Muddling Toward Maturity Blog

NEWSWEEK KEEPING IT CLASSY IN PRESIDENTIAL COVERAGE

Ed Morrissey says it well:

Memo to conservative women: When approached by Newsweek or Time for a cover story, always bring your own photographer. . . .  Newsweek perches a blank-looking Bachmann over block letters calling her “THE QUEEN OF RAGE”: 

Morrissey again:

Rage?  I’ve certainly heard Bachmann talk tough about encroaching government and the avalanche of spending and debt, but in all the years I’ve known and covered Bachmann, I’ve never heard her rage at anyone.  It seems as though Newsweek has a double standard in effect for conservatives, women, and especially conservative women.  When Barack Obama told an audience in June 2008 that “if they bring a knife to a fight, we bring a gun,” did Newsweek crown him the King of Rage — or at any time in his class-warfare-based presidential campaign?  For that matter, when Debbie Wasserman-Schultz stated that Republicans wanted to reinstate Jim Crow laws, did anyone accuse her of being filled with rage?  Not exactly. . . .

Conservative candidates have to learn that Newsweek, Time, and other mainstream publications won’t be their friends, or even be objective.  They plan on making news, not reporting it.  This is just one of the least subtle examples we’ll see in the next fifteen months.

Me:  It's important to click through to Michelle Malkin's post which shows the vicious distortions the Left has done to other conservative figures, including Malkin herself. 

Here is how Michele Bachmann looks in a fair photo:

MORE ATTEMPTS OF THE LIBERAL MEDIA TO DESTROY MICHELE BACHMANN

I first wrote about it here.  Now David French writes:

One of the most disgusting political spectacles of my lifetime has been the single-minded effort of the Left to destroy Sarah Palin. Without burdening the readers with a litany of links, we all remember the “not a real woman” comments, the stalking author/neighbor, the hacking scandal, the recent (enthusiastic) fishing expedition through thousands of e-mails, and the vile insults from academics, politicians, and celebrities alike. The goal: to banish her to the fringe of American life, to turn her into a figure of mockery and contempt.

Now, apparently, the Left has decided it’s Michele Bachmann’s turn. Already a hate figure on fringe media outlets like MSNBC, the MSM is piling on. Slate asked if she can be president and still believe in biblical gender roles, ABC News is recycling stories from The Nation about her husband’s counseling centers (where, try as they might, they cannot show a single unethical practice), The Daily Beast gave space to Michelle Goldberg to talk about Bachmann’s alleged “unrivaled extremism,” and the Washington Post’s lifestyle section dedicated several thousand words to a scornful profile of Bachmann’s husband, Marcus.

Why the hate? The secular feminist world view was built around multiple destructive cultural lies: motherhood is a barrier to self-actualization, orthodox religion traps women unhappily in the home, and the only real path to power and happiness is exploding, not upholding, traditional religious values. Yet a mother of five (with 23 foster children), happily married in a Christian family, and who proudly espouses the very traditional values most repugnant to the academic feminist Left is a leading candidate for the most powerful office in the world. She is a living refutation of their foundational beliefs, and — like Sarah Palin — she must be destroyed.

As we enter a primary season where Republican infighting threatens to reach a crescendo, I hope we can learn a lesson from Sarah Palin’s ordeal. You may or may not support Michele Bachmann for president, but we can (and should) defend her against the coming ideological onslaught, an onslaught that is aimed at her but whose real targets are the core values that govern many of our lives.

THE LIBERAL MEDIA DETERMINED TO DESTROY MICHELE BACHMANN

Will they be able to do it?  Not sure.  But they'll try.  Look how they went after Sarah Palin.  By the way, how hard has the mainstream media tried to track down Obama's senior college thesis?  Have they tried to find out ANYTHING about him?  No.

But now the media plans to go after the 23 foster children that were in Michele Bachmann's home.  I predicted this to friends a few weeks ago.  Many, if not most of these kids were really troubled.  Eating disorders, etc. etc.  Dare anyone conceive that a little extra spending money might -- just might - be offered to give some false testimony?  Pardon my suspicions. 

The liberal media is conducting warfare without the shooting.  One might as well recognize (and deplore) "it is what it is," and fight back.  Andrew Breitbart is doing so.   So are others.   The battle must be joined.

Jim Loft of Gateway Pundit reports:   

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos warned Michele Bachmann that the media plans on investigating all 23 of her foster children.

Stephanopoulos: Finally one—one final question. I think one of the most impressive things that people find in your background is the fact that you and your husband have helped raise 23 foster children and I know you want to shield them but are they prepared and are you prepared for the loss of privacy that comes with the president campaign? And is that something you are concerned about for them?

Bachmann: Well when we were making this momentous decision we sat down for a long time as a family and contemplated what this was meaning and yes, we are ready. We have five wonderful biological children. Our last one is off to college our oldest one is a doctor. And then we had great – a great 23 foster children in our home as well. And as you can imagine and appreciate we’ve tried to keep a good handle on their privacy and we will do that, we will respect their privacy. We are thankful that we had them but we also want to observe their privacy and that of their families.

Added: 4/28/11 - I strongly urge you to click through and listen to Mark Levin unloading on Chris Wallace for his awful attack on Michele Bachmann.   Levin offers extraordinary commentary.

MICHELE BACHMANN IN THE NEWS

** Added 6/20/11 - Kellyanne Conway writes on "The Power of Bachmann":

As I told K-Lo, Michele Bachmann’s commanding performance in last week’s Republican presidential debate sealed a political evolution that has been fomenting for some time: the diminution of feminism and the evolution of femininity. [my emphasis]

In filing her papers, Bachmann became the first serious female U.S. presidential candidate who is neither a career politician nor married to one. She has an everywoman appeal that connects her to millions of Americans; she is accessible, authentic, and affable. She is passionate but not angry; intelligent but plain-spoken.  . . .    She seems the happy warrior, even as she takes on President Obama’s policies frontally and unapologetically. She neither leads with her gender nor believes it entitles her to special treatment. She stood shoulder to shoulder with men of accomplishment and intelligence on the debate stage because she earned it, based on what she believes, not on what gender she is. . . .

** (Original post) - My enthusiasm for Michele  Bachmann is long standing.   News items:  

-- Wintery Knight - Michele Bachmann's Republican Leadership Conference Speech June 17, 2011 (Video)

-- Jim Loft Reports:

-- Pathetic: Lib Media Attacks Michele Bachmann On Her Foster Care Record  Did She really foster care for 23 children?

--  Leftist "Glitter Attack" on Michele Bachmann (video)

-- David Brody - "Michele Bachmann's Campaign Calls Romney's Decision Not to Sign Pro-Life Pledge "Distressing"

                        IMPORTANT NOTE:  Wintery Knight has posted three videos of Mitt Romney supporting abortion rights - 1994, 2002, 2005

           Here's the pro-life pledge Mitt Romney refuses to sign:

I PLEDGE that I will only support candidates for President who are committed to protecting Life. I demand that any candidate I support commit to these positions:

FIRST, to nominate to the U.S. federal bench judges who are committed to restraint and applying the original meaning of the Constitution, not legislating from the bench;

SECOND, to select only pro-life appointees for relevant Cabinet and Executive Branch positions, in particular the head of National Institutes of Health, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Health & Human Services;

THIRD, to advance pro-life legislation to permanently end all taxpayer funding of abortion in all domestic and international spending programs, and defund Planned Parenthood and all other contractors and recipients of federal funds with affiliates that perform or fund abortions;

FOURTH, advance and sign into law a Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act to protect unborn children who are capable of feeling pain from abortion.

MICHELE BACHMANN - FEMALE LEGISLATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE AND POTENTIAL GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

My friend Wintery Knight undoubtedly ranks as Michele Bachmann's #1 supporter, and his various links to her words, speeches, and videos are invaluable.  Check out his latest enthusiastic post, and while you're there, note his links to what he calls the best speech he has heard from her.  "That speech," he says, "covers her Christian faith in some detail, and mentions her interest in Francis Schaeffer’s apologetics . . ."

I found particularly interesting his link to an audio of Michele Bachmann introducing Rav Zacharias to an audience at the MacLaurin Institute in 2002.  The link contains Zacharias' talk on "Christian Apologetics in the 21st Century."  In introducing Zacharias, she expresses her enthusiasm for Zacharias' Christian apologetics.  For a birthday present, she had asked to go hear Ravi Zacharias speak at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School near Chicago.  (At the time Zacharias wasn't scheduled to speak in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for another two years.)

She's one amazing woman.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again, although Bachmann lacks Palin's executive experience, Bachmann's control of facts and her debating ability make her the more formidable candidate for President.   But I don't dislike Palin at all  It looks like a major movie in support of her is soon to be released.

REP. MICHELE BACHMANN (R-MN) HOLDS HER OWN AGAINST DAVID GREGORY - AND THEN SOME

What a formidable woman!  Bachmann is awake to what is going on in this country, knows the crucial issues, and is more articulate than Sarah Palin (whom I admire).   She would make a powerful president - a true "hope and change" candidate.

 

Click here for previous posts related to Michele Bachmann.

QUICK TAKES

I consider all of the following important reading:

- Ann Coulter - "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Call Our Troops Homophobes"  [She makes crucial points not made elsewhere.  A MUST READ.]

- John Hawkins - "The 10 Biggest Conservative Stand-Outs of 2010"  [An excellent list, including the "honorable mentions."]   (HT: Atlas Shrugs)

- Kathryn Jean Lopez - The Birth Control Pill 50 years later  [The destructive path of a hurricane and the "New Feminism" taking root]

And from Jim Loft's Gateway Pundit: 

- "Michele Bachmann: New Congress Should Defund Planned Parenthood"

- Obama Officials Now Referring to Hezbollah Terrorist Organization As the “Armed Resistance"

MICHELLE BACHMANN - 111 WAIVERS PROVE "OBAMACARE" AN ABJECT FAILURE

Jim Loft says

WOW!… Rep. Michele Bachmann absolutely took Team Obama to the backroom woodshed.  This speech by Michele Backmann today at a conservative rally in Washington DC was incredible.

 

Loft provides the transcript:

“What an abject failure is this government takeover of health care that fully 111 waivers have been issued? What does this mean? This is an admission of failure by the White House. They may not be admitting it, but their actions are admitting it. Why? Because we see universities and unions and favored companies are getting waivers. What’s a waiver? It’s an exemption. Why do they they need an exemption? Obamacare is a cost driving hiker. It’s a failure.

We were told we had to pass Obamacare. We couldn’t wait. We couldn’t even read the bill. We couldn’t take the time to even debate it. Because why? President Obama promised us, he promised that it would drive down the cost of health care. He promised. He promised.”

Me:  Hurray for Michelle Bachmann.  This video demonstrates once again her outstanding ability to make points clearly and forcefully.  And yes, Obamacare is an abject failure.  And Obama's promises prove not only wrong, but disgusting and offensive in their reptilian design to deceive.

GOOD NEWS - MICHELLE BACHMANN UP 9 IN TARGETED HOUSE SEAT

Feisty, well-spoken, issues-oriented Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) has emerged as a conservative hero in the House of Representatives.  It is great to hear that she is polling 9 points above her rival.  Ed Morrissey reports:

In each of the last three election cycles, Democrats have made the Minnesota 6th Congressional District a targeted race — especially so after Rep. Michele Bachmann became a nationally-known conservative activist. . . This year, though, a new Survey USA poll shows that Democrats have failed to mount a serious challenge. . .

Democrats want to take Bachmann out of the national mix and curtail her activism by nationalizing her elections.  Instead, she’s cruising to a convincing victory while helping other Republicans win in tough districts.

GEORGE WILL - "DEPENDENCY ON GOVERNMENT IS THE LIBERAL AGENDA"

George Will sprinkles quotes and droll humor with his assemblage of telling facts to produce an altogether outstanding speech.  It's probably the most intriguing, enlightening, enjoyable and sobering speech I have encountered in a long time.  Set aside 30 minutes to listen to all 3 parts of the speech.  You'll consider it time well spent.

 Part 2:

Part 3:

Update:  Wintery Knight has posted Michele Bachmann's speech at CPAC. He and I both consider her one of the most effective and formidable Congressperson's currently serving in Washington.  Click here.  I think Bachmann is headed for higher office.  In some ways her gifts rival and even exceed Sarah Palin's.

SEN. SPECTER TELLS REP. MICHELE BACHMANN TO "ACT LIKE A LADY"

Unbelievable.  Click here.   Anybody want to bet Specter will not be returned to the Senate? 

Wintery Knight posts a list of Bachmann's videos.  She's dynamite.  Check out those videos!  In many ways she is more articulate than Sarah Palin.  Palin will be campaigning on behalf of Bachmann later this year.

MICHELE BACHMANN (R-MN) IS A RISING STAR ON THE POLITICAL SCENE

More and more people are becoming aware of Michele Bachmann and liking what they see.  Count me among them.   I cannot think of anyone more articulate, bold and persuasive than she.  Bachmann gave an extraordinary interview to Pat Robertson and the 700 Club last week.

Wintery Knight has posted an additional video of Michele Bachmann, this one commenting on President Obama's speech on Afghanistan.  It's excellent and a MUST-SEE.  Click here..  Wintery Knight also provides the following links:

• Congresswomen denounce Obamacare’s rationing of breast cancer exams
• Michele Bachmann video on the future of Obamacare
• Moderate George Will lauds the virtues of Michele Bachmann
• Michele Bachmann explains why the US dollar is in serious trouble
• Collection of the best Michele Bachmann video clips

REP. MICHELE BACHMANN (R- MN) REFUSES TO COMPLETE 2010 CENSUS

Bachmann, a conservative Republican congresswoman from Minnesota, thinks the government needs to know only the number of people in her household and nothing more.  I'm impressed.  Gutsy gal.  Story here.  (HT: Drudge)

Some days ago before this latest news broke, Wintery Knight put up some good video about Bachmann.  She is one of his heroes.  She is fast becoming one of mine also.  She has also been praised by Kathryn Jean Lopez of National Review Online.

Here's a Wintery Knight paragraph:

Don’t forget my recent post which has even more amazing and encouraging videos of Michele Bachmann and Marsha Blackburn defending the American way.  Or click here to see all of my Michele Bachmann posts. You can read more about her strong Christian faith in this article from World Magazine.