‘Very Little Difference’: Bachmann Camp Compares Pawlenty‘s Policies to Obama’s Positions
- Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:17am by
Billy Hallowell
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GOP presidential candidates Michele Bachmann and Tim Pawlenty may share a love for Minnesota, but their similarities continue to dwindle. Keeping track of the awkward moments unfolding between the two politicians is becoming increasingly difficult, as each continues to make statements that seek to derail the presidential aspirations of the other.
In the latest bout of campaign politics run amok, Bachmann’s camp is hitting Pawlenty hard, claiming that his policies have mirrored those of President Barack Obama.
Before delving into the newest development in their dual, though, let’s recap the past drama that has unfolded between the two candidates:
First, there was Ron Carey, the former chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party during Tim Pawlenty’s governorship and the former chief of staff to Rep. Michele Bachmann. He came out in support of Pawlenty, claiming that Bachmann is “not seasoned and ready to lead.” Then, Pawlenty aide Vin Weber made an interesting and widely publicized comment about Bachmann’s sex appeal.
And who can forget Pawlenty’s “Meet the Press” appearance earlier this month in which he said “…[Bachmann's] record of accomplishment in Congress is non-existent.” Bachmann, of course, responded. Then, she responded once more, saying, “I have fought against irresponsible spending while Governor Pawlenty was leaving a multi-billion-dollar budget mess in Minnesota.”
According to The Los Angeles Times, in a recent interview, Pawlenty also said:
“I really doubt … that the nation will or should put somebody into the Oval Office as president of the United States and commander in chief who lacks substantial executive experience running a large enterprise in or out of government. There hasn’t been somebody who went from the U.S. House of Representatives to the presidency I think in over 100 years. And there’s a reason for that.”
Now, this brings us to the present. After Pawlenty “subtly hinted,” according to The Atlantic, that Bachmann’s migraines render her unfit to serve as president, the rhetoric appears to be heating up once more. Politico reports that Bachmann campaign spokeswoman Alice Stewart had this to say in response to Pawlenty’s subtleties:
“Governor Pawlenty would have us believe that there is ‘very little difference’ between his positions and those of Michele Bachmann.
“But in fact, there is very little difference between Governor Pawlenty‘s past positions and Barack Obama’s positions on several critical issues facing Americans. On issues such as unconstitutional healthcare mandates, climate change regulations, and Wall Street bailouts, there’s very little daylight, indeed, between Governor Pawlenty‘s record and the Obama administration’s policies.
“And of course, President Obama would surely applaud Governor Pawlenty‘s 2006 statement that the ’era of small government is over,‘ and that the government will have to be ’more proactive and more aggressive.’
“Governor Pawlenty has changed his positions in recent years, but he can‘t run from his big government record as governor of Minnesota that left the state’s budget in a multi-billion dollar mess. That’s not executive experience we need.
“As Michele Bachmann said earlier today, she ‘has a lifetime record of success and action in the real world. Real-world actions speak louder than his words as a career politician.‘ And so the more Republican voters examine Michele Bachmann’s record and Governor Pawlenty’s record, the more they will see that there is a world of difference between the two.”
Pawlenty’s campaign manager, Nick Ayers, responded via Twitter with the following:
Based on what we’ve seen so far, the upcoming response will likely intensify the debate between the two parties. It’s not surprising that the two are arguing back and forth so vehemently. Pawlenty has his eyes set on the nomination and with Bachmann’s popularity on the rise — regardless of her level of executive experience — she is distinguishing herself as a formidable opponent.
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Comments (78)
bruce_baker
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:56amI can’t support the Democrats because I believe in Freedom. I can’t support the Republicans for the same reason.
We’re all on the Titanic, we’re headed directly towards the iceberg, and both parties in Washington are too busy arguing about how the deck chairs should be arranged to be concerned about minor details like course corrections.
The reason? Most of the actors in both parties have gone through the Marxist conditioning of the Public Education Monopoly and have bought into the principle that our government should emulate Robin Hood and rob from the rich to give to the poor.
News Flash: Robin Hood is actually a cousin of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and is engaged in a conspiracy with him to keep all vocal opponents of corruption hiding in the woods while U.N. sponsored agri-business buys up all the good farmland. All the while they keep telling you, “We have an almost level playing field now. Please, keep playing the game by our rules!”
Let’s get a flash mob together and go down to the Mall and take what the rich have that they “don’t really need”. If that principle is moral as codified into the U.S. tax code, why not at the Mall?
We voted these clowns into office. We got exactly what we asked for with that act. We need to elect better people to office. “A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul.” – George Bernard Shaw to the Fabian Society of Britan, arguing for a reformist rather than a revolutiona
Report Post »Conservative Hippy
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 12:10pmThe Robin Hood anology is wrong. The “Rich” he was stealing from was the government of the time… The tax collectors and such…
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:17pm@SeattleConservo
How about Ron Paul? Out of all the presidential candidates mentioned, Ron Paul is the only candidate whose record is virtually clean and has always based his votes on the Constitution.
Report Post »Here’s a YouTube video of him on the Fox Business Network: http://MOXNews.com
In addition to that, if you read Dr. Paul’s book “Liberty Defined,” you‘ll find out that he really understands what it’s like to live in a free republic.
silentwatcher
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:26pmas a minnesota resident,,,,I’ve been saying that about Pawlenty all along.
Report Post »Jack2011
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 5:37pmMr. Oshawott
How about Ron Paul?
Report Post »____
Ron Paul is great!!!
nomodimcrats
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 5:58pmIf you can‘t support the party that’s opposing Obama right now then get off here spreading your weak a$$ lies. You’re nothing but a camflaged dimcrat, so shut the hell up!!!
Report Post »Rice Water
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 2:04amTimmy’s in WAY over his head.
Report Post »jzs
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:46pmTrouble in paradise.
Report Post »The Toad
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:17amYour wasting your time supporting Bachmann. She won’t be able to get any support from other groups other than the far right. She’s a lot more of a far right radical than Palin. I’ve noticed in the polls Palin gets a lot more support from independants and young people! Look for Sara to announce around mid august or there abouts. That will put a end to Bachmann. She was a bad Palin copycat anyway! Copied everything Palin has done!
Report Post »Jaycen
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:25amYou’re funny, TOAD. First, you claim Bachman is a RINO, then you call her “far radical right”. Which is it?
Far-right is a Constitutionalist or possibly Libertarian. If you go farther right you get into Anarchy. I’d be shocked to hear Bachman is an Anarchist.
Troll much?
Report Post »Weiners Wiener
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:25pm@Toad: Whenever I start reading a post like yours where there are 3rd grade level spelling mistakes, I immediately stop reading and move to the next one. If you don’t care enough to communicate like an adult, you can’t possibly have anything valuable to say. Go back and edit your post before you start talking down to anyone else.
Report Post »Jack2011
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 5:24pmPalin lost A LOT of support when she stumped for RINO John McCain (Juan McShame) in 2010 instead of his conservative opponent.
I voted for the Sarah Palin part of McCain/Palin ticket – so he should have been GLAD to have her.
That said. I wondered WHY she would do this after McCain threw her under the bus all through the 2008 campaign and especially after.
GOTCHA!
THEN, I find out Sarah Palin purchased an Arizona home to ESTABLISH RESIDENCY and found out Arizona Republican Kyl is retiring.
Palin threw her TEA PARTY principals into the TOILET to stump for a RINO so HE WOULD scratch her back when she ran for that Arizona senate seat.
Bachman is so much better than Palin.
(AND, Palin is like a parrot – ALWAYS saying the same thing with the same words –
(AND Palin‘s oldest daughter is dumb as dirt and her CONSTANT stupidity in parading herself out there with books and speeches making money off her mother’s fame IS HURTING Sarah Palin’s image.
Report Post »Jaycen
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:58amPawlenty is a Progressive, without a doubt.
I’ve heard some of this business about Bachman, but I don’t know how much is actually true. Just because she was a lawyer, and just because she did some work for the IRS doesn’t necessarily make her a RINO.
Sometimes, people do things when they’re younger, because they don‘t understand the import of what they’re doing. People grow up and they change. It could be her stint at the IRS was an eye-opener for her.
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:29am@Jaycen
True, Michele’s history of being an IRS employer may not have earned her RINO status, but history shows that many politicians do have a history of taking their dark pasts along with them; as a result, I always take a candidate’s history into account, both inside of politics and out. The time Michele Bachmann became a RINO, at least from my viewpoint, was when she voted for extension of the “Patriot” Act.
Report Post »The Toad
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:50amConstitutional conservative my arse !! Bachmann not only proposed cutting veteran’s benefits, she proposed cutting disabled vet’s care as well. While she talks about ‘liberty’, she voted to extend the Patriot Act. She is a teaparty fraud ! Bachmann talks one way and acts another. Your typical politician and worse of all hired Ed Rollins who has never had a good thing to say about the teaparty! Bachmann copycats everything Palin Does! I’d rather have the real thing instead of a substitute. Hold your pants on Palin will announce by the end of the month!
Report Post »NolanM1992
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 12:29pmWhile I agree that she’s not a true constitutionalist, neither is Palin. I find Bachmann and especially Palin to be likable people, but they’re not true Tea Party. The Tea Party was started by Ron Paul on the anniversary of the Tea Party on December 16, 2007. It was supposed to be a libertarian grassroots movement but has been hijacked by neoconservatives.
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:54pm@NolanM1992
Thanks for refreshing me on the short history lesson. Now I know the one true conservative-libertarian who actually started the REAL Tea Party movement.
Report Post »Jack2011
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 5:35pmI am a retired military member (26 years).
The military budget NEEDS to be cut. CUT CUT CUT CUT CUT CUT CUT
1. STOP paying for medical TDYs. Taxpayers should NOT be paying FOOD/GAS so active duty and their dependents can go to medical appointments. I was APPALLED when that assine policy went down and grew more appalled year after year having to LOOK AT and APPROVE the WASTE of every medical TDY the hospital had to pay for. They have no CO-PAYS- NOTHING
Active duty military make A LOT MORE than civilians and NO – THE VAST MAJORITY DO NOT DEPLOY but work a straight 9 hour shift (lunch in there) Mon-Friday.
50% of military pay is NOT taxed OR COUNTED when people parade out the poor starving active duty members. Let me tell you – it is the SPOUSES who know a good thing when they see it and who CONVINCE their husband/wife to re-enlist BECAUSE OF THOSE benefits.
2. STOP THE OFFICE WASTE. I cannot tell you how many times I had to re-order office furniture ($17000 minimum) every few years because the “new” officer didn’t like it. Out it went to DRMO to be sold for next to nothing OR MORE LIKELY STOLEN by the thieves over there.
3. CLOSE the 900 military base AROUND the world especially in England, Japan and S. Korea when WE OWE THEM MONEY. Worse, They DUMP their goods on our markets and CLOSE their markets to our things. CLOSE OUR BASES AND LET THEM MAN/MAINTAIN THEIR OWN SECURITY.
Report Post »semby
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:43amSorry folks, you are dreaming if you think bachmann has a chance of beating obama.
Report Post »If hillary can’t beat him, then michelle can not.
Please time to come down from space and deal with reality.
As for michelle; this is all about her ego; she should not be in this campaign.
Tell me; when did she create jobs or have a small business. She says she grew up in iowa; really she moved from iowa to minnesota when she was 5; so her values are of minnesota.
Please wake up; if she gets the nomination; she will be the only reason obama gets re-elected.
Our most important things is to make sure that obama is a one term president.
And don’t forget she has no experience at all………………………..
Mr. Oshawott
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:04am@Semby
Amen to all that. The more I found out about Michele’s past, the more wary I became of her, and the instant someone revealed that she was a former agent of the IRS, I knew that she isn’t the right candidate for the White House.
Report Post »MontyRay
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:17amI couldn’t disagree more. I’ll take her on her record, which matches her rhetoric. We can have an argument about the Patriot Act, but please let me know when a politician comes around and agrees 100% with everything you want, then we will know the frauds.
Report Post »There is no reason whatsoever to imply that she can’t beat Obama. It is equally ridiculous to state the question “where has she created jobs?”. Are you putting yourself as a big gov progressive? Everyone knows Government does not create real jobs. However, one could argue she and her husband have created jobs in the private sector with their private business. So, I would argue she has created more real jobs than other politicians, right?
The sniping and devouring of our own will definitely ensure Democrat victory. I‘m not sure that isn’t your goal with the above comments.
Jaycen
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:27amAgreed, Montyray. These guys look like liberal trolls trying to disguise themselves as “hard core Conservatives”.
The problem, of course, is they simply can’t lay down their attachment to Statist concepts. Yeah, I wonder when the last time was that any politician “created a job”.
Report Post »circleDwagons
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:55pmwhat? did you see the pole where Ron Paul was practicly tied with BO? If Paul can beat BO then MB can. besides MB is better looking :)
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:42amThe gloves are coming off.
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:32amWell, isn’t this amusing? Tim Pawlenty the Cap and Tax Supporter vs. Michele Bachmann the Former IRS agent. I wonder which of these two RINOs’ shady history will prevail? Well, whoever wins this battle won’t make any difference in my viewpoint, since I know all too well that Barack Obama will use their flaws to raise his chances of being reelected. Having said that, I’ll be voting for Ron Paul in 2012.
Report Post »TheBMT
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:34amamen
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:44amPLEASE vote for the nominee.
We absolutely MUST dethrone obama in 2012 if we are to save our country!
Report Post »Jack2011
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 5:50pmBachman is a TAX accountant.
Of course she may have worked for the IRS. She also opened her own business. She has to feed herself just like everyone else and like a lot of people she also has a family to feed.
However, Michelle Bachman is for GETTING RID OF THE IRS by ditching the income tax (with all its business loopholes and social agenda favored groups TO BRIBE (married pay less than singles, have kids pay less than those without kids, etc.) and screwing those who save for a rainy day taxing their savings and giving it back to those who irresponsibly don’t save a dime (so have less income to report)
Bachmann Favors National Sales Tax (getting RID of income tax/IRS)
Report Post »http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/MicheleBachmann-FAIRTax-Republicans/2011/06/13/id/399831
Darla_K
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:25amWe need canidates that won’t dig at each other. They need to concentrate on our problems and the cess pool that needs cleaning out. We need to stand together and get united for what is right for our Country. Let’s take back our Country!!
Report Post »Attention2Detail
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:18amOnce Perry enters the race all this will be academic. I like Bachman, but I don’t think she has the kind of experience needed. We don’t need another OJT president. Maybe a VP run with Perry.
Report Post »Darla_K
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:27amMy problem with Perry: His stance on the border problem. Please tell me I am wrong about this.
Report Post »SPOT_OF_TEA
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:47amNow Darla…don’t be taking digs at Perry lol.
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:51am@Darla K
Sadly, you’re correct on that notion. This YouTube video sheds light on Rick Perry’s idea of building the Trans. Texas Corridor: http://www.infowars.com/infowars.asx
Report Post »TheBritshRcmg
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:01pmPerry is RINO:
A Texas Two-Step: When Rick Perry Backed Al Gore in 1988.
Report Post »Supports gay marriage? please do some research before commenting.
Attention2Detail
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:50pmDid I say Perry was perfect. I was just telling you what will happen. If you are waiting for the perfect candidate, you don’t even need to register to vote, because He isn’t running.
Report Post »Moocephus
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:15amIt’s all moot when Sarah Comes in….
Report Post »SimpleTruths
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:32amYeah, she’ll probably do as well as her movie. HAHAHA
Report Post »katenga
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:04amkeep ‘em coming, Michelle! I love these poignant, sharp and cleve rlittle jabs that she delivers. We need a good rhyme for her, people. Quick like a rapier, teeth like a terrier, drinks only perrier!
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:03amNo way Pawlenty gets any kind of nomination.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:02amYou really never hear much about Romney and you never find to many people who support him but, he’s always on top of the polls. Seems fishy to me.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:12amtoo
Report Post »SimpleTruths
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:33amBecause most of the people that back him don’t hang around fringe groups, like this website, like you do.
Report Post »Mizurax
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:48amIt does seem fishy. Until you think about it… My take on this is that it is proof that few people really pay attention. The reason Romney always leads the polls is because most of the idiots taking the polls don’t know who any of the other names are. So sad.
This is why Romney won’t debate. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” He’s already leading. By debating, he simply risks shoving his foot into his mouth. So he’ll leave well enough alone for as long as he can. And he’ll probably get the nod for it too, because, again, too many idiots don’t care to pay attention. They think that their freedom was paid for long ago. They think that their freedom is free.
Report Post »dean29685
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:58amPawlenty does not meet the constitutional requirements to run for president some body really needs to explain the facts of life to him.
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:57amNot worried about Pawlenty — he’ll never make it. Bachmann will probably do well I keep praying the Tea Party types will win and take over the Repub. party..no more “politics” as usual. But this is transition time and you still have the “RINO’s”/Establishment types who aren’t convinced and are trying.
Report Post »I also just read what Allen West said yesterday: “It is about time that someone showed some fortitude and called out the Republican Party for demonstrating years of passive leadership to its constituents and submissive behavior towards the Democrat Party.” AMEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fight on!!!!!
Locked
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:50amSounds like Bachmann’s getting tired of being torn down and is going on the offensive… against members of her own party. Well, best of luck to both of them.
Report Post »nightbird
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:49amAdd your comments
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:03amYou first.
Report Post »crazytalk
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:49ampoo lenty go away.
Report Post »nightbird
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:48amI liked Pawlenty until he started infighting. He’s now at the bottom of my list and Michelle is at the top. Keep it up idiot. I agree with Randy you’re toast.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:46amBachman has a better resume than Pawlenty.
Report Post »PhilipJames
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:45amSarah Palin has a movie, so now Bachmann has to have one too? Yikes.
Isn’t mimicking the hair, the words, the bus, the clothes and the ideas bad enough?
Now this?
http://caucuses.desmoinesregister.com/2011/07/23/iowa-ads-will-push-bachmann-movie-in-weeks-before-straw-poll/
I call bull puckey… http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/10/04/fire-heartland-sarah-palin-conservative-women-bannon/
Report Post »a242batman
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:39amI’m not sure about Bachmann as my choice however any Republican who advocates for bigger government and spending is just – Democrat light.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:31am“I really doubt … that the nation will or should put somebody into the Oval Office as president of the United States and commander in chief who lacks substantial executive experience running a large enterprise in or out of government.”
__________
They put Obummer in with only community organizing as an exerience. He has no concept of foreign policy beyond help HIS friends, or in other words, the enemies of the US.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:03amHe also never had a Real Job. Never started a business. Never met a payroll (with his Own money ) Never worked in the private sector.
Report Post »As Rush says, He is the most unqualified for any job of all the people in the room
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:31am“I really doubt … that the nation will or should put somebody into the Oval Office as president of the United States and commander in chief who lacks substantial executive experience running a large enterprise in or out of government. There hasn’t been somebody who went from the U.S. House of Representatives to the presidency I think in over 100 years. And there’s a reason for that.”
So indeed, we never have had someone from the House directly to the Presidency in 100 years; yet from the Senate we have done exactly that — Mr Obama, no experience other than as a wanna be dictator in chief and rabble rouser and traitor for all America stands upon.
Maybe if we had someone from the House, or just a regular American, then the differences could be substantial and things will get done.
Report Post »CamoJan
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:33pmThat was exactly my thought too Snowleopard!
Report Post »randy
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:28amYou’re Toast Pawlenty
Report Post »You‘re just another RINO we don’t need.