Liveblogging Michele Bachmann at CPAC
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Surprising amount of genuine feeling, passionate story-telling by Michele Bachmann, and on interesting topics. Given my low expectations going into the speech, I was actually impressed! Professor Bachmann would get an A on www.ratemyprofessors.com.
Posted at 1:33pm by Tim Mak
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This is the full quote alluded to by Michele Bachmann. Remarks made by Dr. Joseph Warren, delivered in Boston, 1775:
Our streets are again filled with armed men; our harbour is crowded with ships of war; but these cannot intimidate us; our liberty must be preserved; it is far dearer than life, we hold it even dear as our allegiance; we must defend it against the attacks of friends as well as enemies; we cannot suffer even Britons to ravish it from us.
Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution. On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves. The faltering tongue of hoary age calls on you to support your country. The lisping infant raises its suppliant hands, imploring defence against the monster slavery. Your fathers look from their celestial seats with smiling approbation on their sons, who boldly stand forth in the cause of virtue; but sternly frown upon the inhuman miscreant, who, to secure the loaves and fishes to himself, would breed a serpent to destroy his children.
Posted at 1:30pm by Tim Mak
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Bachmann's finishing line: "I charge you again today. As [American Revolutionary War patriot] Joseph Warren said 'Act worthy of yourselves'."
Posted at 1:21pm by Tim Mak
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Strangely interesting history lecture by Prof. Bachmann. She discusses founding fathers, quotes Joseph Warren, talks about Germany post WWI.
Nothing crazy yet.
Posted at 1:16pm by Tim Mak
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Debt implosion is terrible, says Professor Bachmann. She cites Germany in 1920s and Argentina in 1940s. Bachmann continues by saying that "you can indulge in fantasy football, but you can't indulge in fantasy economics!"
Bachmann reads out the Declaration of Independence. Crowd joins in.
Posted at 1:10pm by Tim Mak
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Professor Bachmann runs us through the state of the American economy. Now with charts!
Posted at 1:05pm by Tim Mak
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Before bailouts "100 percent of the private economy was private," says Bachmann. Really?
Since then 30 percent has been taken over by the government, she claims.
Posted at 1:03pm by Tim Mak
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Tech problems: Bachmann tries to go to slide two: "Can I get some help here, Mr. Producer?"
Puts up a really packed graph on the screen showing annual American deficits
Posted at 1:01pm by Tim Mak
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Charles Krauthammer gets a round of applause, when Bachmann mentions his column in the Weekly Standard: "'Decline is a Choice"
Posted at 12:58pm by Tim Mak
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Right side of the room: packed to the hilt. Left side is empty. Totally empty. Conscious decisions by attendees?
Posted at 12:56pm by Tim Mak
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First slide of Bachmann's speech: Bush waving, with the subtitle "Miss me yet?"
Posted at 12:55pm by Tim Mak
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Michele Bachmann arrives. "Thank you Arlen Specter," she starts. "How does it feel to be part of the waiting majority?"
Posted at 12:52pm by Tim Mak
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Morrissey in introducing Bachmann: "She comes from a state whose Senator is Al Franken!"
"ACORN!" Yell several voices in the room, along with a chorus of unhappy muttering.
Posted at 12:51pm by Tim Mak
Surprise visit from Rush Limbaugh, who appears via video conferencing to introduce Ed Morrissey, who will in turn introduce Bachmann. Manages to make a swipe at "drive-by media" saying Morrissey proves citizen journalism can be better than MSM.
Posted at 12:50pm by Tim Mak
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Bachmann is 10 minutes late!
Posted at 12:30pm by Bryce McNitt
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Best and Worst of CPAC
WORST: I'll be reporting from Michelle Bachmann's speech at CPAC, starting in a few minutes.
If I have a seizure, please drag me out of the room and put me in a dark, soundless room without any external stimuli for twenty-four hours. Thanks you.
Posted at 12:27pm by Tim Mak
