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WEST DES MOINES, Iowa –- Before a handful of supporters and members of her Iowa staff, Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann today announced that she’s dropping out of the presidential race, the morning after a disappointing finish in the Iowa caucuses.
“Last night, the people of Iowa spoke with a very clear voice,” Bachmann said. “And so I have decided to stand aside.”
She finished in sixth-place in the caucuses, a stunning reversal of fortune for a candidate whose early surge in polls propelled her to victory in the state’s straw poll, less than five months ago.
But Bachmann’s support had steadily waned since that win in August, despite efforts large and small to win Iowa voters. Only last week, Bachmann finished a grueling, 11-day bus tour of the state’s 99 counties.
And from the start, Bachmann emphasized having grown up here in Iowa, where she said she learned about simple values, such as thrift and plain-talk.
“I came here to this wonderful state of Iowa,” Bachmann said this morning, of her presidential run. “I had just one message. To tell you that I mean what I say, and I say what I mean.”
As if to prove her point, Bachmann’s remarks this morning re-iterated much of her stump message, casting her fight against President Obama’s national health-care law in grand, historical terms.
Referring to a painting hanging in the U.S. Capitol depicting the signing of the Constitution, Bachmann said the “poignant reminder” of our “fragile republic” called her to action during the 2010 debate over health care. The evening the bill was passed, Bachmann said, she decided to run for president.
“I ran because I believe that since Day 1, Barack Obama's policies, based on socialism, are destructive to the very foundation of the republic,” she added, using an attack on President Obama she had debuted only weeks ago, as part of her closing argument to Iowans.
Bachmann’s husband, Marcus, and much of her family -– including her mother, her three brothers, and her five children –- joined her on stage. The event, brief and low key, followed several frantic hours of media activity after reporters were instructed early this morning to return to the same West Des Moines ballroom where last night Bachmann had told supporters she would fight on.
The campaign’s scheduled trip to South Carolina had clearly been put on hold.
Sources close to the campaign say the candidate huddled with top staffers aboard her bus late into last night, but the decision was ultimately hers alone.
“It’s a very big decision, and she made it,” a top staffer said. “All on her terms.”
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I will miss Mr. Bachmann and the opportunity to see him dressed for the inaugural balls.
I'm still trying to figure out what the hell happens to Marcus's lip?
Other than the corn dog might of bit him back for refreshing change!
Other then that, I thought Marcus looked splendid, even if he skipped the strand of pearls! ;o)
I, for one am happy to see her conceed. It leaves one less republican the liberals can play wack-a-mole with. She didn't stand much of a chance anyway because this country isn't ready to elect a conservative woman. A liberal woman, sure... the liberals would love that... but not a conservative. I don't think she would be able to stand the cat calls, the demeaning remarks, the utter scrutiny the liberals would throw at her in a general election. Now if Hillary ran, I could hear the liberals dancing in the street. In essence it's not the fact that Michelle is a woman, it's the fact that she's a conservative.
Brianb ... comparing Bachmann to Hillary is even beneath you.
BB,
While I wasn't on forums like this during the last election, I did follow what was said. Mrs. Clinton was slammed every bit as bad as Mrs. Bachmann - just in reverse. What it boils down to is while we are warming up to it, the US hasn't been ready for a female president - conservative or progressive.
But watch out boys, a lady will be coming soon and she will kick butt and take names!
Neither was BB - don't let him fool you...
Right wing nut jobs are terrified of strong, intelligent liberal women...
We see it here everyday... lol
People like BB & his ilk, cower like the impotent little men they are! ;o)
No, brianb: it is because Michelle is a nutcase.
Feisty is 100% wrong. I've been blogging for years. I was blogging when Bush ran against Kerry. This is my third presidential election cycle to have to listen to liberals whine, cry, complain, namecall, toss slurs out there... why do you think those things don't really upset me.... been there, done that. I just like making fun of liberals when they do it.
Newday, just because YOU think Michelle is a nutcase doesn't make it so. Just because a person has different ideals than you do doesn't make her a bad person. I swear you liberals have no human feelings at all for anyone unless they share the same ideology as you. I'll spare you the argument that liberals, for the most part, are cruel. Come on newday, what has Michelle ever done to YOU personally? What has she done to attack you? She's gone and you should be excited about it so you don't have to try to come up with original slurs of your own anymore.
phancy, there was no where near the amount of slamming against Hillary last election. The reason why was because it was an equal fight... there were republican candidates and there were democrat candidates... This election is different because there's only one democrat candidate. The conservatives don't have to spread their comments over a field. Believe me, there was enough said about both parties last time to fill half the Atlantic.
This is what really happened.
Once Upon a Time In Iowa
Bachman's phone rings.
"Hello Meeshell, this is the Rickster."
"Why hello Rick! It's great to hear the sound of another TEA Drinker that lost!"
"Yeah, golly Gee Whiz. I've been thinking Meeshell. I'm dropping out. Do you think that's a good idea?"
"Well if you are, then so am I. I can't deal with this anymore and I'm glad you called me. I'm announing immediately."
"Ok Meeshell. (chuckling in the background) I'll go after you." Hangs up the phone. "Sucker!! WOO HOO!!! Alright Boys!!! It's on to South Carolina!!! Hey where's the liquor and the Twitter?"
And that's the end of the story.
BB
I still say that the US is not ready for a woman, but soon will be. Then you guys better watch out. As for Mrs. Bachmann, well, to put it nicely, she was nutty! She just was a welter weight in a heavy weight match. As for Hillary, she took a lot of slings and arrows from the time she was a governor's wife through today! However, today, she can give as good as she gets and I believe she is getting some grudging respect from even some on the right.
Louis - don't quit your day job.
BB - I am NOT wrong - prove you were on First Read in 2007/2008 - here's a hint little buddy - YOU can't!
Me on the otherhand, I've been here & done that! ;o)
Reading comprehension dear BB - is FUN-damental - you should try it some time!
BTW: Once you can carry a baby - come talk to me! In the meantime, STFU!
You are nothing but a sperm donor, no matter how illiterate you are! lol
I can relate to your sense of irrelevance!
You know, it could have happened that way.
I have no doubt that is what happened, co-eenquee-denk?? I don't think so.
If anything it was definitely the liquor and the Twitter. LMBO!
Sounds like someone is upset about a blog BrianB... you must be a liberal! Go figure. Hardy har har! Besides you know you would rather see Hillary in the 'White' House because she's a match to your "Patriotism and Pride." You're truly predictable.
I'll give you this much phancy... Right now, I'd much rather have had Hillary win than Obama. I still don't agree with the liberal ideology, but she's not a complete liberal. She's a Democrat... with a capital D. I can live with democrats... I can't live with radical liberals though. If she had gone up against McCain, it wouldn't have mattered who won. Both of them are pretty much cut from the same mold.
Ouch, looks like I was right. SMH. Read you like a Dr. Seuss book. Never mind, that would be an insult to Dr. Seuss.
Let's see Feisty... shall I go back to calling YOU names too? How quickly you forget peace deals.
Did I say I was on First Read? What word did I use Feisty... What was that about reading is fundamental? Here you go jumping to conclusions thinking that First Read is the ONLY blog on the internet.
I love it when you get angry... your mistake level doubles. Do you realize how easy a target you are for ridicule?
I guess it offends you that I mentioned that 38,800,000 fetuses have been murdered by women since 1974, eh? That's right, women like you who support the taking of innocent life... I won't STFU about it. Get used to it... It offends me and I will speak my mind.
Wow brianb:
That is really projecting some hatred about women. Is that a problem you have? I support abortion and contraception rights and it matters little to me what a mental midget like you thinks about it. You don't like abortion? Don't have one, don't cause one to happen. But there are good and proper reason for abortion, and it will not be outlawed.
You need to get some help about your hostility toward women.
Continiue to split your hairs BB!
That's right BB - anytime the conversation strays to abortion - you start yammering like you have a seat at the table!
IF you ever have that right to get pregnant - then YOU can voice your disdain - until then STFU!
Sorry little BB - BUT - women HAVE A RIGHT TO CHOSE & there isn't a damn thing you can do about it, except simmer in your stew pot!
Lot's of LUCK with that my little man! ;o)
And as to your question, what has that moron Bachmann done to me personally...every time she opens her mouth about outlawing contraception and abortion, every time she makes gays second class citizens, EVERY time she calls the President a socialist, (I could go on, but the woman says such stupid stuff daily, it would take FORVER!) she offends me to my very soul, embarrasses the state of Minnesota, and encourages people like you to think that they have a right to hate, women, gays and minorities.
But, again, that would take discernment, which YOU lack.
OH - you betcha NND - BB is pissed woman is down on her knees - worshiping the alter! lmao
Or better yet - little BB! :o)
Careful what you expound little BB - in th end, it WILL come back to bite you in you little balls! ;o)
You know Feisty: I have always thought that men who spout off the nonsense that little brianb does can't compete with women in the workplace and therefore want to go back to the '50's when women had to quit their jobs when they were pregnant. Only way they can get jobs.
Ahhh... the liberal demeaning act. Saying I have hatred towards women. Of course your drawn conclusions are completely right... since you can't see past your ideology. Your narrow brains think that men aren't allowed to broach the subject of women's privacy rights. At least that's how RVW was won... giving women the right to kill innocent children.
Amazing how liberals turn around a subject like murdering innocent children into a man's hatred for women. More specifically, assumed hatred from me. Well, liberals, it's not going to work. I'm not the one responsible for the erasure of 38,800,000 lives from this planet.... that falls on women. Hatred? Why do women hate babies so much? Why do they want to see them destroyed? After all, with all my alleged hatred, it pales in comparison to women that kill children. I thought women were supposed to love children... I guess I had you pegged all wrong... you don't love them, you want to see them dead.
How does it feel ladies? Don't like this argument? Next time, don't say I have hatred for women, when the hypocracy of your lame argument pales in comparison to women that want children destroyed. Count them... 38,800,000 all gone, never to come back again. And you think I'm the one with the problem?
Continiue to split your hairs BB!
Speaking of hairs... red hairs... the color of carrots? Let's not drag this out any further... You didn't read my statement about blogs.... you, of course never read any further than your impulsive brain will take you. Who cares... red dogs will never change. Go ahead Feisty... puff on that cigarette... make that ash long and hot.
Come on Feisty.... since women have abortion rights... tell us all about yours. Wait... you can't do that... women have privacy rights... for someone with privacy rights, you sure do like to brag about your ability to kill innocent children. Does it excite you? Do you get chills running up and down your spine about it? It's perfectly OK, isn't it? There will never be a judgement day.... or at least you think there won't be.
brianb: Let me say it again, just so we are clear. Yes, you are hostile toward women, and an objective reader will agree with that statement.
Next, and how do I put a large concept into little teeny words so you have a slight chance at getting this:
When you start out with a false premise (first "idea", I put that in quotes since you have never demonstrated the ability to HAVE an idea) like "women murdering innocent children" the rest of what you write is nonsense.
See, women aren't murdering children in the case of abortion. Abortion is the law of the land and will remain so, and as much as it amuses me that you are stupid enough to think that there is a CHILD that a woman carries, there just isn't.
It is a child when it has left the mother ship and can function on its own.
And brianb: hypocrisy is spelled like I spelled it, and since you are full of it, learn to spell it correctly.
And quit hating women.
Ahhh YES BB - it feels mighty finr rubbing your own nose on your waste!
Tell me, do YOU understand NOW?
PS: Little BB - YOU are reduced to right wing psycho-babble - which means - I won little no-balls! ;o)
Newday - 38,800,000 dead. Justify it. If this were a republican issue, you would have a totally different viewpoint.
You just don't understand. Everything you are saying doesn't justify it. Life is being destroyed. Don't you see that? Doesn't it bother you that in our country, 38,800,000 lives will never have the chance to breathe, eat, sleep, learn... all the things YOU take advantage of. Aren't you liberals supposed to be compassionate?
You choose to ridicule a person that finds that many lost a tragedy. Liberals complained about the loss of life in Iraq... but you never consider the loss of life from abortions. A fetus is a human being. It will never become a jack rabbit... or a fox... it will always be a human being. Cutting that life off, at any stage by will, is what in your book? Do these fetuses have a trial? Do they have a chance to defend themselves? No... they are tried and sentenced to death without a chance.
No matter how you ridicule me, I can defend myself. I can stand up for what I believe... an aborted baby doesn't have that chance. Much to your chagrin, mothers do call them babies before they are born.
Carrot top in drag is a great name that needs to come back from the annals of time. Anyone that claims victory by themselves is truly a loser.
Anyone that thinks posting on these boards is a matter of winning and losing needs a life. There are no winners here and I know some braggadocious red heads have egos like balloons... after filled with hot air.. they whither and turn into a heap of spent rubber.
No you can't defend your position brianb.
Remember what I said? False premise leads to lost point.
All of you anti choicers have this in common: Soon as it really is a child and has left the mothership, you scream at the top of your lungs when we suggest that things like Head Start, WIC and support for single mothers must be funded.
I have always thought that there is a real mental illness with the anti choice crowd. You worship wombs, you are delusional about what is inside, and you hate women and children.
Get help for that.
newday & Fiesty,
Good job. I hadn't realized how much BB hates women until I read this thread. You really outed him tonight.
And BTW: BB doesn't understand false premises or bad logic, so it does no good to try to educate him.
BB: You disgust me. Seriously. I'm not saying it to be mean; I'm saying it because that's how I feel. You're the bottom of the barrel.
No kidding Jack. brianb sounds like he is from the 40's.
newday,
You know, what strikes me about him and certain others who post here is that they lack empathy. How was it possible to read what you wrote and not give serious consideration to your words? To not be able for one slim second to put himself in your place and try to understand your position, your feelings? I just don't get it.
Yeah, he's from the 40's. The 40's B.C.
I hear you Jack!
Silly old BB is still driven my his testosterone hangover!
Meanwhile, the REST of us are passing him and his antiquated views aside! ;o)
Bottom line is - NO MATTER how much BB stomps his widdle feet - he is UNABLE to legislate my UTERUS!
Must SUCK to be HIM! lol
I really believe that a true antichoicer cannot see beyond the womb, Jack. That is their reason for existing. Harassing women in crisis.
Liberals did not run Michele Bachmann out of the race conservatives turned her down, her failure has nothing to do with liberals or democrats her party and conservatives did not want anything to do with her. Furthermore it seems she did not have the support of conservative republican men or women. Ha or transgendered republicans either.
Happy New Year Forrest, to you and Mrs. Grump and all the little Grumpsters!
Happy New Year New Day and to your family, I just got home from work, Yeh it's good to be working some again.
Hello: My name is Michele Bachmann, I am the proud mother of 5 children and have raised 24 foster children.....
I guess folks finally got tired of that opening. The woman isn't qualified to be president, the voters know it, and now she knows it. Cheerio Michelle - now back to your home state and good luck keeping your old job next election.
RedDev - she didn't raise them - she EXPLOITED them for every dollar she could milk from the system! ;o)
Red Dev PS, I answered your question on the President largest contributors. Just want you to know that I support public funding. I don't support Citizens United and I think that money is what is wrong with our political system on both side of the aisle.
Well RedDev, There is always The Duggars of Minnesota, a northern sequel.
So do I lisas - however, until the rules are changed.... every man for himself!
The system is what it is, and until we take the $$$ out of politics... we are stuck with business as usual!
PS: How's the wedding plans coming along?
Lisa s - I agree with you on Citizens United. It makes at least 2 decisions by the Supreme Court in my lifetime that I strongly disagree with, the first being the selection of Bush for President, the 2nd being Citizens United.
Feisty, The wedding plans are coming along. The bride and groom are very excited they have been out house hunting. Have a nice evening.
Feisty, oh so true, she milked the system on everyone of those kids like she milks the system for her farm. She DEFINES welfare queen, you know, those welfare people she pretends to hate.
@ideo - the difference between the Duggars of the North and the Duggars of the South is that Marcus and Michelle only kept the kids on average, a couple of nights. The Southern Duggars have that nightmare on the hands full time. Wait until the southern clan finds out they could have milked the government out of the same amount of money at half the effort (the Bachmann effort). They are gonna be pissed.
Do you have a cherub getting married lisa? All the best to them!
And good luck to you too!
newday DAWNING...RETURNED, My daughter is getting married St.Patrick's day weekend. Thanks for the good wishes
How very exciting lisa! I am thrilled for you! Those brides can be a bit emotional that day, good luck with that. Did my stint as mom of the bride a couple of years ago, and thinking I may be doing it again in another couple of years.
I am so happy to hear that! Only wish I didn't have a prior commitment! ;o)
Red Dev - her & her tramp of a welfare sucking husband are two of the biggest whore's I have ever seen!
When I was the mother of the bride, I kept a bottle of vodka in my purse.
newdayDAWNING...RETURNED, I am hoping that having a destination wedding will reduce some of the stress. We will see. Have a nice evening
You too, lisa!
phine! For heaven's sake..that's where I went wrong!
Phinephancy, The wedding is in Mexico and are favorite bartender Hector makes a mean Margarita. I willkeep him close by.
Newday,
Keeping a bottle of vodka handy is good for ALL occasions (weddings, funerals, Christmas, laundry.......)
Lisa,
Secret is to try and fit Hector in your suitcase and bring him home with you.
Phinephancy, I live there part of the year so I think i'll leave him there.
I could go for some Mexican warmth right now. It is COLD in NE Florida tonight!
Phinephancy, It's cold here in N.J. can't wait to get to Mexico in Feb and again in March
Heat wave here! Going to be in the 50's tomorrow. Should be a gazillion below zero.
Newday DAWNING ...RETURNED, It will be back up to 50 this weekend.
It is 38 here - we even have a freeze warning here at the beach. Man, that beach in Roatan is looking better to me every minute. I hate the cold like a cat hates water!
Be nice; I'm sure her 3 supporters are very sad at the moment.
Chucky:
She'll be fine. I'm sure a gig at False News is up next....
chucky -- i had the same thought when our beloved vice president told his 3 supporters the same thing 4 years ago. then he got hooked up with the guy that surely needed the ojt that he had raised in the mind-numbing democrat debates of 2007 - 2008.
how many of you remember all 26 democrat candidate debates from the last cycle. i think the republicans are holding too many this this time but not sure they will top 26.
Michele,
Don't come home.
Take a cruise with Marcus. Sure when you get back you could line up a nice consultant gig or Fox news spot after you decide not to run for reelection in your district here in MN.
I know I am being selfish , but God it was nice that she was absent from MN for months.
Ye Gads, Northstar! You mean she might come back to MN? I thought that she decided that she was from Iowa, born and raised. I thought we successfully passed her off to our dear friends Jody and John!
On a serious note: that speech that she gave was rambling and incoherent. When oh when will the little men in white get their nets over that poor delusional woman?
And just for our little friend bobby: I thought that Marcus would have looked well in sequins and a one shouldered red gown at the inaugural that they were NEVER going to have.
And to you who keep voting this nutcase into office...would you at long last knock it off? There are better people in that district. There's got to be.
I had Mr. Bachmann in a plunging neckline silvery white dress - never red, the color would look bad on him.
Yes, but phine, he has to stand out more then Michelle! Remember he is the big dog in the famil1
Think accessories and shoes. That is what will make him "shine"
Ah yes...big jewelry and BIG hair!
BIG hair! With a tiara!
A HUGE tiara with dangling sparkles!
SHOES! We must not forget the shoes! And gloves!
Long white gloves...to the elbow!
With a VERY big and gaudy diamond bracelet.
I guess you are right phine...he will outshine Michelle!
From the description, I think he was at the formal night on my cruise back in May!!!!!
Could very well have been at that phine!
Michelle Bachman gave a great speech today, which was from the heart. It is not easy being a conservative candidate for President and putting up with progressive haters , like the despicable crew who post in here. Best of luck to Ms Bachman, I hope she is re elected as Congresswoman.
I dare any liberal to say a kind word about a patriotic woman who sacrificed a lot and put herself out there for her sincere beliefs. Wont hold my breath.
Cue the moonbat jokes about her husband being gay....
Just like it's not easy being a democratic president and putting up with extreme liberal/democrat haters, like the despicable crew who post here. Nice to know Obama's skin is much thicker than the thin skinned Michele.
"nice to know Obama's skin is much thicker than the thin skinned Michelle.
Yep. I think we can add bobby into that.
Gay you SAY?
Marcus built his fortune in an attempt to to pray away the gay!
Which, if nothing else tells us, it just DON'T work!
*corndog*?
I think this translates as "I got my butt kicked. I've finally realised that I cannot win, although I have no idea why".
From the Wizard of OZZZZZZ
Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch!
Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead.
Wake up - sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed.
Wake up, the Wicked Witch is dead. She's gone where the goblins go,
Below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out.
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low.
Let them know
The Wicked Witch is dead!
If you can't win the place that you were born and grew up in, Michele Bachmann, HOW IN THE HELL DID YOU EXPECT TO WIN OVER THE COUNTRY?
What else could our little NAZI even contemplate?
Making MN her own country for starters.
“I ran because I believe that since Day 1, Barack Obama's policies, based on socialism, are destructive to the very foundation of the republic."
Um, honey, your policies, based on theism, are destructive to the very foundation of the republic.
Hey Batsh*t Crazy Bachmann it's about time you removed yourself from the GOP, you didn't help it much. Crazy ass lying bitch!
Old news, but fun to read over and over. She does win one award: she is the stupidest person to run for president in a major party, male or female.
It's 13March 2013....how is this article relevant to todays news? Come on msn, you can do better.
The political editor just woke up?
you won't be missed.
She didn't stand aside far enough. It should have placed her in the express lane on I-35!
Way to rub it in MSN. I will let old news slip by this time. too bad we couldnt add salt.
I watched Bachman during the Republican debates , and came to the conclusion that all candidates running for POTUS should by law, be given a mental competency exam . .... they don't call her "bat @!$%# crazy " for no reason.