Panelists are Jim DeMint, Rep. Steve King, Prof. Robert George (Amer. Principles Project & Princeton U.)
Bachmann up first. No seating.
3 minutes of open remarks to define the constitutional role of government.
Bachmann talking about Calvin Coolidge vs FDR views of the constitution. Says the differing views will be the contrast in 2012
It looks like there are no seats for the candidates. They just stand on stage with the mic. It's a bit awkward.
DeMint question: If you are president what are the things in D.C. you'd downside, eliminate?
Bachmann says Obamacare and the individual mandate. The Czars. Says refusing to defend DOMA and immigration holds violate presidential oath. Dept. of Education as example of unconstitutional incursion.
Bachmann asked about Obama's job's speech. 0% rate on repatriation (Perry said the same this morning at his townhall). Would make corporate tax rate 20%. Moratorium on ObamaCare.
King's turn for Bachmann: are we still Reagan's "shining city on a hill?" She says we are. She says it's from the book of Matthew and mentions John Winthrop. Says constitutional principles will ensure it.
What would she do to take us beyond that "shining city on a hill?" She's talking about ObamaCare. Would change the tax system. Says overspending is a moral issue.
Would she pick consumption tax over production tax? She says consumption.
She's asked what the pillars of American exceptionalism are. She mentioned the Declaration. Rights from God. Gov't rules only by consent of governed.
Followup: Does that include the Bill of Rights? Free enterprise capitalism? Rule of law? She says yes.