan of some of the things Rev. Wright said at all but, he’s not racist. There have been many different races to attend his church. Several whites who’ve been there feel more than welcome. Also, there are still people alive who lived through segregation. Yes, we need to get over it some time but who are we to judge when someones wounds should heal? As long as there are racist idiots out here to keep the flames of ignorance burning, it will take that much longer to get past racism. That goes for black and white racism or any other racism. It’s all ignorant. Go preach to some of your peanut gallery to spread that message instead of the nonsense you continue to spew.
64. Sandra S | 10.21.08
I think Americans are just sick and tired of Republicans talking like they have a monopoly on being ‘American’. And who the he– are they and she to define what is pro and anti American. In my book, she and they are the only anti-Americans we have here. Perhaps someone should look into her background and all the other little fascist weenies that seem to be resident in the Republican Party.
65. ehandrick | 10.21.08
TSimon, Once a swat team came to take my neighbor away. I suppose this means I’m a criminal. By the way, Ayers was once named “citizen of the Year” in Illinois. I believe people can redeem themselves. He has.
66. smith | 10.21.08
What a tard. It’s intolerance like this that made me leave the Republican party. The tent keeps getting smaller and smaller every year.
67. Torleiv | 10.21.08
I can’t believe the (thankfully very few) people who are supporting her hate rhetoric. There’s nothing anti-American about Obama. Heck, even Bill Ayers and Rev. Wright are better Americans than Michelle McCarthy, because even if they’re angry and even violent, they’re at least trying to make this country a better place as opposed to the Neocons who purposely fill people with hate and fear for their own advantage. I’m tired of these tactics and it appears the majority is slowly catching on.
69. Keith | 10.21.08
I watched the Michelle Bachmann live interview incredulously as Chris Matthews gave her numerous chances to clarify these incredibly inflammatory statements. They were shades of 1950’s fear mongering. She did not back down and notched it up with each challenge by Chris. Now that the polls are not favorable the backpedaling begins. Her comments were a disgrace for someone who represents all Americans who serve our country. Send her packing back home along with the incompetent Sarah Palin.
70. Mason | 10.21.08
America is all about challenging the establishment, questioning the party line. It’s anti-american to just roll over and believe everything ANYONE says. People need to read more and quite getting scared into voting for one or the other. Make up your own minds on the merits of what a candidate WILL do. I would suggest that if a new election rule was put in place that said you could not mention or allure to the other candidate, we may actually get some thoughtful work done. Unfortunately, Palin’s speeches would be 1 minute long, and we wouldn’t be able to see how hot she is.
71. lhummer | 10.21.08
Does having a radically anti-American terrorist for a close friend and neighbor make you anti-American?
Or does it just make you dumb?
Either way….yikes….
————————————
Tsimon, I live next to the Catholic rectory and the parish pastor is a friend of mine. By your reasoning that automatically makes me a Catholic. You need to take a course in logic.
72. I LIVE IN AMERICA , NOT UNDER IT. | 10.21.08
Where does it say that I have to love my country ?
I am a dedicated law abiding citizen that has stood back and watched as:
Patriots were belittled for speaking there mind about the Wars
Elected officials lied about WMD
They Outed a CIA agent
ETC.ETC,
Now I am Anti American for Speaking Out against it all.
Somehow this Lady is asking for SILENCE when her cronies are taking us for everything… What a fantastic plan .
You steal , and I’ll call them un American if they point the Finger at you I
LIVE IN AMERICA , NOT UNDER IT.
I’ll feel about America what I wish , that is my RIGHT
P.S. I’ll speak any language that I want to.
73. john from texas | 10.21.08
She can say what she wants to say. It’s America and you have the right. Both parties have issues. I don’t vote party, I vote pro-life. Either party can get my vote if they support rights for the unborn. That’s it. The other items will work their way out over time. Thanks for reading. john
74. JohnO | 10.21.08
Bachmann has a history of opening her mouth and blathering idiocy.
This her on Nancy Pelosi and climate change:
“[Pelosi] is committed to her global warming fanaticism to the point where she has said that she’s just trying to save the planet. We all know that someone did that over 2,000 years ago, they saved the planet — we didn’t need Nancy Pelosi to do that.”
Bachmann the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: “This is the most perfect place on the planet to drill.”
And Bachmann on the secret conspiracy of Democrats and environmentalists:
“This is their agenda. I know it is hard to believe, it’s hard to fathom — but this is ‘mission accomplished’ for them. They want Americans to take transit and move to the inner cities. They want Americans to move to the urban core, live in tenements, take light rail to their government jobs. That’s their vision for America.”
She’s a nut job. I hope Elwyn Tinklenberg wins, because unless he does, we ALL lose.
75. Christopher | 10.21.08
Firstly, before we can call someone Anti-’something’, we must define ’something’. To define American, I suppose we could say if you’re born here, youre American. But more, we can say that to be ‘American’, is to fully accept the things that make America stand apart from other societies. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights come to my mind as defining documents of what it means to be American. Given that as a working definition, no group of individuals has done more to destroy everything that America stands for than the Repulicans. Homeland Security. National ID cards (they’re coming follks). Patriot Acts I & II. Military Commissions Act. Suspension of Habeus Corpus. All of these things are EXTREMELY anti-American. Americanism does not equal Facism. These people, Palin and Bachman and Rush and many, many others are completely upside down.
76. Rick56 | 10.21.08
Lord, I can’t believe that there actually are people who still support this women; their ignorance and stupidity are remarkable. Doesn’t necessarily make them anti-American, just dumb. This is why we need to increase public support for public education and to encourage parents to make education a priority. Turn off the TV and the video games. Read to your kids so they won’t end up as goofy as Bachmann and some of her supporters!
77. Mike | 10.21.08
She is right: the media has given Obama a pass. Any politician who is against democracy and free markets needs to find another line of work.
78. Marcus | 10.21.08
This is exactly the type of people that tear this country apart and down. FEAR FEAR FEAR. You republicans are paranoid and cowardly. You’d gladly sell your country into slavery if only your precious government will just take away your fears.
Republicans talk a good game about defending the nation against terror and those pesky un-Americans. But the fact is, there just aren’t a lot of terrorists out there and a very very few ever, in America. Didn’t stop you from quivering in your boots and start screaming war and torture. You gave up your rights to privacy. You let the FBI paw through your email and search your life. You allow minimum wage idiots to do whatever they want to you at every airport. Scared enough to let 4000 Americans die for corporate oil. The sooner the Republican party is replaced by something with some guts, the better.
79. JohnO | 10.21.08
Bachmann has a history of opening her mouth and blathering idiocy.
This her on Nancy Pelosi and climate change:
“[Pelosi] is committed to her global warming fanaticism to the point where she has said that she’s just trying to save the planet. We all know that someone did that over 2,000 years ago, they saved the planet — we didn’t need Nancy Pelosi to do that.”
Bachmann the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: “This is the most perfect place on the planet to drill.”
And Bachmann on the secret conspiracy of Democrats and environmentalists:
“This is their agenda. I know it is hard to believe, it’s hard to fathom — but this is ‘mission accomplished’ for them. They want Americans to take transit and move to the inner cities. They want Americans to move to the urban core, live in tenements, take light rail to their government jobs. That’s their vision for America.”
She’s a nut job. I hope Elwyn Tinklenberg wins, because unless he does, we ALL lose.
80. Brian | 10.21.08
Obama stole the election away from Hilary. Hilary had much more experience than Obama. Now we find out all these shady connections. I don’t want to vote for McCain, but I can’t vote for Obama, he is the least experienced presidential candidate ever, and he changes positions for his own advantage. Our country will go down the toilet!
I did take a look at the video and, I tell you, this makes want to do more research on Obamas connections.
81. Susie | 10.21.08
Americans do not want another Joseph McCarthy. We want to keep our freedoms. Michelle you sound very anti-American to me.
82. Rob | 10.21.08
I’m astounded at how far off track we can all get when these politicians say stupid things.
The overriding problems that eclipse party or the propensity to say stupid things is 1) the military-industrial complex, which is two orders of magnitude larger than when Eisenhower warned us all about it, 2) the unchecked and reckless printing and borrowing of fiat currency dollars which has us now at the edge of the way ALL fiat currencies go, annihilation, and 3) the mindless (or perhaps deliberate) violations by elected officials of their oath of office- to Preserve, Protect, and Defend the Constitution.
As long as these idiot politicians can keep us engrossed in partisan bickering and railing on about the stupid things they say, they will have accomplished their mission- to keep us distracted from the real problems eroding our Constitution and gutting our economic system.
83. jude | 10.21.08
@TSimon @johnj No repeat of the last two elections. The issues are actually front and center, not character attacks but thanks for playing!
84. JSG | 10.21.08
It’s common sense among sane people that when you find yourself in a hole, you stop digging. Fortunately for America, the rightwing America-haters are both insane and very vocal.
The ironic thing was, had she said this kind of thing on O’Reilly or Limbaugh’s show (or anything on Fox), not only would it have flown under the radar, but she would have received backup and support from the show’s hosts.
I do agree with her, however: there SHOULD be a great deal of scrutiny by the media into just how many people in our government, just like Bachmann, have a vendetta against their supposed “fellow” Americans.
The far right has been waging a no-holds-barred war against America for over 30 years. It’s long past the time when we need to find out exactly what side our political leaders hold in this “Cold Civil War” the right wingers have been waging.
85. Mark H | 10.21.08
“38. Scott | 10.21.08 - I’m still listening to the GOP because their fundamentals are sound, in a good or bad economy. Reduced goverment (and all the worthless programs that go with it), lower taxes, crushing military. If you DFL’rs would use your brain a little instead or your hearts you’d agree. I bet most of you (if you were old enough) voted for Reagan, didn’t you? Why, if you aren’t for the aforementioned? The GOP is still the same.”
Scott, the GOP is not the same. Reagan used diplomacy and inclusiveness to win over the country and the world. McCain and Palin use the rhetoric of divisiveness and hatred. This is not Republican it is the same ultra conservative approach as Bush.
To simply prove my point, please name a more conservative democracy any where in the world. We are on the far, far right.
86. Dennis Lowe | 10.21.08
Is she insane? Honestly, if she was my wife, she’d be going into the hospital for 72 hours of observation.
87. aaglaas | 10.21.08
God..
I was wondering why it seemed like some of these people who left comments sounded like they’d crawled out of some dark hole, or from under some slimy rock. I realize now that they only believe information ‘a.k.a. news’ from Fox or whatever fanatic/fundamentalist church they obviously attend. These type of Republicans continue to cling on to their hate and ignorance, pointing wildly at the ‘liberals….elitists…Muslims…etcetera,etcetera..’ all the while.
I wonder if they’ll finally ‘get it’ after the elections when they realize that they’ve lost the Presidency, the Senate, and the House?? Will they then realize that they’ve alienated over half the nation? They’ve already alienated the rest of the world…
I sometimes look on Fox to see what they’re being mouth-fed, and on their ‘Election Map’ it didn’t even show until a few days ago, the current polls, because it’s looking like a landslide against them.
They’re the ones who are ‘anti-American’… they can’t stand anyone to think or live freely for themselves. 
89. cyberbian | 10.21.08
The Republican Party is a disaster, and it’s members will likely be to disgraced to be associated with it once the smoke clears. This is the perfect opportunity for a third party to come along and push them into the shadow of history. Like the Tory and Whig partys which also had their day of closure.
90. RayKongo | 10.21.08
So Obama then, is Not Anti-American? Oh. Right, its just all of those people he hangs with. And daring to ask that question, or any question about HIM lands one instantly labeled as “Hateful’, and “Racist”, and you of the media are quick and happy to prosecute. Once Our Dear Leader is in, then that prosecution will be handed off to the Federal types wont it? With jail times and the whole ball of wax. You wonderful people will be happy then wont you? Lets hope you never fall off that politically correct wagon your riding.
91. Frank | 10.21.08
All we have to do is invite the republicans to a huge physical fight at say, Death Valley, and we don’t show up and they wipe themselves out before they figure out they are alone.
92. CountTheMoney | 10.21.08
Small government!? If Republicans favor “small government”, why did the deficit almost double under Bush, from about 5 trillion to About 9 trillion.
YOUR KIDS owe out those trillions, which is gaining in size due to interest–in the form of bonds sold to Chinese or other foreign investors.
Numbers don’t lie, and a lot of the time Republicans don’t actually lie. They just distract you with “Patriot” rhetoric, while they borrow money in your children’s name. While their friends get rich.
Oops, you’re not one of their rich friends, are you?
93. scootmandubious | 10.21.08
Michele Bachmann denying that comment is exactly like Sarah Palin following the release of the troopergate report with the exact opposite of reality, claiming that she was allegedly cleared of ‘ethics’ violations.
What consultant came up with the current inane GOP policy of denying the truth, and repeating a lie ad nauseum?
Unfortunately for Rep. Bachmann, we have the video of her exchange.
If you would like to see it, along with links to a petition calling for her censure, and a way to contribute to her opponent, I put it all on one page:
http://scootmandubious.blogspot.com/2008/10/censure-michele-bachman.html
94. john | 10.21.08
The principle of divide and conquer seems to be working… while you’re all futzing around, big business and their lobbyists are picking your pockets clean. Follow the money..
95. ANovaScotian | 10.21.08
According to her website (http://www.michelebachmann.com/about.php), she and her husband run two mental-health clinics. Good lord.
96. heather | 10.21.08
I have personally raised about $100 in NM for Tinklenberg. This woman has no business being a Congresswoman. She is ignorant, racist and has nothing to offer to her constituents. If you want to have a real laugh, look at the YouTube clip of her explaining her views on global warming (complete with loud laughter from the audience). Bye-bye Bachmann.
97. Chris Matthews’ Newest Fan | 10.21.08
My new fantasy:
Sarah Palin appears on Chris Matthews’ when he’s had a bad morning and too much coffee.
Yeah, right. THAT will never happen!
Saw Palin on CNN with Drew Griffin. Either he doesn’t pay attention to the news or he was not allowed to counter or try to clarify any of her answers/lies/exagerations. CNN really rolled over on that one.
I don’t even know where MSNBC is on my TV but I’ll check it out. That was a very funny interview.
Matthews didn’t set her up. She’s a politician - if she really understood the garbage she was saying she could have defended it or clarified it. She willingly and clumsily jumped on the McCarthyism revival bandwagon.
Let this put other GOP 2008 candidates on notice. America does not want to repeat the sins of our fathers. Stop the McCarthy scare tactics!
98. Alfonso | 10.21.08
How cute. Outraged Liberals hurl vile, vicious, hateful attacks at people daring to mention the unmentionable, while calling such things vile, vicious, and hateful attacks. Such Beautiful examples of Orwellian/Huxley Doublespeak and hypocrisy. No wonder the Civil War was such a big hit.
99. flighttime | 10.21.08
This has gone far beyond the divide and conquer methods that worked in 2000 and 2004. What we are now hearing is the onset of persecution of a segment of society. Do I need to state when the last time the world was subjected to this kind of talk or what the result was?
100. Dmitriy | 10.21.08
She got this all wrong it was Obama’s preacher that he listened to for 20 years that had anti-American views. And also his friend Louis Farrakhan. And his other friend Bill Ayers. And his elitist friends in San Francisco who made it look like he made those ‘bitter’ comments. Obama would never talk trash about our country on his trip to Europe.
101. tyler | 10.21.08
beauty and brains to boot, better yet, brains in her boot.
mathews played her like a fiddle, and she just kept squealing.
if this is the face the republicans put on their party, yikes! halloween comes early this year i guess.
102. Jay | 10.21.08
Please, please, please Barak Obama come and save us from this Doofus-ocracy! Ask any lawyer about how juries are selected, and they’ll tell you they get rid of anyone with a 3 digit IQ first. Apparently Rove and the neo-cons believe this should apply to elected government as well. Ms. Bachman makes W look like Einstein, and Ms. Palin seem like Gandhi. Maybe a new leader with vision and conviction will be able to clear out the deadheads. I’m starting to positively believe in the American people when this woman’s opponent raises almost a million dollars in opposition. She’s scary.
103. jim | 10.21.08
Here’s something interesting to consider as one tries to make sense of her idiotic comments and crazy backpedaling:
104. Tom in California | 10.21.08
Remarkable that voters in the this country sometimes elect people like Bachmann to high office. She shouldn’t be allowed to sit on a local school board, much less in the Congress of the United States.
105. Thomas Jefferson | 10.21.08
Anti-industry,Anti-small business, Pro-socilistic agenda, Pro-social medicine, Anti- first amendament, Pro-illegal immigation, But Anti american ahhhhh. You decide, the things listed above dont seem very pro capitlist- pro constition or pro American to me. Then again who am I, a middle class, tax paying, voting American. HHMMM maybe I should just go back and watch TV and keep believing everything I read in the newspaper. Oh yea I cant read.
106. jjazznola | 10.21.08
TSimon said
“Does having a radically anti-American terrorist for a close friend and neighbor make you anti-American?”
Get your facts straight fool!
107. Spanielmcnugget | 10.21.08
Have the Palin’s and Bachmann’s of this world not yet worked out that it’s this kind of hate-filled rhetoric that actually CREATES “liberals” rather than persuades the undecided from voting the other way? The guys who have commented in favor of Bachmann on this forum are already decided on their vote; the election strategies are not really about them.
If you are not pro-American, you obviously have to be anti-American … even if you work in Congress and have the highest clearances in the country, work on committees that oversee the most classified information in the land and were vetted and thoroughly investigated as far back as your childhood in order to make sure that you are safe to handle such information. Even THEN you are Anti-American. How about that?
Well, if that’s what it’s called, then I’m proud to be voting Anti-American on November 4th! The alternative, given the hate I’m seeing on the comments pages currently, looks too bleak to even contemplate; an abyss of some kind of not overly nice -ism, albeit a self-proclaimed pro-America -ism.
108. Brad | 10.21.08
The issue is “what does it mean to be pro America”. America has grow to be the greatest nation in the world by promoting free enterprise, capitalism, limited government, personal freedom, personal responsibility, and supporting those views throughout the world. We see ourselves as a nation of individuals not dependent on the government but on ourselves and our families. These are not the principles of socialism. I think that the people who struggle with Obama believe that he is a socialist. I for one don’t want to live in a socialist country. That was not the intentions of the founding fathers. The more government controls, the less freedom you will have.
While I don’t approve of hate speech or false accusations these are rights under out constitution. Free speech means we have to accept the good and the bad. If you don’t like her comments then vote against her. But she has every right to say what she did and all Americans should support her right to say what she wants.
109. RaginModerate | 10.21.08
So if hanging out with Ayers makes Obama a terrorist, then what does hanging out with Larry Craig and Mark Foley make John McCain? They were on the same “board” and appeared at fundraisers for each other. We the people deserve to know the nature of their relationship!
110. Chandra Moore | 10.21.08
To Proud American-
A couple points for you……
If you voted for President Bush in 2000 and supported the decision to not challenge certain states result where there was accusation and actual PROOF of voter fraud and tampering in the ACTUAL election (hmmm I don’t know a certain state with a certain beloved children’s family theme park which brings in most of the states revenue and who’s govenor at the time just happened to be the brother of the person who won the election… hmm no need to concoct weird conspiracy theories when the truth will set you free…) and you were ok with a President being sworn in to this country who actually had not won the popular vote… then you my friend you do not have the right to even talk about Obama and ACORN, where there has been no diffinitive proof that either Obama or ACORN had knowledge and approved of any unethical and wrong doing committed by it’s employees. I also seem to have heard that ACORN has fired it’s employee’s and turned them over for investigation and charges when it’s been confirmed that wrong doing was committed. So who’s really calling the kettle black? That’s what I thought….
This issue has nothing to do with the Democratic party. They are not standing up and accusing this woman of anything, or smearing her name and politics. You don’t see one quote from a single Democrat who is making fun or refuting anything she said. Why? Because they don’t need to, this woman buried herself with her own mouth and the video coverage shows it. This was a Republican candidate going on TV making a fool of herself and then trying to cover by saying what she said is being “misread” is it also being misviewed and misheard? Because you don’t need pictures to say a thousand words for you when video can capture it all in real time.
Ms Bachman doesn’t need anyone to muzzle her, in fact I think the Democratic Patry would want to do anything but. The money raised for her opponent in the days since speaks for itself. I guess she’s finding out how anti-bachman her district is. At the end of the day, she might want to worry more about that than how “American” the rest of the country is… or isn’t….
111. aaglaas | 10.21.08
It’s sort of amusing, but actually more pathetic to see these claims still popping up after all this time…
Although ACORN has been on C-Span and fully explained all the Federal and state laws they have to follow to submit a registration, and although logic would tell you that ALL of the ‘fraudulent’ registrations were found and turned-in by THEM, so that the authorities could follow up, and the fact that no one can vote without being verified by both ID and address which makes that whole point of fraudulent registrations moot… these people still bring up ACORN. As to the people he ‘hangs with’ or ‘associates with’ or is ‘friends with’… that’s also been disproved over and over. If Fox News, your church or the Republican Party told you that the world is flat, would you swallow that as well??
Maybe you guys need to move to one of Sarah Palin’s islands where you can understand Russian culture better because you’ll be able to view Siberia with a telescope, and you can create the theocracy that you seem to want. Since there will be no more ‘intellectuals, liberals, elitists, or anti-Americans’ around you anymore, you can then start picking each other off until you either mature and grow a brain, or kill yourselves off by burning each other at the stake while the rest of you applaud yourselves on your individual self-righteousness.
Just a suggestion…
112. RaginModerate | 10.21.08
If hanging out with Ayers makes Obama a terrorist, what does hanging out with Larry Craig and Mark Foley make McCain? They served on the same “board” and attended fundraisers for each other. The American people should demand to know the nature of their relationship.
113. dano | 10.21.08
Scott (38), if Republican fundamentals include the premise of smaller government, why is it that gov’t got insanely BIGGER under every Republican President in the last 3 decades, including the Reagan era? Look it up. Every one of them created bigger gov’t and greater deficit spending than their Democratic predecessor. Of course, I’m wasting my time because you guys don’t like to be confused with the facts. It’s easier to take an uninformed position based on ignorance and illussion.
You guys are the same people who gripe about every dime of taxes but willingly allow your current Republican president to spend money like a drunken sailor. Oh, I get it, someone ELSE is supposed to pay for the trillions we spend in Iraq, Afghanistan and propping up Wall Street… as long as it isn’t you.
114. johnnyjust | 10.21.08
How will anyone know what Obama’s views are? No one in the media has the guts to ask him a question for fear of being labeled as racist.
So instead we have an empty suit being propped up by a bunch of pillow fluffers.
115. CrB | 10.21.08
@92. RayKongo
Postulating now, would you say that anti-Viet Nam war protesters were ‘Anti-American’? What , precisely, does Anti-American actually mean to you? Note that all of the people posting here are not the Media (and I’ll agree that the media do NOT doing their jobs as well as they should). I wish you, and the rest of the people here would post their definition of ‘American’, so we can better understand what ‘Anti-American’ really means.
-C
116. Disgusted | 10.21.08
Proud American: If someone physicaly actually went and tried to vote as Mickey Mouse and presented a fake form of ID that read “Mickey Mouse,” then yes — it would be voter fraud.
However, any rational person without ungainly amounts of emotional (read: irrational; impressionable; stupid) investment in trying to exploit the ACORN “scandal” would pretty easily recognize it’s not so much an Obama-supported conspiracy so much as it is a bunch of unlikely voters not taking their voting ballot seriously. Combine that with the fact ACORN ballot collectors make minimum wage and you have more of a laziness and incompetence problem than any other. ACORN is not devilishly clever, it’s just not proficient.
As for believing your news sources in the fact Obama actively engages in support of groups like ACORN today (you’re obviously parroting on biased garbage that you heard from FOX or equivalent), what makes you believe that your news sources are at all credible?
Tip: when reading the news, use more than your reptilian brain.
117. rhetorical girl | 10.21.08
“Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
The way I see it, those on the left think this is a great country with great goals and we still have a way to go to meet those goals. Those on the right think this is a great country with great accomplishments and no further progress is necessary. But until we can honestly say we fulfill the ideals noted above, I think those on the left are right.
118. Liddy-for-President | 10.21.08
Obviously if a majority of the populace votes Obama in it will be because they are un-American - clearly the minority who has God on their side should rule. And Muslims cant run for the presidency, it’s unconstitutional! We all know that liberals, democrats, former army generals and secretaries of state hate America. Therefore all these people should be removed from this country. In fact, the Democratic party should be banned because it hates America and if it continues we will all become communists. We should only have one party.
I urge all God loving Americans to copy and paste this post and send it to as many people as possible before it’s too late!
I’m praying right now: “Please please oh please let conservatives spread this post around the country…..”
119. dick bohanon | 10.21.08
easy to pass judgement on others
especially if you are “morally superior”
i think i will stick with the smarter party
not the smarmy party.
boy can republicans alienate thinking people.
120. JM | 10.21.08
Michelle Bachmann - as revealed by her own statements, and hers alone - both on Hardball and in other arenas is intellectually, spiritually, morally, and politically bankrupt.
As are those who mirror and parrot her views.
Sadly, such people ave destroyed nearly all of what was once best in the Republican party. Barry Goldwater, grand old conservative of great integrity that he was, would be sickened by what it has become.
I was happy to have heard Bachmann speak, however. It is important that people like this be recognized for the angry, condemnatory, punitive, divisive, totalitarian mindsets they have.
It also gave me an opportunity, though I live in New York and therefore cannot do the good service of voting against Bachmann in the upcoming election, to go online and donate money to her opponent, Elwyn Tinklenberg. At least I can vote that way, by offering financial support to sanity and common decency.
121. JayPea | 10.21.08
Why do the Republicans insist that Liberal and Anti-American are synonymous? I watched the Michelle Bachmann Hardball video and I was appalled. How can she call for McCarthyism to rear its ugly head in the American government again? How dare she imply that Democracy is somehow anti-American? I do NOT live in anti-America. I live in America and I love America, but I loathe the message Ms. Bachmann expounded equating liberals with people who hate America. That is unconscionable.
This campaign is only showing that Democrats believe in Americans being free - free to criticize the way America is run without being the subject of a McCarthy witch hunt. Google search makes McCarthyism synonymous with Salem Witch Trials. It won’t surprise me if the list of related searches soon includes ‘Michelle Bachmann’ right next to Salem Witch Trials as a synonym. I am proud to be a Minnesotan, the best dang state in the USA, but you can take Bachmann, take her far, far away. She is anti-Minnesota nice.
122. lorax2 | 10.21.08
Rejoice, Democrats, the Republicans are destroying themselves. Republicans want to be the party of small towns and small minds - if you are from a small town or you are filled with ignorance and hate - then according to them, you are pro-American. They are willing to cede the East Coast, the West Coast, the Southwest, any large cities, like LA, Chicago, Detroit, New York, etc. They call anyone with a brain - elitist and anyone who doesn’t agree with them, “anti-American.” Am I the only one that sees that this is suicide by the Republicans? We are witnessing the self-immolation of the GOP. It looks like a prescription for becoming a permanent minority party. If that’s what they want be, let them.
123. LioNEXT | 10.21.08
I just contributed to Elwyn Tinklenberg. Thank you Michelle Bachmann for opening my eyes to your pinhead thinking.
Anyone wanna donate, please go here
I would urge to do so, 10, 20, whatever you can, to get rid of this mavericky, “also”!
124. Carolo | 10.21.08
Just as I had decided Sarah Palin was almost the dumbest woman I had ever met here enters Michelle Bauchmann who takes it upon herself who is and is not ANTI-American. News for you Bachmann……….we are All Americans.
MINNESOTA…….. vote this woman out!
125. Steven | 10.21.08
Something Republicans are going to learn this year is that US vs. THEM politics will no longer work in their favor because there are more of US than THEM. We are just a few generations away from a country that has no ethnic majority. Being inclusive and working together is the future. They had better get used to it or they will go the way of the Whig Party. Remember them? Didn’t think so.
126. Jill Again | 10.21.08
I tire of these politicians that confuse having character with being a character. We should send them all packing. It remains a fact that we have an economy that needs help, a war in Iraq and Afganistan that needs a short and long term plan, a healthcare option, and many other issues that impact our daily lives. To the extent that we have robot telephone calls attempting to implant fear and create divisiveness between neighbors, our politicians have failed us. If that, and comments such as individuals being anti-American, are the best these people can do, we should reject them, replacing them with better options that will serve all Americans.
127. BD3 | 10.21.08
As a life long Republican, Iraq War Veteran, and from a small town I am dissapointed by Bachmann’s comments and the GOP in general. What is more anti-American than trashing the constitution and America’s reputation by torturing our enemies, spying on our citicens, and Guantanamo Bay. The federal government and the deficit grew at twice the pace under Bush than under Clinton, and with a Republican controlled congress! Republicans are the party of personal responsibility and small government but all I hear now are excuses and petty whining. I’m writing in Ron Paul on my ballot!
128. akamai | 10.21.08
It is scary how many folks have fallen for McCain Plin fear tactics. They’ve got you where they want you.
129. johnny holmes | 10.21.08
I have a member the congresswoman can investigate. And it may even shut her up for awhile.
130. Gaias Child | 10.21.08
Probably she will be able to get a job with Sarah Palin’s next campaign since she’s obviously on board with that mindset, er, mindlessness in place of a mindset. Unconsciousness is the best excuse to be righteously superior to whoever else there is.
131. Don’t forget to vote | 10.21.08
TSimon: “Does having a racist, rabidly anti-American pastor make you anti-American?
Does having a radically anti-American terrorist for a close friend and neighbor make you anti-American?”
1: No. Not any more than having a racist parent or grandparent does. Wright, for whatever great work he may have done for Obama and his community, has become a cartoon. A black “Jerry Springer” if you will. What’s more American than Jerry Springer?
2: I’ll play along and pretend they are “close friends” (robocalls apparently doing their job with the less intelligent crowd). Considering that Ayers:
a) was part of an “anti-war” group, “anti-american” is something different.
b) was a different league of “terrorist” than modern-day jihadists (you DO know the weathermen made calls to have the buidings evacuated prior to explosions, right? Also, the only time they “killed americans” was when two WEATHERMEN died setting their own device) and finally,
c) has made a name for himself as an educator and even been named Chicago’s “citizen of the year” in the 3 DECADES since his idiotic youth…
No.
Now that we’ve gotten those off our plate… can we get back to the REAL issues, please?
133. Paul Stewart | 10.21.08
17. Christopher London | 10.21.08
This is not about being stupid, Michelle Bachmann was not blindsided, she did not get tripped up. Bachmann is merely one of the ignorant brigades of Neocon’s who gets their talking points from the dark artist himself, Karl Rove and his disciples, Steve Schmidt.
Rome is burning after 8 years of Neoconservative rule and what do the Neoconservatives controlling the Republican Party want to talk about and who are they targeting?
They are running a three pronged assault on the American soul: (1) In rural and small town middle America they are stoking white fear, stirring racial resentment, painting Obama as a terrorist, un-American and
134. Paul Stewart | 10.21.08
This lady is a good example of what is wrong with Republican politics. If you can’t beat your opponent on substance, you attack his character, his patriotism and his “Americanism”. And you do it with whatever you have by harping on it instead of the real issues. Then, when it finally gets turned back on you, you whine and complain the other guy is being unfair.
The right wing commentary will just get more and more ideological and indeed hysterical. It will continue to try to paint Obama what he is not. It will continue to try to destroy his character. That is their only hope. It is not going to work.
To those who spouting Socialist. Well, if Obama is a socialist, then McCain and Bush are bush-wacking Pirates, dressed in business suits. In league with those running some of the the large businesses these days with “golden parachutes”, with special note of the oil companies, car companies and the investment banks. All of them crying “deregulation, deregulation”, “self regulation, self regulation”, “limits to liability”, “limits to liability”, etc….
135. Jim Soles | 10.21.08
Obama has had years of experience in Illinois and four years in the U.S. Senate. Lincoln had only one term in the U.S. Congress. I didn’t know Lincoln, but the history books say he was a pretty good president.
136. Barb | 10.21.08
This lady’s a loon. Was she and Palin separated at birth? The similarities are striking…both are famewhores, careerists, dicisicive rabble rowsers who maintain that if you don’t think excactly like them then you’re “anti-American.” How close minded, small and insular can you get? These women scare the h**l out of me and I’m exactly they’re age! How did they get so self-righteous? And who elects these nut jobs? McCarthy, anyone? Read the history books…this isn’t good.
138. pete w | 10.21.08
“When facism comes to the US, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a white cross” - Sinclair Lewis
139. kim | 10.21.08
re posting # 29
Brink…. “Socialism” is a defined economic system: “Capitalism” is another. Neither have anything remotely to do with being “anti-American”…or “pro-American”, for that matter. People - even Americans - have differing opinions on all ranges of issues, including the best economic system. Are you positing that if one doesn’t agree with your’s, one is therefore “anti-American”?
Very dangerous.
140. Jamie G. | 10.21.08
Ironically, Bachman’s smears make her the ultimate “anti-American”. With crew members like her, it’s no wonder General Colin Powell jumped the Republican ship. Please donate…
141. Ted | 10.22.08
If this woman is representative of the Republican perspective, then the GOP has become an extremist mecca, dangerous and foul, - the worst residue of American failure.
142. joetheplumber | 10.22.08
Bachmann has adopted the same tactics used by Neo-Nazis, blaming Blacks, minorities, and Jews for the current economic crisis. She’s also accusing liberals of essentially being anti-American socialists who need to be investigated and purged.
That she feels so free to engage in this behavior says much about the anti-Semitic, anti-minority and anti-democratic people in her Congressional District that continue to support her. I guess they must be the “pro-America” part of the country Palin keeps talking about. Shame on you.
143. Disgusted voter | 10.22.08
As a Minnesotan, I could not be more tired of Bachmann…every time she opens her mouth she inserts her holier-than-thou, nondescript size 8. Members of the Religious Right (of which Michelle Bachmann - and Sarah Palin - are Bible thumping members) seek to impose their personal religious ideals upon our constitutional rights and social freedoms, yet they have no problem casting ridiculous, meritless “anti American” aspersions every time a camera is turned in their direction.
144. Marcus Fronto | 10.22.08
Michelle Bachmann may well be loosely educated. Some adult education in the classics of political philosophy and history will surely do her some good. That is just a start…..
145. frank | 10.22.08
I dont like watching people cry.
I will LOVE watching her cry at her concession speech in 2 weeks.
146. Sidewalk Preacher | 10.22.08
Bachmann took the bait that Chris Matthews laid out for her. All Chris was trying to show, I think, is what a blabbering far-right idiot Ms. Bachmann truly is. That has now become apparent. People who say stupid things may still have a place in Congress - just not in MY district.
BTW, those of you non-Minnesotans might be enlightened in knowing that the Bachmann family in MN is quite well-to-do and Michelle Bachmann didn’t just start running her campaign from the grocery store aisles. She was a well-funded Republican “plant” in her first election and continues to be a lipstick-wearing mouthpiece of the Neocons whenever she’s called upon to perform.
If Tink wins the election it won’t be a surprise - the electorate just discovered who Bachmann really is.
147. Bob | 10.22.08
Michelle Bachmann,which country do you live in? why do you want to divide these great people of this great country? if you’ve nothing to say on national TV,PLSE don’t come on,stop leballing Obama Anti-American just because he is doing well and he inspires people,stop your nonsense and represent your district,I hope they are listening and watching.we don’t need people like you in Congress.
149. Sarah C. | 10.22.08
in the long run, it’s a good thing that these sentiments have come out in the open. it is safer for the American people to know what their representatives really believe, and it seems that this political campaign has emboldened those with fascist leanings to voice their views. it is shocking, but ultimately, a positive development, because we can now make more informed choices about who we elect to office.
150. Jo | 10.22.08
I love it when video of politicians comes back to haunt them.
I think that for years, politicians could easily get away with saying exactly what the audience wanted to hear with little fear that it might be heard by anyone else. They need to read up on Miranda:
Anything you say can be used against you. Who knows, maybe it will be a tool to help keep them honest.
Bachman’s cat is out of the bag, and no amount of back tracking is going to erase it.
151. Dave, Victoria BC Canada | 10.22.08
I think it’s ironic that the staunch republicans seem to hate more Americans than maybe any other group around - perhaps they should take a good look at who the real anti-americans are.
152. getaclue | 10.22.08
What is meant by “america” or “american” in the phrase “anti-america/american”?
Is it the land mass that is known as North America?
Is it the land mass that is known as the USA?
Is it the 360 million people who call themselves Americans?
Just what exactly, does that phrase mean?
153. lasouris | 10.22.08
I saw her making her stupid divisive statement I was mad at her for putting her foot in her mouth, but this article make it so funny.
now I see why reading is better than watching tv.
154. Todd | 10.22.08
The hole Bachmann dug was deep enough to fit the entire republican party and their divisive ideology.
155. Poppy | 10.22.08
I’m one of the outraged who promptly sent her opponent (Elwyn Tinklenberg) money I could ill-afford to give away, but which I consider well spent.
156. Tom Medzer | 10.22.08
From my perspective as a Canadian, among other reasons it is not hard to see the reason for the political divide in which America finds itself as illustrated in the repeated untruths by the Republicans that they:
- put country first, and Democrats don’t
- are the real patriots and Democrats are not
- are on high moral ground and Democrats are degenerates supporting gay rights
- want smaller government and Democrats are tax and spend liberals
- are strong on foreign policy and defense and Democrats are weak
- are capitalists and Democrats are socialists
- value life, Democrats don’t
- have strong family values, Democrats don’t
- are strong on crime, Democrats are soft
- believe in the Constitution, Democrats don’t
157. WOWWEE | 10.22.08
For anyone who agrees with what she said on hardball it is woth noting that she herself is TRYING to step back from it . This either makes her a liar or a coward!
158. DOSANDDONTS | 10.22.08
Question: What’s the difference between Michele Bachmann and Joseph McCarthy? Answer: Lipstick
159. seattle | 10.22.08
Hope she loses her seat in Congress! She certainly doesn’t below in any kind of office.
160. Thinking American | 10.22.08
To #165: Your Question:
Question: What’s the difference between Michele Bachmann and Joseph McCarthy? Answer: Lipstick
MY ANSWER: McCarthy is in his grave. Bachmann is right now digging hers.
161. TexasGals | 10.22.08
What’s scary is that people elected her just like they elected Bush! I was voting for McCain until he selected Palin and only because they let her talk and then the more I learned about her she scared me more than W! Also, I hear people say that Obama is a socialist so does that include Bush? Let’s not forget that W and Paulson promoted the biggest bailout in our history! Now that’s what I call socialism.
162. TexasGal | 10.22.08
Oh and for those of you that say Obama has no experience let’s not forget that W was a governor of my State and by the way did nothing for us…became president and then he and the entire GOP managed to bankrupt the US during his presidency not to mention that his expertise led us into War because his “experienced” personnel (Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove, etc., )made some of you believe that War was necessary in Iraq because of the WMD…that’s not experience that’s what we call in Texas a good ol poke you in the eyes drill! No pun intended Sarah Palin!
163. Joe Peterson | 10.22.08
What is an american?Well at the start of our country an american lived in a country based on freedom (with a few notable and sad exceptions). A place where governemnt played a minimal role in their lives. A people who focused on living their lives for better or worse without the need of king,queen,aristocracy,federal church,or tyrant who ruled elsewhere by right of God or man. Even the federalists did not see the role of governemnt that now prevails. Nancy Pelosi ,Reid and the like do not love the concept above.They point to its errors like slavery,womens suffrage,etc. to throw out an ideal that really had no place with such atrocities. They wish to mold the US into their image instead of looking to these ideals and holding them in the highest regard,They believe they can make a better land of the free and the home of the brave not understanding the roots of that phrase.
164. george.c | 10.23.08
These people that agree with rep. Bachmann still don’t get it. Americans are supposed to be able to disagree with someone else without being labeled anti-American. If you ask me those people are the ones that are anti-American. And don’t even get me started on the right wing TV. and radio shows.
165. germanguy | 10.23.08
If you are a democrat, you believe in democracy. If you are not, then you believe in wealth before democracy. Republicans are always against Democrats for one simple reason, they don’t want anyone touching their wealth.
166. Trotter | 10.24.08
Where is the 6th district? If the people there are as hateful and intolerant as Bachmann, I would be afraid to be there.
I wouldn’t like being treated differently than other Americans just because I’m an atheist. I feel sorry for you good people in that district that have to live with the crazy right-wing extremists in charge.
I don’t see anything particularly indicative that she has some kind of moral superiority. Egotistical and mentally fuzzy, yes, but not moral. She’s not all that untypical of republicans in general.
167. champ | 10.25.08
Bachmann is the sort of ideological mouthpiece, who offers no contribution to the actual push-pull of political debate, that has ruined the nature of discourse in the age of 24/7 newsmedia. Some people just don’t know when to keep their mouths shut, and those people aren’t leaders.
The real expose should be conducted to ascertain how a person with this lack of discretion and lack of tolerance got elected in the first place: where was the crater-sized hole in the vetting process that led to her being the R nominee for her seat? It’s astonishing that in this day and age people with such a lack of a check-valve can rise to the level of a House member. I used to think she was merely crazy, but respected the decision of her electorate to put her into office. Now, I hope she loses reelection for all of our sakes.
168. Sandra S | 10.30.08
The poster said “Bachmann, I’m from Texas and I would vote for you if I could. Socialism IS anti-American. You are not the one who should be apologizing.”
All he had to say was he’s from Texas and I knew his mantra. The state that Bush turned into the last in the nation (except for Mississippi) at just about everything - including all those children left behind in Texas which spawned a generation of know nothings and this is the result. I apologize to those Texans that realize that we are living in the 21st Century.
169. Marcie J. | 11.01.08
Thanks Michelle! I don’t live in your state I am from Texas. I know nothing about your rival but because of your words I donated to his campaign. Go Tinklenberg! Go Obama!
170. El Grande | 11.19.08
What is up with Minnesota? They are proving to be as obtuse as Texans. Why do they feel the need to elect racist, anti-democracy, reactionary evangelicals? Go Michele Bachmann, just keep saying the tape of you accusing Obama of being anti-American is an urban legend. Palin - Bachmann in 2012.
See it at http://crooksandliars.com/node/24155
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5. We, the PEOPLE!! » Blog Archive » Pro-American or Anti-American; That Is, Indeed, The Question | 10.22.08
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
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1. Tony | 10.21.08
It used to be that if a politician said something stupid, he or she could deny, deny, deny. In the age of YouTube, that is no longer true.
First, Gov. Sarah Palin talked about the “pro-America areas of this great nation” as if some areas are anti-American.
Then Rep. Michele Bachmann accused Sen. Barack Obama of having anti-American views. As a result, over $800,000 in new contributions from over 31,000 people have poured into the coffers of Democrat El Tinklenberg.
Now Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC) just said something equally dumb. He said “liberals hate real Americans that work and accomplish and achieve and believe in God.” After denying repeatedly that he had made the statement, an audio recording turned up and he was forced to say that, yes, he had made the statement after all. It will be interesting to see the increase in fund raising by Rep. Hayes’ opponent, Larry Kissell.
In the age of YouTube and ActBlue, it is easy for the voters to be informed and then to express their outrage in a tsunami of fund-raising. I would suspect that one of the reasons that Barack Obama raised $150 million in September is because of the lethal combination of the selection of Sarah Palin as the Republican VP candidate and the McCain attack ads. Words have consequences - sometimes 800,000 consequences and sometimes even more.