When writing this weeks blog post, I found that I do have something common with Bachmann and that is foreign policy. Bachmann may stand conservative but her stance on international policy aligns with some liberal ideals. As a strong liberal myself, it's interesting to note how progressive some of Bachmann's beliefs are concerning international policy. Below are some of her thoughts:
1. No foreign aid to states sponsoring terrorist organizations
It's kind of like..DUH! Bachmann brings up Cuba as her primary example, stating: "We would never have flights between the United States and Cuba. It's a state sponsor of terror"(Issues2000) This dips into her beliefs about the Middle East, an area which has been attributed to terrorists since 9/11.
2.She supported the uprising of Iranian demonstrators against the Iranian government.
Bachmann's strong opposition to the country of Iran is evident in most of her beliefs. When talking about the removal of troops in Iraq by President Obama, Bachmann believes that Iran is standing by awaiting to "exert their dominance in this region"(Washington Post). Her vision of Iran as this country with such malicious views will play a huge role in her international policy if elected.
3. She believes in American exceptionalism...aka America is the most indispensable nation of the world. Saying she's a patriot is an understatement, however, her strong views of America as this country that should be leading the world could prove difficult if elected. It's problematic if she refuses to acknowledge other countries, like the UK or China, as leading forces in the global economy and global sphere overall because the US does not own the world. We are merely a small part of it and if her nationalism becomes overwhelming it could affect the US's relationship with other countries dramatically.
4. The removal of troops from Iraq is one of the dumbest things Obama has done (in her mind atleast). With President Obama's speech saying all troops would be out of Iraq within a certain period of time, many Republican's are calling the move foolish. Bachmann alike believes that the removal of troops will be detrimental to the country of Iraq since Iran is looking to take over once the US removes troops. Also, Bachmann goes on to mention how once we remove our troops we will have more troops stationed in Honduras which is interesting to think about. On top of that, in the past, when the US removes a dictator, leaving troops there, according to Bachmann, is the only way to ensure the country remains peaceful and running productively. If I could say one thing to Bachmann it would be that having troops has only caused the US to lose relationships with many countries in the Middle East and has resulted in an outrage of violence over the past 10 years. Removing the troops may be risky but it would allow the country to operate on its own...the US needs to stop babysitting and let Iraq begin to redevelop itself.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
10/30
When discussing where Bachmann stands on social issues, it should be no surprise to American's that she stays conservative on most any issue. ever. Whether it be "moral" or "social", Bachmann's conservative politics are deeply rooted in her devout religious life, which is historically rooted in conservative Republican ideals.
When talking about education, Bachmann tends to stay more focused on quantity and not quality. While she voted for the reauthorization of the DC opportunity scholarship program, she voted no in 2007 for an additional $10.2 billion dollars to go towards federal education & HHS projects (Link 1). She also stands against propositions that support making schools 'greener', showing her priorities with environment. In 2008, Bachmann voted no on grants in environmental education that would promote outdoor activities. Clearly Bachmann believes that education is not a priority in terms of helping the economy.
Rather, Bachmann tends to focus on things that will help improve corporate companies income in markets such as oil and gas. In June, 2009, Bachmann voted no on implementing any type of limit on the amount of CO2 global warming pollution. This type of legislation, deemed cap and trade, has always been favored by conservative Republicans and Bachmann is no different. Instead of improving technologies now, Bachmann favors improving technologies in the future.
One of Bachmann's beliefs, however, is more omnipresent in society, giving her a demographic she can reach out to as a voting bloc. In favor of traditional family life, Bachmann does have a strong sense of family and community and it shows not only in her words but her actions as well. As a moth of 5 and a foster parent to 23, Bachmann shows she is for the idea of the 'family unit'. It is not wonder she is against gay marriage then as she stands behind defining what marriage, in her idea, should be in an amendment to the constitution.
Either way, Bachmann continues to be a conservative force to be reckoned with as she continues running.
When talking about education, Bachmann tends to stay more focused on quantity and not quality. While she voted for the reauthorization of the DC opportunity scholarship program, she voted no in 2007 for an additional $10.2 billion dollars to go towards federal education & HHS projects (Link 1). She also stands against propositions that support making schools 'greener', showing her priorities with environment. In 2008, Bachmann voted no on grants in environmental education that would promote outdoor activities. Clearly Bachmann believes that education is not a priority in terms of helping the economy.
Rather, Bachmann tends to focus on things that will help improve corporate companies income in markets such as oil and gas. In June, 2009, Bachmann voted no on implementing any type of limit on the amount of CO2 global warming pollution. This type of legislation, deemed cap and trade, has always been favored by conservative Republicans and Bachmann is no different. Instead of improving technologies now, Bachmann favors improving technologies in the future.
One of Bachmann's beliefs, however, is more omnipresent in society, giving her a demographic she can reach out to as a voting bloc. In favor of traditional family life, Bachmann does have a strong sense of family and community and it shows not only in her words but her actions as well. As a moth of 5 and a foster parent to 23, Bachmann shows she is for the idea of the 'family unit'. It is not wonder she is against gay marriage then as she stands behind defining what marriage, in her idea, should be in an amendment to the constitution.
Either way, Bachmann continues to be a conservative force to be reckoned with as she continues running.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
10/23
It's not surprising that Michele Bachmann stands conservative on most any issues. Whether it be political or social, Bachmann is most likely not just to the right but all the way right. Below I've listed Bachmann's stances on popular issues and some quotes supporting her position.
Abortion: The big "A" word that is always causing controversy. It is not surprise that Bachmann is AGAINST ABORTION. Not only has Bachmann said, "I am 100 percent pro-life" but she has gone on to support propositions against research of embryonic cells and similiar ideas. There is no way Bachmann is for abortion, which brings in a huge voting bloc of conservative evangelical Christians who are fundamentally against abortion.
Civil Rights: Not too many Bachmann's world unless you are white, Christian, and in the upper class. According to Bachmann, "I'm running for the presidency of the United States. And I don't see that it's the role of a president to go into states and interfere with their state laws. I do support a constitutional amendment on marriage between a man and a woman, but I would not be going into the states to overturn their state law". Clearly she is against gay marriage but her respect for state legislature is reflected since she is currently a senator. She has even gone far with her beliefs to propose a "Marriage Amendment", she said "I was the chief author of a constitutional amendment in the Minnesota Senate defining marriage as between one man and one woman. I will continue to support traditional marriage as a union between a man and woman". If Bachmann becomes president, gay marriage will not reach a federal level for many years.
As a libertarian-leading conservative, Bachmann will remain conservative on most social issues, which leaves many liberals extremely concerned if Bachmann has a chance at the presidency. It will be interesting to see how her beliefs come to light during the debates in the future.
Abortion: The big "A" word that is always causing controversy. It is not surprise that Bachmann is AGAINST ABORTION. Not only has Bachmann said, "I am 100 percent pro-life" but she has gone on to support propositions against research of embryonic cells and similiar ideas. There is no way Bachmann is for abortion, which brings in a huge voting bloc of conservative evangelical Christians who are fundamentally against abortion.
Civil Rights: Not too many Bachmann's world unless you are white, Christian, and in the upper class. According to Bachmann, "I'm running for the presidency of the United States. And I don't see that it's the role of a president to go into states and interfere with their state laws. I do support a constitutional amendment on marriage between a man and a woman, but I would not be going into the states to overturn their state law". Clearly she is against gay marriage but her respect for state legislature is reflected since she is currently a senator. She has even gone far with her beliefs to propose a "Marriage Amendment", she said "I was the chief author of a constitutional amendment in the Minnesota Senate defining marriage as between one man and one woman. I will continue to support traditional marriage as a union between a man and woman". If Bachmann becomes president, gay marriage will not reach a federal level for many years.
As a libertarian-leading conservative, Bachmann will remain conservative on most social issues, which leaves many liberals extremely concerned if Bachmann has a chance at the presidency. It will be interesting to see how her beliefs come to light during the debates in the future.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
10/9
Michele Bachmann is a controversial character and her conservative evangelical views do not appeal to everybody but Bachmann recently made an attempt to reach out to both Hispanic and African American voters. At the "Republican Leadership Convention", held this week in New Orleans, Bachmann made a speech pointing out that her primary focus as president would be "job creation". She continued on and said, "As president of the United States, my goal will be job creation in the Hispanic community, job creation in the African-American community, job creation for all Americans, and turning this economy around, and we will" (CNS News). Bachmann, who has appealed to evangelicals across racial lines, made an effort to reach out to Hispanics and African Americans because with Rick Perry entering the race, Bachmann needs the minority vote to secure her spot. Bachmann does this by highlighting Obama's faults, saying "This president has failed the Hispanic community, He has failed the African-American community"(CNS News). This is where Bachmann may have crossed the line because she has not always had Hispanics and African Americans in her vision.
Bachmann is apart of a "social conservative pledge called 'The Marriage Vow -- A Declaration of Dependence upon Marriage and Family' that is anti-abortion, anti-same sex marriage, anti-divorce ect ect that GOP candidates are being urged to sign"(JJ Politics). This act seems to apply universally across racial barriers but upon further analysis, the act contains racially charged language: "
Bachmann is apart of a "social conservative pledge called 'The Marriage Vow -- A Declaration of Dependence upon Marriage and Family' that is anti-abortion, anti-same sex marriage, anti-divorce ect ect that GOP candidates are being urged to sign"(JJ Politics). This act seems to apply universally across racial barriers but upon further analysis, the act contains racially charged language: "
Slavery had a disastrous impact on African-American families, yet sadly a child born into slavery in 1860 was more likely to be raised by his mother and father in a two-parent household than was an African-American baby born after the election of the USA’s first African-American President. (Huffington Post).Using slavery as a way to gain political leverage is a controversial road to go down and clearly by signing the pledge, Bachmann is solidifying her beliefs in the public realm. Yet, this may not go over well with her minority voters which could be a reason she is attempting to reach out to them now. Is it too late? Time will only tell.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
10/3
Understanding Michelle Bachmann means understanding her audience. This is where it gets tricky because Bachmann's controversial stance on her relationship between religion and politics has polarized voters. People either love her or hate it, which limits her ability to navigate this race if she loses her main supporters. With the entrance of Rick Perry into the race, Bachmann has been put in an interesting position that could make or break her campaign.
There is no doubt about it that Bachmann's overt religious language has caused controversy in the media and that if somebody doesn't agree with her one of her views, its hard to agree with the rest. Bachmann has taken a firm stance on popular topics in culture today such as gay marriage, immigration, and abortion. Her conservative stance has both strengthened and weakened her campaign. Her next few strategic moves are important in strengthening her role in the race if she has any luck to catch up to Perry and Romney in the polls.
With Rick Perry's bid for the Republican ticket made official, Bachmann's position in the polls has dropped dramatically. Attracting the same core group of conservative Evangelical voters, Bachmann and Perry are competing heavily with one another to score enough votes from this particular group of voters. The LA Times noted how "Bachmann has plummeted in recent polls, but several Republican insiders argue that she still shows strength in Iowa because of the work her campaign did before she won the straw poll. A chart in Bachmann's brick Urbandale office shows that volunteers had made 45,000 phone calls by August and are keeping touch with those supporters"(LA Times).
Bachmann clearly has enough support for a sustainable position in this race, especially after winning the straw polls in Iowa: "Michele Bachmann captured the famed Iowa Straw Poll in Ames Saturday, reaching a high-profile benchmark in her meteoric rise to a top-tier presidential candidate.
Bachmann made history, as well, becoming the first woman to win the event. She received 4,823 votes out of the almost 17,000 votes cast. The turnout was a significant leap over four years ago but didn't approach the record of more than 23,000 votes cast back in 1999"(LA Times).
The same article notes that while this is victory for Bachmann personally, it may not be a political victory: "Winning the straw poll doesn’t guarantee victory in the caucuses, however; Mitt Romney won in 2007 and then lost to Mike Huckabee when it counted five months later. And Perry’s candidacy unsettles the race further, making the outcome next year here hazier than ever"LA Times
Either way, Bachmann's role in the media will make or break her and she has almost become the next Sarah Palin. Both women are the Queen of Sound Bytes. The video below supports this claim because, like Palin, Bachmann's comments in the media are what the general public will hear. Turning on the local news and hearing Bachmann's comments play on a news story are what most American's will base their decisions on. Her reputation is forming and it will be interesting to see if it translates into votes.
There is no doubt about it that Bachmann's overt religious language has caused controversy in the media and that if somebody doesn't agree with her one of her views, its hard to agree with the rest. Bachmann has taken a firm stance on popular topics in culture today such as gay marriage, immigration, and abortion. Her conservative stance has both strengthened and weakened her campaign. Her next few strategic moves are important in strengthening her role in the race if she has any luck to catch up to Perry and Romney in the polls.
With Rick Perry's bid for the Republican ticket made official, Bachmann's position in the polls has dropped dramatically. Attracting the same core group of conservative Evangelical voters, Bachmann and Perry are competing heavily with one another to score enough votes from this particular group of voters. The LA Times noted how "Bachmann has plummeted in recent polls, but several Republican insiders argue that she still shows strength in Iowa because of the work her campaign did before she won the straw poll. A chart in Bachmann's brick Urbandale office shows that volunteers had made 45,000 phone calls by August and are keeping touch with those supporters"(LA Times).
Bachmann clearly has enough support for a sustainable position in this race, especially after winning the straw polls in Iowa: "Michele Bachmann captured the famed Iowa Straw Poll in Ames Saturday, reaching a high-profile benchmark in her meteoric rise to a top-tier presidential candidate.
Bachmann made history, as well, becoming the first woman to win the event. She received 4,823 votes out of the almost 17,000 votes cast. The turnout was a significant leap over four years ago but didn't approach the record of more than 23,000 votes cast back in 1999"(LA Times).
The same article notes that while this is victory for Bachmann personally, it may not be a political victory: "Winning the straw poll doesn’t guarantee victory in the caucuses, however; Mitt Romney won in 2007 and then lost to Mike Huckabee when it counted five months later. And Perry’s candidacy unsettles the race further, making the outcome next year here hazier than ever"LA Times
Either way, Bachmann's role in the media will make or break her and she has almost become the next Sarah Palin. Both women are the Queen of Sound Bytes. The video below supports this claim because, like Palin, Bachmann's comments in the media are what the general public will hear. Turning on the local news and hearing Bachmann's comments play on a news story are what most American's will base their decisions on. Her reputation is forming and it will be interesting to see if it translates into votes.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
9/25
It's no surprise how Michele Bachmann feels about the separation of church and state. One of her famous quotes that has been circling around the media surrounds the issue. in 2006, Rep. Bachmann was quoted saying that public schools "are teaching children that there is separation of church and state, and I am here to tell you that is a myth" (The Atlantic News). Bachmann's conservative views have brought about controversy throughout the election because of her overt religious language and strong Republican views.
Bachmann's reasoning behind her strong stance on separation of church being a concept and not reality is the letter the Danbury Baptist's wrote to Thomas Jefferson. The Baptist's wrote, "Our sentiments are uniformly on the side of religious liberty-- that religion is at all times and places a matter between God and individuals-- that no man ought to suffer in name, person, or effects on account of his religious opinions-- that the legitimate power of civil government extends no further than to punch the man who works ill to his neighbors; But, sir, our constitution of government is not specific" (Baptist Letter). THe Baptist's views align with Bachmann's in that the Constitution did not outline the proper boundaries for religion and it's place in government and society. Jefferson replied by coining the famous "wall of separation" saying in his letter: "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State" (Library of Congress).
Bachmann's belief that their truly is not separation of church & state clearly goes against Jefferson and the idea that the founders truly wanted a country based on Christian values. It will be interesting to see how Bachmann will defend her stance as the election continues. For Bachmann and Paul alike, it is clear that they will not separate their overt religious views from their political ones and therefore will not be able to lead this country without a clear religious bias. Such controversy may lose both of them a spot on the Republican ticket.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPzIfcxuwSU
Bachmann's reasoning behind her strong stance on separation of church being a concept and not reality is the letter the Danbury Baptist's wrote to Thomas Jefferson. The Baptist's wrote, "Our sentiments are uniformly on the side of religious liberty-- that religion is at all times and places a matter between God and individuals-- that no man ought to suffer in name, person, or effects on account of his religious opinions-- that the legitimate power of civil government extends no further than to punch the man who works ill to his neighbors; But, sir, our constitution of government is not specific" (Baptist Letter). THe Baptist's views align with Bachmann's in that the Constitution did not outline the proper boundaries for religion and it's place in government and society. Jefferson replied by coining the famous "wall of separation" saying in his letter: "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State" (Library of Congress).
Bachmann's belief that their truly is not separation of church & state clearly goes against Jefferson and the idea that the founders truly wanted a country based on Christian values. It will be interesting to see how Bachmann will defend her stance as the election continues. For Bachmann and Paul alike, it is clear that they will not separate their overt religious views from their political ones and therefore will not be able to lead this country without a clear religious bias. Such controversy may lose both of them a spot on the Republican ticket.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPzIfcxuwSU
Sunday, September 18, 2011
9/19
It comes as no surprise that religion has been a bigger part of the 2012 presidential campaign than people anticipated. Michele Bachmann's entire campaign was centered around her strong belief that the separation between church and state was "a myth". She has utilized every public appearance as a tool to forward her religious and political message --- but aren't they the same thing?
Bachmann was born in Waterloo, Iowa but moved to Anoka, Minnesota following her parents divorce. She attened Winona State University and went on to the O.W. Coburn School of Law. She began working on projects that centered around religion and politics, most famously working alongside John Eidsmoe.
While she continued to become more well-known in academic law circles, Bachmann still saw her place in the household and not in the office. She married Marcus Bachmann in 1978 and once her 4th child was born she became a full-time mother. Her husband and her were members of the Salem Lutheran Church in Stillwater, similar to the church Bachmann attended growing up. The church is apart of a controversial group of churches, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The church has controversial views on certain aspects of Christianity, which is alarming to most Americans. The synod believes deeply in the scripture -- or sola scriptura -- making the Bible the one and only piece of scripture by which to judge and authorize one's actions. Because of all the heavy press Bachmann received during her time as congresswoman of Minnesota, she recently left her church which is almost ironic since her entire platform for her campaign is based off her faith.
While some speculate that Bachmann's departure from Salem Lutheran was a personal choice, there are no doubts the benefit that it has had on her campaign. Even in the 2008 election, Obama left his church because a reverend, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, delivered a sermon that was controversial in terms of politics and political views. Being associated with the "wrong" church could make or break a campaign, which is why seeing very overtly religious figures running for the Republican ticket this year is interesting.
Bachmann's religion is not the only thing propelling her reputation in the media. She makes Sarah Palin's comments look intelligent because Bachmann, somehow, is the queen of saying the wrong thing. As seen in most of her public appearances, Bachmann is not the most eloquent speaker yet she will make sure that people watching know she is running for President. When confronted about her ideals or past comments, Bachmann is only able to repeat herself and not exactly answer the question. The better question is who would win between Bachmann or Palin? Check this website out for some of her ridiculous comments: http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/06/16/246618/bachmann-craziest-quotes/
It will be interesting to see where Bachmann fits into the campaign as Rick Perry, her evangelical competition, vies for a spot amongst the conservatives.
Bachmann was born in Waterloo, Iowa but moved to Anoka, Minnesota following her parents divorce. She attened Winona State University and went on to the O.W. Coburn School of Law. She began working on projects that centered around religion and politics, most famously working alongside John Eidsmoe.
While she continued to become more well-known in academic law circles, Bachmann still saw her place in the household and not in the office. She married Marcus Bachmann in 1978 and once her 4th child was born she became a full-time mother. Her husband and her were members of the Salem Lutheran Church in Stillwater, similar to the church Bachmann attended growing up. The church is apart of a controversial group of churches, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The church has controversial views on certain aspects of Christianity, which is alarming to most Americans. The synod believes deeply in the scripture -- or sola scriptura -- making the Bible the one and only piece of scripture by which to judge and authorize one's actions. Because of all the heavy press Bachmann received during her time as congresswoman of Minnesota, she recently left her church which is almost ironic since her entire platform for her campaign is based off her faith.
While some speculate that Bachmann's departure from Salem Lutheran was a personal choice, there are no doubts the benefit that it has had on her campaign. Even in the 2008 election, Obama left his church because a reverend, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, delivered a sermon that was controversial in terms of politics and political views. Being associated with the "wrong" church could make or break a campaign, which is why seeing very overtly religious figures running for the Republican ticket this year is interesting.
Bachmann's religion is not the only thing propelling her reputation in the media. She makes Sarah Palin's comments look intelligent because Bachmann, somehow, is the queen of saying the wrong thing. As seen in most of her public appearances, Bachmann is not the most eloquent speaker yet she will make sure that people watching know she is running for President. When confronted about her ideals or past comments, Bachmann is only able to repeat herself and not exactly answer the question. The better question is who would win between Bachmann or Palin? Check this website out for some of her ridiculous comments: http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/06/16/246618/bachmann-craziest-quotes/
It will be interesting to see where Bachmann fits into the campaign as Rick Perry, her evangelical competition, vies for a spot amongst the conservatives.
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