Pawlenty Criticizes Bachmann’s Record

[formerlurker]

Pawlenty Criticizes Bachmann’s Record
July 10, 2011 11:11 A.M.
By Brian Bolduc
On Meet the Press this morning, former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty took a swipe at fellow presidential candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann (R., Minn.).

“I like Congresswoman Bachmann. I’ve campaigned for her. I respect her. But her record of accomplishment in Congress is non-existent,” he said. “We’re not looking for folks who just have a speech capability.”

Bachmann is a major threat to Pawlenty in Iowa, where a Des Moines Register poll puts his support at only 6 percent — and Bachmann’s at 22 percent.

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner

Hmmm, point to Pawlenty.

Since Bachmann didn't exactly give it, here's the answer to Aeikens' question — the first part of it anyways.

In her first term in office, Bachmann worked with Democrat Tim Mahoney of Florida to pass the Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act, which spokesman Dave Dziok said aimed to "bring an end to frivolous lawsuits aimed chiefly at small businesses." President Bush signed it into law in June, 2008.

According to the Library of Congress, Bachmann has succeeded in getting exactly zero bills passed so far this session. She's had one resolution adopted by the House, "expressing support for designation of the month of September as 'National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.'"

She has had a few amendments passed, among the most famous of which aimed to prevent groups like ACORN from sitting on a proposed consumer advisory panel on financial protection and making them ineligible for certain federal grants.

But most of her legislation, like her health-care reform bill that would make all health care costs tax deductible and allow the purchase of insurance across state lines, has been introduced and referred to committee, never to be heard from again.

http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2010/02/17/16007/what_has_michele_bachmann_accomplished


We give Dr. Ron grief on a regular basis for this, Bachmann should be held to the same standard.   This is something she should answer.

[Rebel]

Oh, there's a lot I like about Paul. I support probably 80% of what he stands for. It's the other 20% that isn't just something I disagree with, but shit that's completely batshit insane. Not to mention, he's been in office, what, 3 decades and thinks he's the answer to D.C.'s problems, all the while he's been right up there involved with it for years.

[CG6468]

Oh, there's a lot I like about Paul. I support probably 80% of what he stands for. It's the other 20% that isn't just something I disagree with, but shit that's completely batshit insane. Not to mention, he's been in office, what, 3 decades and thinks he's the answer to D.C.'s problems, all the while he's been right up there involved with it for years.

Roger.

Out.

[thelaughingman]

According to the Library of Congress, Bachmann has succeeded in getting exactly zero bills passed so far this session. She's had one resolution adopted by the House, "expressing support for designation of the month of September as 'National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.'"

She has had a few amendments passed, among the most famous of which aimed to prevent groups like ACORN from sitting on a proposed consumer advisory panel on financial protection and making them ineligible for certain federal grants.

But most of her legislation, like her health-care reform bill that would make all health care costs tax deductible and allow the purchase of insurance across state lines, has been introduced and referred to committee, never to be heard from again.

So basically what's being said here is that she's done more in Congress than both Barack Obama and John Kerry combined.

[formerlurker]

So basically what's being said here is that she's done more in Congress than both Barack Obama and John Kerry combined.

She is not being compared to Obama yet.   I think it is a legitimate question she needs to reply to well. 

[delilahmused]

So basically what's being said here is that she's done more in Congress than both Barack Obama and John Kerry combined.

Well that record hasn't worked out so well for the country with this president has it? Unfortunately, she'll end up being crucified for her husband's clinic "pray yourself away from gay", true or not, it's already starting. Maybe she can overcome it. It won't really start until the primaries are over. Personally I think she's being groomed as Mitt's veep. That would certainly explain Rollins. The establishment's hoping to have better luck this time than the McCain/Palin appeasement.

Another difference between Kerry/0bama and Bachmann is both have run a statewide campaign which is at least SOME preparation for a national campaign. Bachmann has only run a campaign in a small part of her state. She could overcome it. Time will tell.

Cindie

[DumbAss Tanker]

She is not being compared to Obama yet.   I think it is a legitimate question she needs to reply to well. 

Well, I think you being a bit hard on the ol' Beaver, there, Ward.  She has introduced legislation, but it's been sidelined by others, for good or ill.  As an unloved outsider with respect to the RINOs, and the enemy of the Democrats, her control of the process ended once she offered her bill.  How she is accountable for that, or Pawlenty knows it would have worked differently for him, is opaque to me.

I don't know what the substance of the legislation she's offered is, and that isn't my point; I just think Reagan must be spinning in his grave over a cheap shot like that.

[CG6468]

I've had no use for Pawlenty for a long time. This just puts the final nail in his coffin.

[franksolich]

I've had no use for Pawlenty for a long time. This just puts the final nail in his coffin.

Well, they're competing.  This sort of stuff is normal.

And then after the winner emerges, it's kiss-and-make-up time.

It's politics.

I've got no problem with either candidate; I just want the one most likely to beat the Big Zero, whoever it is, to get the nomination.

[Eupher]

Bachmann's dogmatic approach does two things:

1.  Endears herself to those who are tired of the same-old, same-old out of the professional politicians that infest our landscape. (Tea Partiers, et. al.)

2.  Isolates herself from political reality. Talking in absolutes most of the time sounds real tough, but when it comes time to actually deal with the other side, having to back down and eat your words can lead to problems. Remember Bush I's, "Read my lips; no new taxes"?

There's no doubt that Krauthammer, the elitist, prefers Romney the RINO. Okay, I get that. I think it's disgusting, but I get that.

For Chuck to downplay Bachmann for her passion and fire (and political naivete) for the sake of a true-blue, dyed-in-the-wool RINO who has the passion of a can of creamed corn without a label does not sit well with me.

[formerlurker]

Well, I think you being a bit hard on the ol' Beaver, there, Ward.  She has introduced legislation, but it's been sidelined by others, for good or ill.  As an unloved outsider with respect to the RINOs, and the enemy of the Democrats, her control of the process ended once she offered her bill.  How she is accountable for that, or Pawlenty knows it would have worked differently for him, is opaque to me.

I don't know what the substance of the legislation she's offered is, and that isn't my point; I just think Reagan must be spinning in his grave over a cheap shot like that.

I don't know if it should be qualified as a cheap shot.   She talks tough -- as Ron Paul does.   Question that should follow is, are you the person who can pull this off.   One naturally looks to their record of successful legislation to gauge if they walk the walk.

When comparing to Obama, if all you have left for either candidate is how well they conduct a good dog and pony show, then I will just pass and take the RINO candidate because at least I know they are capable of productivity.

I am looking to Bachmann now for a strong answer to this very valid question.   Filing legislation  that is tantamount to show pieces is not anything to be proud of.   A serious legislature pounds the pavement securing support and co-sponsors for their legislation, and if she isn't doing that then -- seriously?   drop out now.  If she is doing it and not securing any support for her efforts  then that is a problem that will not be fixed just because she moved into the Oval Office.

   

[DumbAss Tanker]

It's just as easy to stand that on its head and say that as a reformer, she can't get past the RINOs who control the legislative agenda (Or at least they did until 2006) in her own party.  From 2006 until January of this year, very little legislation authored by any Republican has gone anywhere except into the Congressional committee shitcan, RINO or not. 

I just think you are overplaying this because you don't like her, and I say that as someone who isn't committed for or against either her or Pawlenty.   

[formerlurker]

It's just as easy to stand that on its head and say that as a reformer, she can't get past the RINOs who control the legislative agenda (Or at least they did until 2006) in her own party.  From 2006 until January of this year, very little legislation authored by any Republican has gone anywhere except into the Congressional committee shitcan, RINO or not. 

I just think you are overplaying this because you don't like her, and I say that as someone who isn't committed for or against either her or Pawlenty.   

???

Where did I say I didn't like her? 

[DumbAss Tanker]

Just what I'm picking up from the somewhat-harsh tenor of your posts.  If I'm mistaken, I apologize.

[CG6468]

Well, I just don't trust Pawlenty. I see nothing in him that inspires my confidence.

[formerlurker]

Just what I'm picking up from the somewhat-harsh tenor of your posts.  If I'm mistaken, I apologize.

It's not harsh at all.   I think what Pawlenty brings up is a legitimate question, and something that she will have to address.

I want to hear her reply (not deflection, but a good response) as it will speak volumes to her readiness for the position.