Congresswoman Bachmann: We’re not going to take it anymore
Yesterday Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann, who represents Minnesota's 6th District, went on the MSNBC show Hardball with host Chris Matthews. She was asked about these offensive robocalls, sponsored by the McCain campaign, that are going out to voters in several swing states. The robocall spews nonsense about Senator Obama and all but calls the Democratic nominee, a sitting U.S. Senator, a terrorist sympathizer. Matthews repeatedly gave Ms. Bachmann was given a chance to distance herself from these disgusting calls. The Congresswoman instead chose to wallow in charges.
Bachmann not only pushed the point that the news media needs to investigate Senator Obama for what she called his "anti-American" views, but she further suggested that other sitting Members of Congress should also be investigated to see if they also hold "anti-American" views. This is a sitting U.S. House Member who is calling for a return of Eugene(sorry, Gene!) Joseph McCarthy-type investigations into the patriotism of fellow Members of Congress. Apparently the refrain, "Have you no shame at all?" has no meaning to her.
The interview on Hardball invoked instant outrage on the web. The call went out to show the Congresswoman that her remarks are unacceptable in a way that she could not ignore or laugh off. The campaign of her Democratic opponent, El Tinklenberg, was inundated with donations from people all across this country. Maybe Republicans still think they can play these types of outrageous games and get away them them. I think the massive outpouring of money and offers of help to Mr. Tinklenberg prove that wrong.
This is America. We don't have loyalty tests. It is wrong and outrageous to pretend that one side in a political debate holds the sanctioned "American" view and the other side somehow has suspect loyalties. This is the type of ugly, anything goes politics that offends voters and cheapens public discourse.
The Tinklenberg campaign posted a diary on DailyKos this morning to thank all the people who gave voice to their outrage by sending money or volunteering for their campaign to unseat Ms. Bachmann.
I am both hopeful and humbled at the reminder you gave me tonight - that in our country's darkest times, it is the strength and belief and action of ordinary Americans that ultimately brings about the change we need. From the hardworking folks in Minnesota's Sixth District to all of you: we are proud to have you on our side.
Senator Kerry spoke at the Democratic National Convention back in August and warned against the Republican scare tactics:
This election is a chance for America to tell the merchants of fear and division: you don’t decide who loves this country; you don’t decide who is a patriot; you don’t decide whose service counts and whose doesn’t.
This incredible response by the Netroots really does show that YOU have the power to rise up and tell the Smear Machine that this type of campaign is disgusting and unacceptable.
You let them know: we're not gonna take it anymore. Every voice that was raised, every dime sent in and every volunteer signed up, shows the fear merchants that things have changed in American and they are not going to get away with loyalty tests and smears. We're not gonna take it, anymore.
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Great post, Terri. I was shocked by Bachman’s performance on Hardball yesterday.
Help kick Michele Bachmann out of congress by donating to her opponent:
http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/18660
And spread the word!
P.S. You’d be surprised how many Republicans are donating… they’re not all bad.
What is wrong with investigating? I’m sure if the tables were turned and McCain belonged to organizations with terrorists and racist groups, the media and Democrats would be foaming at the mouth. Your candidate is going to take this country down and eliminate the middle class by sharing our wealth with illegals and poor. As a middle class citizen, I get absolutely no freebies or assistance with anything…....mortgage, health care, tuition, living expenses. I struggle too and I work. With Obama we can say good bye to America and hello to a socialist slap in the face. Shame on all of you.
It is funny how everytime something comes out that has to do with Obama it is always blamed as a scare tactic. Every candidate should be investigated no matter what it is for. The same would be done if it were McCain. I feel like the American people are not voting for the right reasons. All they care about is that they want a Republican out of office and replaced with a Democrat. Don’t forget that Congress makes the decisions and Congress is made up of mostly Democrats. If you are unhappy with the way our country is run - remember that! We need to look closely at the candidates running for office!!!
I SO agree with DW in Florida!! Your comments are right on - this country has become SO polarized, THANKS TO THE BIASED MEDIA!! - that it’s become less about competency and issues and more about race & party. The “right” is scared to death about losing this country and the “left” is scared to death about losing this election. Come on people! we need to work TOGETHER!!! Stop pointing fingers and start looking at ALL sides - everyone is in on this together and all are to blame.
In a difficult time like this when ordinary people are struggling to save roof over their heads, struggling to find jobs that have been shrinking by the hour, losing their lifelong savings in 401K, afraid of applying for loans in the banks, thinking twice driving to grocery stores for high gasoline cost…these divisive statements like senator Buchman had given do not help. These are shameful, arrogant and unnecessary which made us look less than American.
Ms. Buchman must come up with something better than these. Shame on you senator.
Our Country is being divided by all the allegations. But to say that Obama’s campaign is anything but pro-American makes me feel the blinders are on and people are not really watching and listening to him at all.
The investigation I would like to see is of the Churches that continue to preach the pro-life message in a way that makes you feel like a sinner if you vote for a pro-choice candidate.
I was told awhile ago to watch the Republicans self destruct…and its happening. What the hell is pro America? Why can’t you people talk about what really matters?
The policy to remove Saddam Hussein was signed by Bill Clinton in 1998. The wheels started in motion then.
The current economic crisis was also instigated and signed into law by Bill Clinton - subprime loans. We’re now reaping the results of those two decisions.
Congress is Democratically controlled and has been. We are a 3 Branch system. Stop overestimating Bush’s impact.