TheDC Exclusive: Bachmann on possible 2012 White House bid: ‘This isn’t a game for me

The Daily Caller ^ | 31 Mar 2011 | Matthew Boyle

[mandaladon]

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Caller, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Minnesota Republican, ripped detractors of her potential presidential bid saying her decision on whether to run, coming “early summer,” is a “serious” one.

“This isn’t a game for me – this is a very serious decision, a momentous decision and I’m not making a rash decision,” Bachmann said. “I’m working with my advisers and my family. This is a very prudent, thoughtful, deliberate decision and a lot is going into this.”

Bachmann said what sets her apart from other potential candidates is that she’s got a “spine made out of titanium,” and she’s a “fighter.”

“If I tell people I am going to do something, or fight for them, I do it,” Bachmann told TheDC. “Even if means the mainstream media comes after me, I’m willing to stand and fight for them. That’s one thing, I think, that really sets me apart. People know that I’m authentic, I’m sincere, they can count on me. I’m not going to lie to people or tell them something that they want to hear. I don’t put my finger in the wind to test the political winds to see which way we should go. I’m strong and I’m principled.”

A problem she might run into is finding quality campaign staffers. The Minnesota Independent reported three former Bachmann staff members have signed onto former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s potential presidential bid. Ron Carey, a former chief of staff, Gina Countryman, a former congressional campaign manager and Tim Gould, her 2010 constituent services officer, each have announced vocal support for Pawlenty.

Bachmann told TheDC she’s not that worried about her staffers heading over to Pawlenty’s team, though, as each side knows each other well.

[mandaladon]

Bachmann said what sets her apart from other potential candidates is that she’s got a “spine made out of titanium,” and she’s a “fighter.”...That's something Barry lacks.

[SMARTY]

The “O” administration has proved to be, (continues to be) broad farce.

Though almost ANYONE is preferable, Conservative candidates have to do MORE than prove they are better capable than he has been. Just doing as ‘well’ as he has done, is in itself saying nothing.

All Conservative candidates must be held to the strictest and most rigorous test for fitness to serve. They always have been, BUT this time around it is most critical.

[wolfman23601]

Looking forward to finding out if she can hold her own in the campaign and debates and hearing her out.

[cripplecreek]

“This isn’t a game for me – this is a very serious decision, a momentous decision and I’m not making a rash decision,”

That's another important statement that sets her apart in my eyes. Too many people from both sides of the aisle see politics as a game and the trophy is personal gain, power and influence.

[iopscusa]

My 2012 thoughts;
President - w/ broad Constitutional understanding and support!
House - Conservative super majority
Senate - split 50/50

Also any candidate supporting the Libyan intervention is not viable!

[fabian]

No Michele..you are a great congresswoman but not enough charisma to win the whitehouse...as I see it.

[Colonel_Flagg]

“If I tell people I am going to do something, or fight for them, I do it,” Bachmann told TheDC. “Even if means the mainstream media comes after me, I’m willing to stand and fight for them. That’s one thing, I think, that really sets me apart. People know that I’m authentic, I’m sincere, they can count on me. I’m not going to lie to people or tell them something that they want to hear. I don’t put my finger in the wind to test the political winds to see which way we should go. I’m strong and I’m principled.”

True to the last letter. We need fighters and she is definitely one of them.

[Donald Rumsfeld Fan]

Bachmann said what sets her apart from other potential candidates is that she’s got a “spine made out of titanium,” and she’s a “fighter.”

[org.whodat]

Somehow I doubt you know the meaning of the word.

[Tex-Con-Man]

She's on a crusade to gut the hidden funding that will be used to establish the Obamacare bureaucracy.

If she manages to somehow pull that off, she will be unstoppable, and have my full support.

[MissMagnolia]

A spine (of any sort) and a fighting spirit are also lacking in a lot of Republican men. God bless the Conservative women who are standing up for this country and making a difference (Bachmann, Palin, Haley, Martinez, etc.)

[cripplecreek]

No Michele..you are a great congresswoman but not enough charisma to win the whitehouse...as I see it.

Exactly the type of politically astute comments that took John McCain to the white house......oh wait.

[cripplecreek]

I’m not going to lie to people or tell them something that they want to hear.

Perfect.

My rule of thumb is that if I agree with a politician 100% of the time, either the politician is lying to me or I'm lying to myself.

[Georgia Girl 2]

I hope she runs. Since DeMint is out we need somebody from the Tea Party running. Gotta keep TPaw, Mitt and Huck out.

[fabian]

?? What are you talking about? Reagan had it...Trump has it but I am not sure about him...Rubio has it. I hear and see Bachman and she is great...I just do not see that same charisma that is needed to really win the whitehouse and right now we are in a fight with a communist and all of his henchmen, so we have to get the best! Herman Cain has it! Alan West too!

[patriot08]

Prediction:
Obama vs Romney in 2012
Obama wins in a close race.

[RED SOUTH]

She's not qualified. And just because Obama isn't doesn't mean two wrongs make a right. 6 years in the house and no executive experience is too light of a resume.

[greyfoxx39]

Bachmann Outraises Romney

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) raised $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2011, even more than Mitt Romney who raised $1.9 million over the same period, Fox News reports.

"Bachmann's political action committee, MichelePAC, raised $1.7 million while her Congressional reelection fund took in $500,000. The funds raised for her Congressional reelection could be transferred to any federal campaign, including one for president."

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