Her home run came when she was asked if America is still the shining city on the hill. She noted its biblical origin (the book of Matthew), the sermon in which it was famously used (John Winthrop) and even the year (1630). No history errors there.
Now, I did not attend or otherwise watch the Freedom Forum. Nor have I read a transcript of what was specifically said by each of the candidates in attendance. It is entirely possible that Congresswoman Bachmann provided a cool, rational, compelling narrative rooted in America’s traditions and identity.
But you wouldn’t know if from reading Jennifer Rubin.
No, Ms. Rubin seems to believe that the Congresswoman’s statement was most compelling for the fact that she avoided historical inaccuracy. Is this what qualifies as notable achievement in the republican primary? A candidate publicly commits to igniting a constitutional crisis (something Ms. Rubin praised Romney for avoiding, I might add), but it’s fine, because she’s "merely" wrong on that point, and at least avoided factually incorrect statements this time around?
The fact of the matter is, Michele Bachmann has demonstrated time and time again that she is not only misinformed on simple facts, but on the substance of the law and policy that undergirds her entire identity. The states DO have wide-ranging police powers under the Constitution; how can we look past her thinking otherwise? The Supreme Court IS the ultimate arbiter of the law; how can we take seriously anyone who says otherwise? There are intelligent, accomplished, capable candidates willing and ready to serve as the standard-bearer of the republican party in the 2012 election, so can we please stop wasting time on clowns?
No comments:
Post a Comment