Bachmann's Birther Weasel Words

I suppose George Stephanopoulos is mad as hell and he's not gonna take it anymore when it comes to prominent Republicans and their birther bullshit. On Sunday, Stephanopoulos took on Hair Combover for Men President Donald Trump, and this morning his guest was Tea Party darling Michele Bachmann, who took time out of her schedule receiving "messages from the Mothership" to answer some questions. While she basically blames President Obama for the extension of the Bush tax cuts, conveniently forgetting that the GOP used unemployment insurance extensions and payroll tax cuts as hostages, she's also questioned about the never ending birther nonsense that they won't let go.



Yes, she's congenial in her answers but for me, it wasn't good enough. They can't step away from the "I'll take the president at his word" talking point which casts just enough doubt in the minds of conspiracy theorists. And while she agrees with Stephanopoulos that it's a dead issue and there are more important things to worry about, she struggles to hold on to it with her fingernails by suggesting Obama "introduce" his documents. "Introduce" as in "to make known for the first time." She says it twice.

MB: "... I have no problem giving my birth certificate, it wouldn't bother me at all. I've got one, its authenticated, take it." 

GS: "Well, but so does the president. According to the bill 'a candidate for president or vice president shall attach to and file with the affidavit a copy of the candidate's birth certificate certified by the appropriate official in the candidate's state of birth.'" 

MB: "That's right." 

GS: "Well I have the president's certificate right here. It's certified, it's got a certification number, it's got the registrar of the state, signed. It's got a seal on it. And it says: 'This copy serves as prima facie evidence of the fact of birth in any court proceeding.'" 

MB: "Well, then that should settle it. That's what should settle it. I take the president at his word and I think -- again I would have no problem and apparently the president wouldn't, either. Introduce that, we're done. Move on, end of story." 

GS: "Well it has been introduced. So this case - this story's over." 

MB: "Well as long as someone introduces it, I guess it's over." 

GS: "It's right here." 

MB: "There ya go."

Clinging to the tiniest shred of doubt, still talking as if this hasn't been dealt with for the last three years, she still uses the present tense, "as long as someone introduces it..." So, sorry Michele Bachmann, no credit. Those are weasel words.

I used to think Michele Bachmann was just dumb. Now I think she's diabolically duplicitous. She'll say anything she needs to in front of whatever audience to gain acceptance. Don't be surprised if she casts doubt on what she just said today, and flip-flops tomorrow back at her Fox News home base.