Social Commentary: On Michele Bachmann

Photo: The Guardian

Flipping through the channels, I stopped at CNN to listen to one of their reporter/analysts sum up last nights Republican debate from Manchester, New Hampshire. I don't recall her name and it's irrelevant. The content of what she was saying is not. She was basically "raving" about other pundits "raving" about the performance of Michele Bachmann, the Representative from Minnesota, and, NOW, declared candidate for the Republican nomination for President.

The reporter repeated "headline" type blurbs from other political commentators as if they were movie or Broadway Theater reviews! "She stole the show", said one. "She's a rising STAR", quipped another. The CNN analyst went on to add her own POV by saying she made "Tea Party favorite Herman Cain fade into the woodwork".

Really?! Isn't it, considering the strength of the field on the Republican candidates, like calling someone THE EMPRESS OF THE NORTH POLE?! In so many ways, she is so like her contemporary, Sarah Palin: photogenic, telegenic, energetic, kinetic, and so full of shit! What they have in charisma and, granted, they have LOADS of charisma, they lack in full understanding of the REAL issues that face this country AND the solutions to them. It's all the same RHETORIC! Yes, Obama has his too, it's part of the "game", but he also exhibits a brilliance in thought that is lacking in both Bachmann and Palin.

Now, in fairness, I have to give credit to Bachmann and her people for their brilliant marketing. Choosing the opening of the debate to announce her candidacy was a stroke of genius. She is marketed well. What concerns me is the shite she's selling! She can flutter her long lashes and flash her large, blue eyes all she wants. She can smile her pearly white smile until she blinds me. It's not her figure, or her luxurious, full, shinny hair that concerns me. It's what comes out of her MOUTH that does. Even the few times she may make sense concerning smaller government is easily overshadowed by her over-the-top RELIGIOUS FERVOR and hair-brained history. No, I don't see any common ground with her at all. She does NOT look like me, sound like me, and, most importantly, THINK like me.

So, Michele Bachmann, you are welcome to rule - the North Pole. And, please, take Sarah with you.