Bachmann’s Iowa Debacle
Click here to view this media I heard it was bad. I didn’t know it was this frigging bad. Video by ABC5, Des Moines . Story by The Iowa Republican (from the website, “news for Republicans by Republicans”). “ This is a disaster ,” said one prominent Polk County Republican. An elected official called it “ an embarrassment ”. The embarrassing disaster was the result of Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann’s last minute cancellation of her appearance at the Polk County GOP’s Robb Kelley Dinner. Bachmann’s absence turned what should have been a very successful fundraiser into a black eye for herself, her presidential aspirations and the county party. Over 300 Republicans paid $75 per ticket to meet and listen to Bachmann. Media from around the country, and even as far away as Norway, descended on Des Moines to cover the event. Extra security was arranged. Speculation rose that she might announce a bid for the presidency at the event. Bachmann squashed that rumor the day before. Then, two hours before the event was scheduled to start, she informed Polk County GOP officials she would not be able to attend. The scheduling conflict arose because of a House vote on extending the Patriot Act. Backup plans were made for her to use a private jet. In the end, nothing worked and Bachmann was unable to make it. Instead, she appeared on choppy and blurry Skype-style video. Local Republicans were extremely displeased. “It’s awful,” said activist Becky Irvin. “ She just shot herself in the foot. She dissed Iowa. You don’t diss Iowa .” The Patriot Act extensions passed easily, 250-153. Bachmann’s presence was not vital. However, some attendees gave her the benefit of the doubt. “I don’t like it, but I understand,” said John Kline. A sucky video didn’t help matters. The Minnesota congresswoman’s speech-by-video only made matters worse. Bachmann made the mistake of name-dropping Donald Trump during her talk. “Donald Trump was right, we are getting our tail kicked by China,” she said. Last week, Trump cancelled his scheduled appearance at a Republican Party of Iowa fundraiser. Bachmann was clearly ignorant or tone deaf to that controversy. She apparently was not ignorant of the fact that people were bored by watching her speak on a poor quality video, because Bachmann apologized for being “longwinded”. She then opened it up for questions, but by that point, a significant portion of the crowd had seen enough. Several dozen attendees got up and left. Bachmann then answered two questions, taking several minutes responding to each. “I found myself zoning out and didn’t really follow it,” said one Polk County central committee member and event volunteer. Kevin Hall delivers the final coup de grâce : comparing Bachmann’s fundraiser disaster to the stink left by Newt Gingrich’s roll-out. Nothing about Michelle Bachmann seemed presidential Thursday night. Many people thought Newt Gingrich sunk his campaign in the week after his presidential announcement. Bachmann might have dealt a fatal blow to her campaign before she announces.
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on May 27, 2011. Filed under