Update: Newsweek Responds to Eyebrow-Raising Bachmann Cover Shot
- Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:39am by
Billy Hallowell
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Yesterday, Newsweek received quite a bit if criticism over its selection of a less-than-flattering cover shot (see above) of Congresswoman and GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann. On Monday, the magazine responded to the flurry of commentary surrounding the image with the following:
The straight-ahead shot of Michelle Bachmann on the cover of this week’s Newsweek, taken by freelance photographer Chris Buck in a Washington, D.C., hotel room, “raises eyebrows,” according to The Huffington Post. “There’s no denying that Bachmann firmly believes what she believes. Some might think she’s crazy because of it. Cover photos like this one help to cement that image,” wrote The Washington Post’s Jonathan Capehart.
Newsweek went on to quote NOW president Terry O‘Neill’s statement that the image is sexist, basing her negative response on the picture and its accompanying cover headline, “Queen of Rage.” Then, Tina Brown, the editor-in-chief of the magazine, said the following in a statement:
“Michele Bachmann’s intensity is galvanizing voters in Iowa right now and Newsweek’s cover captures that.”
Wait, so the curious photo on the cover of Newsweek simply captures “intensity?” Interestingly, rather than apologizing, Brown buckled down and decided that a proper response would be to post more images which show “similar intensity.” Like this image:

Credit: Chris Buck/Newsweek
Or, this one:

Credit: Chris Buck/Newsweek
While the magazine posts a total of nine additional images, none of them seem to show the same level of “intensity” that is present in the cover shot. After all, the two photos above seem much more acceptable and flattering, no?
Nonetheless, it seems Newsweek is sticking by its image selection, blaming the bizarre image more on political excitement than on anything else. Watch the following MSNBC discussion for more:



















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Comments (211)
13th Imam
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:43amIf they do a full head shot cover of Barry they will have to put foldout flap for those sattelite dishes he calls ears. Fairs fair
Report Post »angelcat
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:49amYou made me laugh outloud, and I really needed a laugh after yesterday’s Dow and the fact my dog may have to be put to sleep. Thank you.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:10amAngelcat, sorry about your dog. I’ll pray for peace for you and healing for the dog.
Rogue
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:18amLet’s just wait and see if next month has a pic of Barry on the cover taking a puff on his Marlboros.
Report Post »mils
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:45amsad commentary on our media
Report Post »lemmings4obama
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:46am@Angelcat Sorry to hear about your dog. That’s so hard to do. Peace be with you both.
Report Post »beckisnuts
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:53amMichelle Bachmann simple looks as fanatical and delusional as she really is. Pawlenty is the country needs to move us forward, not this crazy woman.
BTW, Michael Vey, the author that Glenn is hyping so intensely, happens to be a Mormon. Surprise! Those guys really stick together and promote each other. Way to go Glenneth!
Report Post »Ryan Beaulieu
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:59amBeckISNuts welcome back buddy. I haven’t seen you around in a while. I thought you got a job or a life. Boy do I miss you :0)
Report Post »beckisnuts
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:59amBTW, here‘s the stats for Richard Paul Evans’ website. Looks like his fan base is women over the age of 45.
http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/richardpaulevans.com#
Report Post »beckisnuts
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:08amRyan Beaulieu? I remember you. Thanks for the email – hope everything worked out for you with that legal issue.
Report Post »Ryan Beaulieu
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:12amEmail? Legal Issue? I think you are thinking of someone else buddy :0( I never emailed you and have no legal problems :0(
Report Post »Bluefish49
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:24amMarco Rubio in 2012……you won’t hear one “ ahhh” when he speaks.
Report Post »AmeriWoman
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:40amAngelCat so sorry about your pet.
@13TH IMAM If they did a full headshot of Barry you can see the cracks in his skull.
Remember all those pics of him that went around? The mans head id funky.
I really liked the photo of her with her hands together, like she’s praying.
We all know NEWSQUEEK has turned into a liberal trash rag, to bad she doesn’t.
Hoping good people like Glenn Beck will push them every one into the sewer and give us
all fresh new honest and decent news and magazines. :)
AW
Report Post »AllAmericanGirl22
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:22pmSorry about your dog, Angelcat.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:56pmBeckisnuts,
That was me you were thinking about that emailed you about my legal problems. Your mom is trying to sue me again for child support for you, it seems you are eating her out of house and home. I guess the first DNA test wasnt enough to prove you are not mine, never mind the pics I have of her fornicating with the garbage man, the Polish butcher, and the 98 year old man in the nursing home…I really hope you do eventually find your real father son, but the truth is your mom has slept with half the men in Dallas.
Anyway, I tried to support you as best I could, but it is time you came up out of your mom’s basement and got a job. I do still love you like a son, but it is time to grow up.
Report Post »CommonSenseis Missing
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 1:07pmPriceless
Report Post »fatjack
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 1:52pm13th Imam
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:43am
If they do a full head shot cover of Barry they will have to put foldout flap for those sattelite dishes he calls ears. Fairs fair
Report Post »————————————————————
uwhahahahahahahahahahahaha cut that out. You are a bad man. wuhahaha
Polwatcher
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 1:59pmThis kind of crap is entertaining for libs. Barney even farts on TV to entertain them.
Report Post »TNT1
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:07pmNewsweak-How bout a cover with the pres. on the golf coarse.His golf attire cracks me up.Especially in the shorts with the ballcap.I think he gets 250 chanels per ear
Report Post »Clive
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:24pmshe looks like a man. that being said, i will still be voting for that mannish woman come 2012.
Report Post »@Angelcat, sorry about your dog, mine died about two months ago. it was the first dog i ever had, and losing it, was more difficult than i thought it would be.
beckisnuts
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:39pmTroll Train, it sounds like you have been spiking your Geritol with tequila again. Why is it that you self-proclaimed evangelicals all have your filthy minds in the gutter? Not very Christ-like is it old fellow? You always try to sound so reasonable when you’re off the forum, but then you regress here on The Blaze. Work on that will you Troll Train? Off you go now.
Report Post »beckisnuts
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:40pmAnd Beck’s ratings continue to drop. Down again in July.
Report Post »unequivocally_right
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:52pm@ Clive. The cover only reflects poorly on their image, not hers. Their hatred for Michele Bachmann shows on the front cover in full color for all to see. Could it be because she has the cajones to say what she means and stands behind what she believes? Hopefully, the nation will wake up and come to their senses and vote in a right leaning Congress in 2012 and give her the means to right the wrong Barack Hussein Obama and the Liberals have done to this great nation.
Report Post »douglassoileau
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 3:38pmhis head is a satlite dish
Report Post »oneshiner
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 3:46pmAngelcat, sorry about your dog. As far as Newsweek, it was so liberal before I really understood what Liberal was, but I recognized I didn’t want to read it anymore and cancelled my subscription. Than I cancelled all magazines because I got tired of throwing out all the inserts and having only 1/2 a mag. left. And the cost for next to nothing was more than I wanted. So I flip through the mag-rags when I have to wait at Dr., Dentist, hair salon, etc. and get a chuckle that I was smart to cancel them years ago.
Report Post »Michell Bachmann will outlast newsweek, because they have all of us pizzed off.
lillymckim
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 4:27pmYes, me too…laughing out loud on the Obama flaps!
Report Post »jhaydeng
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 4:32pmImagine her talking to the Iranian or Russian President with those crazy eyes! They would say,”We surrender, We surrender!” I still kinda like her though! Just a classic gotcha moment!
Report Post »realindependent
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 5:16pmAgain…. Eyes windows to the soul….I SEE CRAZY…..
Report Post »beekeeper
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 5:40pmWasn’t it Newsweek that changed hands for the princely sum of $1? I think maybe they paid too much for it…
Report Post »ronaldreaganthegreat
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 6:16pmLMAO 13th Imam, touche!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »teacherskj
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:20pmYes, the left side will poke fun at Bachmann but not their icon Obama’s ears….the more they talk the more stupid THEY LOOK.
Report Post »IntransigentMind
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:35pmWell, that’s typical of lefties at newsweek, but it will be okay, since there’s a better answer anyway.
Report Post »http://markamerica.com/2011/08/09/the-difference-between-us/
cookcountypatriot
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:38amnewsweek…a bunch of guilty white slaves protecting thier massa…..but no one reads that feces laden rag….lol try again slaves
Report Post »Lesterp
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:49amUnfortunately, this rag sits at grocery counters and other counters across the country where the uninformed voter gets a good look at it. Not good! Liberals can only remain liberal as long as they stay uninformed!
Report Post »JRook
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:38amThe cover captures her essence or lack there of. To say she is superficial and without substance would be generous. I simply cannot believe people voted for her for Congress let alone a presidential primary. She is one of the Einsteins who’s statements regarding “I won’t raise the debt ceiling“ ”It’s ok if we default” led to the downgrade and the massive stock sell off. Clearly, well thought out statements if you are looking to get attention. She is so much more dangerous than that other celebrity seeker from AK….what was her name again.
Report Post »Lesterp
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:41amYou just made my point insaneinom!
Report Post »Lesterp
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:50amjrook, the tea party has been around for a little over two years and they are responsible for the downgrade,WOW!. That has to be the stupidest comment I have ever read! You and Lurch (Kerry) have tons in common. Bachmann is a Federal tax attorney but she‘s a dummy and Obama is an attorney and he’s the brightest man on the planet, hypocrisy much?
Report Post »JRook
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:11pm@Lesterp And of course you of a stature to comment about Newsweek, the editors and writers. Take the time to read the comments from S&P regarding the downgrade. But then again you didn’t really read my post as I said it was her comments not the Tea Party. Stupid are the people who don’t read. And yes members of Congress and the Senate should not go around saying it is Ok to default and we don’t need to raise the debt ceiling and then expect there would be no consequences of such irresponsible statements.
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:41pmHey JROOK,
So what are you today, a big business mogul about to go meet with a wealthy investor, or a sit at home in your pj’s day-trader?
Report Post »JRook
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 3:21pm@Therightsofbilly Yep, Billy you have the right to be ignorant. You have some money to challenge my statements, put it up and we can settle this. Otherwise save your comments for someone who has time for the ignorant. I don’t. Don’t you have a woman to hit or dog to kick.
Report Post »Blue Collar Conservative
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 1:47am@jrook
Report Post »Facts would be nice, just because you read it on the Hufpo doesn’t make it true. BO & all the democraps and their lackeys in the media were the ones crying default. What reasonable people who know and use facts knew was that default only happens when you don’t pay your creditors, and that there is plenty of money coming in to pay our creditors, and social security checks, and medicare, and the military, and the courts, and law enforcement. But what progs. like you were worried about was all the waste money that accomplishes nothing, but makes a few lazy, or corrupt people happy. Bauchman represents an end to the kind of programs that don’t help, aren’t effective, and of coarse cost too much.The leaches who live off the largess of the bloated bureaucracy are getting nervous, as they should be. They should start planing for a future without freeloading instead of lying to keep it going. Not only is it unsustainable, but we ( honest Patriots ) are sick of pulling the cart and getting chewed out because we’re pulling it wrong. START PULLING IT YOURSELF.
RedWhiteandBlueUniverse
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:38amNot news
Report Post »kedward
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:37amNewsweek has been known as a Marxist gossip rag for quite a while so, this latest tripe is normal reporting for this magazine.
Report Post »jim
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:30amI don’t know anyone who actually reads Newsweek. Right wingers know it’s Marxist propaganda… and the left wingers can’t read.
Report Post »GERATMO
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:33amWell thats the point, they only look at the pictures.
Report Post »JazzGuy
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 4:58pmNo….but they can look at the pictures….
Report Post »bigfatslob
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:28amI’m pleased as hell that finally there is womens rights advocates speaking up with NOW and even Gloria S. speaking up ! Although these advocates seem to have lost their voices w/ regard to S. Palin and also up to this point with Michelle. Lets hope they jump on the left when they put down our conservative women from now on.
Report Post »Blue Collar Conservative
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 1:52amDon’t worry, they don’t mean it. They’ll be back to insulting and lying about her and Palin tomorrow, they can’t hold back their hatred for more than 24 hours.
Report Post »Dangeroo
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:24amI had subscribed to Newsweek for over 30 years. It’s decline started years ago. I cancelled even though I had credits for more issues. Newsweek is NOT journalism.
Report Post »windycitywoman
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:21amHello Beck friends! I have started a prayer group for Glenn and his endeavors on educating our youth and his mission in Israel. This group also posts news articles and videos on topics Glenn has covered on his show. Many others and I are members of GBTV and will be discussing his show daily and posting what he shares on the Internet. This is a great way to stay in the loop if you do not have GBTV!. We have also been doing wonderful fast and prayers on Wednesdays for Israel! If you are a “like minded” Christian, Conservative Glenn Beck fan please join us (280 of us and growing rapidly and without the TROLLS)! Find me on Facebook under Sharon Grek Papucci and send me a friend request! Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers.” -Sidlow Baxter
Report Post »dthej
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:21amjust an ongoing effort to make conservatives appear loony. They knew exactly what they were doing choosing this photo for their cover. It’s appalling and childish. I can just see the magazine editors cackling like a bunch of goofy teenagers after deciding on the photo.
Report Post »I am all out of “can you imagines” ..such as can you imagine Newsweek choosing a similar photo of Barack Obama for their cover? In my opinion the further these people slime downward the more determined the conservative base will become come election time…what they are doing, and without seeming to understand the rep-ructions will work just the opposite…so I say keep doing what you’re doing.
Gonzo
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:18amCheap shot from the MSM. More to follow I’m sure.
Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:52amThe right needs to quit trusting the MSM to be fair with any interview. They will always try to make someone from the right appear in the worst light. Michelle’s handlers should have known this, especially after what Sarah went through.
Report Post »SimpleTruths
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:47am@ANONYMOUS T. IRRELEVANT
Report Post »What Sarah went through? Are you kidding me? She got what she deserved. She’s a mean spirited, lying, grifter who’s only out for herself. Her family is a mess and she’s quit everything she ever started when the going got tough. Where’s her bus tour – oh that’s right she quit that too.
circleDwagons
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:15amQueen of Rage, rage on
Report Post »sissykatz
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:14amForget the cover, could you believe that Larry seemed almost decent? What’s up with that ? The cover
has really gotten some publicity which is what they wanted. Michelle has gotten coverage also from
this so maybe that will help her. Again NOW came out for Michelle? That has never happened before?
Maybe this will turn out to be a positive thing for Michelle. I hope so.
Report Post »rosegrower
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 3:58pmThe NOW thing is a shocker – but they’ve been called on their hypocrisy for years, and maybe they‘ve finally gotten the message that real women don’t relate to them. As for Newsweek’s explanation of the cover, I will believe them when they publish a cover shot of Michelle Obama wearing slacks, taken from behind her.
Report Post »JLGunner
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:10amI wouldn’t line the bottom of a bird cage with this rag.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:18amI guess their business is so bad they will do anything for a little attention. It’s their “save jobs program”, piss people off and get a little attention, sorta like Obumer..
Report Post »voicecheck1
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:07amWhat’s all the fuss this is an intelligent gorgeous woman inside and out . I wonder what Thaddeus McCotter thinks !?^
Report Post »liriadavila
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:01amIt is always the same game, destroy those who can defeat Obama
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:12amThe photo looks doctored I suggest that some investigate it more closely. As for newsweek it should change it‘s name to more correctly describe it’s content…Something like THE WEEKLY PROPAGANDA REPORT OR THE 7TH DAY INDOCTRONATION PERIODICAL
Report Post »MoonPie
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:31amtheDemoRats only tactic to get O relected! They cannot use his accoplishments!
Report Post »SCgunner
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:23ama turd could beat that piece of ****…..
Report Post »LittleMac
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:01amI question Bachmann’s judgement for agreeing to a Newsweek story and photo-op to begin with. After their recent cover making fun of Romney for being a Mormon, what did she think was going to happen?
Report Post »If she‘s not smart enough to know when she’s being set-up, then clearly, she’s not smart enough to be President.
cosette
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:16am@ Littlemac- Did she sit for an interview ? If not your criticism is unfounded. No publication needs permission to write a piece on a public figure. The Jerry Falwell hit piece which appeared in Hustler magazine in the 80′s comes to mind. In it they contended that Falwell had his first sexual experience with his mother. Falwell sued and the case ended up in the supreme court. HE LOST! Google it and see for yourself. Know the facts before you criticize. That’s what the leftists and the trolls do..
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:40amPolitical candidates know they’re going to get bad press. But the bad press they get by refusing interviews with the media who will likely portray them in a negative way is usually far worse than the actual article. Those same media outlets become even more critical because they don’t get the chance of a gotcha moment. And it’s not just the liberal leaning news, much of the right leaning press do the same. It’s a lose-lose situation. The strategy is deciding where & when you will lose the most.
Unfortunately, there is very little actual “news” in today’s media. For the most part, journalism has been replaced with partisan politics & rhetoric. And they get away with it because a great many Americans don’t take the time to find out the facts and think for themselves.
And here come the trolls…..
Report Post »Secessionista
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:00amThe other pictures did not capture the “rage” well enough. No one is going to believe that a suicide bomber who is holding the nation hostage might smile and wave at people.
“Rage” is a pseudonym for “angry old white racist men”. You’ll be seeing a lot more of that wordsmithing in the future.
Report Post »Rickfromillinois
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:59amNewsweek has turned into a propaganda rag. I used to subscribe to it years ago. When I canceled by subscription they called me at home to ask why. I told them that if liberals wanted a propaganda vehicle I shouldn’t be expected to pay for it.
Report Post »BellaMia7
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:50amThe enemies of Democracy and America have outed themselves. We see who you are. We will crush you at the ballot box.
Report Post »txn4justice
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:00amAmen to that!
Report Post »Annette
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:05amif she were a man we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. I don’t care what she looks like. She is not applying for America’s top model. Substance over superficial. Ridiculous…I am surprised NOW came to her rescue..at least they can say they aren’t hypocrites and a one issue organization. Albeit there is some sort of agenda and that is probably it.
Report Post »burr99
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:49amWhat else can be expected from leftist progressives, who are scared s—less by someone with real values and principles.
Report Post »kinnick1
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:47amNewsweek has become just another pile of supermarket tabloid crap. Their “reason” for the cover is total BS. The National Enquirer has more class..
Report Post »biffer
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:07amWe used to subscribe to Newsweek for many years as it was a good magazine and had some great shots and fair reporting. In the last few years it has really turned into a rag tag magazine that even in an office, I rarely pick it up to browse anymore. That is why paid subscriptions dropped over 18% in the last few years (2008) and they cut their print. You have to wonder what those on their board can’t figure out, but readers of the blaze can.
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:45am“Hey, we have no sense of aesthetics. We just print them like we see them.”
Sure, except when you’re printing picture of liberals of course. You always manage tfindnd the most flattering pictures.
Sorry, Newsweak, we ain’t buying.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:45amThis rag of a periodical is goin’ south soon enough; and only lends power to conservatives to get the needed messages out to folks. I don’t think even dentist offices buy this 7-page, bird cage mag anymore.
Report Post »momsense
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:44amIf this is intensity, then this guy stinks as a photograher.Blatant hatchet job pure and simple.
Report Post »Brizz
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:15amCouldn’t agree more. They might as well throw glitter on her too. The photog and editor are responsible for the image, and their intention is obvious.
Report Post »nacilbuper
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:44amNEWS WEAK
This rag is such trash I would not even put it at the bottom of my bird cage.
Report Post »airborneoathkeeper
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 4:38pmit’s good for wiping up dog poo.
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