Your standards are very low.
Courage is all very well, but ignorant courage is worse than useless. The old saying, "fools go where angels fear to tread," is appropriate here.
A real leader has to know enough to be able to tell when one or more of those "countless advisers" is giving bad advice.
As for Ms. Bachmann's gaffe, I suppose it's natural enough; but what it really shows to the people of NH and MA, is that she doesn't care enough about them to take the proper care when she speaks.
Perhaps doesn't care is a little strong, but one better do their own homework and not have someone [ likely a young writer] do it for them; because it will give that appearance.
Agree... but not just MA and NH, all of New England.
Our desperation shows in finding some one..not cool.