The Bachmann Delusion
Some presidential candidates who fail to get their party's nomination come out of the process elevated -- witness Mike Huckabee, who had no national presence prior to the 2008 election and thereafter became one of the most visible conservatives in the nation. Others end up shrinking in stature -- Fred Thompson (who I like very much) was supposed to be the conservative white knight four years ago; now he's a guy who pitches reverse mortgages on daytime TV ads. In both of those cases, a serious bid for the presidency recalibrated the candidate's career.
What is particularly strange about the 2012 cycle, however, is how many candidates seem to have gotten into this race primarily for reasons other than seeking the presidency. Herman Cain -- who seemed intent on creating a media career similar to Huckabee's -- regularly interrupted his campaign for stints on the paid lecture circuit or events to hawk his new book. Newt Gingrich was also peddling his wares in the form of books and movies (though, to be fair, Gingrich began running a more serious campaign as his poll numbers rose, while Cain never made the adjustment). Needless to say, Donald Trump's interest in the future of the nation also seems to wax and wane based on the broadcast schedule of "Celebrity Apprentice" and his book release dates.
The most bizarre version of this trend may be Michele Bachmann, who certainly took her candidacy seriously at the beginning. That calculation may have changed over time, however, according to her former campaign manager, Ed Rollins. Here's the relevant blurb from Politico:
She repeatedly passed up opportunities to ding Mitt Romney in the debates — a product, Rollins said, of preserving her options for sharing a ticket with him. “There was some talk early on between her and her husband that she could end up as the vice presidential nominee,” Rollins said.
This is, in a word, delusional. On what basis would Bachmann be chosen as the running mate? Bringing Romney the much-coveted vote of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District? She has conservative bona fides to be sure, but so do many other potential running mates who don't share her reputation for volatility (a trait sure to be a disqualification with the antiseptic Romney team). Her gender? If Romney wants a woman on the ticket who has a shot at bringing some electoral real estate with her, New Mexico's Hispanic Governor Susana Martinez will be at the top of the list.
More troubling than the political miscalculation, however, is the dereliction of duty. Bachmann has repeatedly presented herself throughout this campaign as the principled, uncompromising representative of conservatism in the race. Now we learn that, in a cycle where conservatives have had deep-seated and sustained concerns about the Republican front-runner, she intentionally helped him avoid scrutiny from exactly the constituency she claims to represent.
If she had wanted to avoid personal attacks, fine. But giving Romney a pass on substance is a bridge too far. If Bachmann was intent on running for the number two spot, she should have ceased offering herself as a candidate for the number one spot. The conservative movement -- and the presidential race -- deserved better than someone who was willing to pull their punches for personal gain.
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Mar '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
Paul A. Rahe
The difference is that Michele Bachmann pretends that she is not in any way an opportunist. People have every right to expect better of her.
I should make clear that I am not a particular supporter of Mrs Bachmann.
But she is running for President, while others, more qualified, are not. Does that make her an opportunist? I don't think so.
I think it makes her a Patriot -- she deserves better from fellow so-called conservatives.
Sep '10
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
I was disgusted.
There was a creepy moment on a Fox News Live Feed way back about a year ago when Michelle Bachmann cobbled together a hasty make up job (which some of us were making fun of -- the camera feed was terrible and made her look quite odd) where she inasmuch proclaimed herself the head of the Tea Party -- a lot of people took umbrage and that was the first time I remember raising my eyebrow (tough sometimes to distinguish from my whiskers) and thinking "this woman seems just a tad insanely ambitious in a Cruella de Vil kind of way.
Oct '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
That's just mean.
Apr '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
Albert Arthur: Did Ed Rollins not watch the same debates that I did? Did Troy Senik and Paul Rahe not watch the debates?
First of all, Mitt Romney somehow avoided attacks from all his competitors in a number of debates, and to single out Bachmann is odd. Second, Bachmann has gone after Romney for Romneycare, among other things.
Anyone remember Newt Romney?
Ed Rollins spent most of the summer attacking Sarah Palin, now he's attacking Michele Bachmann. That's just tacky. ·
a: All threads of this kind should spend more time reminding ourselves that it is never a good idea to hire Ed Rollins (wiki has a fairly good summary of his ubiquitous self-serving betrayal and his ability to make his candidate and those he works with look bad even when he doesn't mean to).
b: It happens every time someone gets on decently with Romney. It is always alleged that either someone until that moment thought to be a conservative must actually always have been a squish (eg. the Ricochet invective against Pawlenty) or that they're seeking payment in office. Some exceptions prove the rule (eg. Haley's motivation was "loyalty", leaving 2008 consistency unexplained.)
Apr '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
Huntsman's main target has been Romney, but in the debates he's quite focused on distinguishing himself from all of the candidates; he's hugely negative (as in "call me crazy"), but it's negativity about the field as a whole. His Romney focus is in his ads and his website; no other candidate has as focused a negative campaign, instead preferring to distribute their attacks across various candidates.
Most pundits have agreed that Bachmann's route to the Presidency was to become the ABR candidate, and then beat Romney in a two horse race. I don't think she'd have won in a two horse race, but I think the strategy better than her alternatives. As such, most people thought that she focused on her closest rivals for sound reasons, although partisans for her targets have always alleged ulterior motives.
Mar '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
Probably no American would think of this but I can't help comparing and contrasting Bachmann with Pauline Hanson.
One of the salient features of Pauline's meteoric political career was that she attracted a series of would-be Svengalis with whom she danced one or two songs before spurning them with resulting bitterness.
If a parallel between these two conservative populists has any validity look for Bachmann to be brought down by vexatious litigation and prosecution on arcane charges involving campaign financing and instigated by Republicans. Vindication will come too late to save her career.
Jun '10
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
I guess it's not enough that this fine woman has busted her rear end for the last year to take lead of this country and move it forward with conservative ideals, only to end up with about 8% max support. Now we must assign malice of motive to her based on the pernicious comments of an opportunist political hack. Sorry Troy and Paul. You are two fine people who did not have to go this route, yet unfortunately here you are, maligning another conservative woman who has more guts than any of the GREAT men receiving our encouragement without the courage and fortitude to attempt to attain the mantel of LEADER as has she. Leave her be for God's sake. She has lost. At least she tried.
May '10
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
Cdor, she was moving forth with conservative ideals to the extent consistent with her desire to be in the big time and hit the spotlight. A LEADER has to use her head more than her ego.
Edited on December 31, 2011 at 6:51amDec '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
James Of England
Albert Arthur:
First of all, Mitt Romney somehow avoided attacks from all his competitors in a number of debates, and to single out Bachmann is odd.
b: It happens every time someone gets on decently with Romney.
Agree with both observations.
As a Romney supporter, I have no dog in Bachmann's fight, except... I can't refrain from admiring her intelligence and work ethic. I am, however, more than a bit discouraged at the Lilliputian comments on this thread referring to her ambition as if it were a bad thing.
Edited on December 31, 2011 at 8:03amAug '10
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
Michele Bachmann's Presidential campaign brings to mind the Peter Principle. I think she is a wonderful Representative and her qualifications are perfect for that job. I would LOVE to have her as my representative. But, living in California, I'm stuck with Barbara Lee or Pete Stark. I just don't think she has proven that she has what it takes to rise any farther... especially given the disloyal campaign staff that she hired/trusted. I loved Fred Thompson (and still do) but he had peaked, left office, and tried to return. That's a tough hurdle to get over.
Edited on December 31, 2011 at 8:12amMar '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
"This woman seems just a tad insanely ambitious in a Cruella de Vil kind of way."
Yes, exactly.
Jul '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
A RINO and an attractive ambitious evangelical. I think that dance is familiar and a touch awkward.
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
Troy and Paul: Why in the world are you accepting anything Rolllins says? Why does any candidate in their right mind hire that guy?
Last time we saw him in New Jersey he was apologizing for racist comments he made.
He has a history of trashing candidates he used to work for.
To trash a former employer/candidate while that candidate is STILL RUNNING just turns my stomache. Were I to do that in my business they'd take my license and deservedly so.
Rollins made his name with Reagan, but I submit anyone standing next to Reagan would have had their bona fides steeled.
In a world where my choices are Bachmann and Rollins, I'll take Bachmann.
Next idea:
Assume what Rollins says is true. It's a genuine rule of politicking to jab at the frontrunner and not throw haymakers so has not to alienate his supporters when it's time to take his votes. It takes a sure and subtle hand to do that, and a professional consultant knows how to handle it. Rollins doesn't.
Edited on December 31, 2011 at 10:31pmMay '10
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
EThompson
James Of England
Albert Arthur:
First of all, Mitt Romney somehow avoided attacks from all his competitors in a number of debates, and to single out Bachmann is odd.
b: It happens every time someone gets on decently with Romney.
Agree with both observations.
As a Romney supporter, I have no dog in Bachmann's fight, except... I can't refrain from admiring her intelligence and work ethic. I am, however, more than a bit discouraged at the Lilliputian comments on this thread referring to her ambition as if it were a bad thing.
· Dec 30 at 10:57pm
Edited on Dec 30 at 11:03 pm
ET, ambition is not at all a bad thing. Ambition that 1) overwhelms doing your primary job (see Obama, B.), 2) reaches for power without adequate preparation, and 3) prompts one to condition one's behavior on calculated furtherance of the personal ambition without regard to conduct toward those who have helped you achieve your past goals is not an unmitigated virtue.
And she has done damage to the female conservative evangelical brand in the national debate in the process.
Jan '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
David Williamson
[S]he deserves better from fellow so-called conservatives.
So Rep. Bachmann is so beyond reproach that even the likes of Troy Senik and Dr. Rahe cannot offer pointed criticism without having their conservative credentials questioned? What utter foolishness.
Dec '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
Duane Oyen
EThompson
James Of England
Albert Arthur:
First of all, Mitt Romney somehow avoided attacks from all his competitors in a number of debates, and to single out Bachmann is odd.
b: It happens every time someone gets on decently with Romney.
Agree with both observations.
As a Romney supporter, I have no dog in Bachmann's fight, except... I can't refrain from admiring her intelligence and work ethic. I am, however, more than a bit discouraged at the Lilliputian comments on this thread referring to her ambition as if it were a bad thing.
· Dec 30 at 10:57pm
Edited on Dec 30 at 11:03 pm
And she has done damage to the female conservative evangelical brand in the national debate in the process.
The irony, Duane, is that I would never consider myself an Evangelical (a female conservative, bien sur!), but Congresswoman Bachmann has impressed me with her staunch support of religious-based values.
Happy New Year and look forward to reading more of your insightful commentary next year!
Edited on January 1, 2012 at 12:50amApr '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
Duane Oyen
ET, ambition is not at all a bad thing. Ambition that 1) overwhelms doing your primary job (see Obama, B.), 2) reaches for power without adequate preparation, and 3) prompts one to condition one's behavior on calculated furtherance of the personal ambition without regard to conduct toward those who have helped you achieve your past goals is not an unmitigated virtue.
1. I don't think it overwhelmed anything. She's done a fine job of running for President, and was briefly the frontrunner ABR. She took out her biggest rival, and was coming close to returning to the spotlight before the unfortunate vaccine stuff (which was a bad moment, but everyone has those sometimes).
2. How much more preparation do you think she's going to get? This was her chance. There won't be another.
3. She's betrayed someone? Other than Rollins, who?
Apr '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
Duane Oyen
EThompson
Agree with both observations.
As a Romney supporter, I have no dog in Bachmann's fight, except... I can't refrain from admiring her intelligence and work ethic. I am, however, more than a bit discouraged at the Lilliputian comments on this thread referring to her ambition as if it were a bad thing.
ET, ambition is not at all a bad thing.....
And she has done damage to the female conservative evangelical brand in the national debate in the process.
Compared to what? Liz Dole? She's about as good as a female conservative evangelical politician has ever been. In addition, by attracting all the terrible misogynist trash thrown at her, she's provided a pattern (with Palin) offering recognized data points to future candidates. It's particularly helpful with this that she's a tax attorney and that she's been so effective at various points.
More than this, if neither Palin nor Bachmann had run, there would be a gaping hole in the race; You may not like them, but think through some of the alternatives. Terrible if the marginal candidate is a firebrand, terrible if a squish. Denying them oxygen/ estrogen was invaluable.
Dec '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
James Of England
Duane Oyen
ET, ambition is not at all a bad thing. Ambition that 1) overwhelms doing your primary job (see Obama, B.), 2) reaches for power without adequate preparation, and 3) prompts one to condition one's behavior on calculated furtherance of the personal ambition without regard to conduct toward those who have helped you achieve your past goals is not an unmitigated virtue.
1. I don't think it overwhelmed anything. She's done a fine job for running for President...
Agree with James.
Would only add that ambition most certainly did not overwhelm BHO's ability to execute his job; personal ambition was and always has been his raison d'etre... period.
Never has there been a concern on the part of this president to protect and defend the interests of my country.
Aug '11
Re: The Bachmann Delusion
My own feeling on this is that I never took Ms Bachman so seriously in the debates. I don't believe she'll win. I didn't at the time. I do appreciate her being a voice for conservativism, especially since Romeny isn't really a conservative or a libertarian. All politicians angle for the long run. Ms Bachman doing this doesn't bother me. I think the idea that she would've done "better" in any meaningful sense, had she put her best foot forward is a bit much. In that sense, if what Mr Rollins is saying about Ms Bachman is true, she had an uncanny level cunning that should be applauded.