Michele Bachmann's Silent Coup d'etat

It's Always the Quiet Ones

Its hard to realistically call Representative Michele Bachmann (R-MN) a quiet politician. After her much aired debate with Senator Arlen Specter where she screamed him down on the airwaves (D-PA) or as  her presence continues to balloon within the conservative movement, it seems laughable to consider anything she does as 'silent'. Yet that is the exact word one has to use to describe the magnificent power plays Bachmann has recently employed to secure her place as a prominent figure within the Republican Party. After starting the election cycle by being designated as a vulnerable member of the House, Bachmann's master moves have her winning reelection by a margin of 55% to 37% against her Democratic challenger Tarryl Clark (D-MN). The fact that the media has not reported her brilliant moves nor has the Republican establishment heralded her victories, just shows the true cunning behind her brilliance. 

 
How Michele Bachmann will take over the World

 So far her plan for world domination has revolved around two key points: quietly establishing a political action committee (or PAC) and also establishing the House Tea Party Caucus. Now these two moves might seem insignificant or dull to some, but they actually signal much more activity to come. First, the development of Bachmann's leadership PAC, MICHELEPAC, is typical basic organization for anyone considering to mount a campaign to become president. Now before anyone freaks out, this does not mean that is even her plans, the purpose of the PAC however, is to establish a more national name recognition as well as to get people elected to Congress who agree with Michele Bachmann's views. This will also allow her to become a political godmother, helping her develop a key group of support within the House of Representatives itself.

The second power play that went unnoticed by the national news media was the establishment of the House Tea Party Congress, created by, and presumably to be lead by, Rep. Bachmann. This gives her an actual organization within the House that Bachmann can lead and use to build coalitions to propel legislation that she supports to the forefront of the agenda. Already fifty-two members of Congress have joined this group, including: Mike Pence (R-IN), Pete Hoekstra (R-MI), and Joe Wilson (R-SC). Creating and leading this caucus also allows Bachmann to contend for a leadership position within the national Tea Party Movement as well. She is now able to join the same stage as former Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK) and Senator Jim Demint (R-SC) and bring some clout to the table that she is devoted to the movement and plays a major part within it. If Michele Bachmann is able to harness the full support of the Tea Party, or at least a majority of it, a feat no politician has been able to accomplish, she would establish herself as one of the leading figures, if not the leading figure of the Republican Party.

So now your asking, 'well what does any of this matter if she isn't planning on mounting a bid for the presidency?' The answer to that is simple, she is beholden to those who are already contending for the support. It is public knowledge the Bachmann is considered Sarah Palin's Lt. Mama Grizzly in her push to purify the Republican Party. But nothing is stopping her from positioning herself to grab at one of two other much sought after positions in the United States Government. For example, if Sarah Palin were to mount a successful bid for the Republican Presidential Nomination (something she could easily do) she would want to pick a vice presidential candidate closest to her views and that already has national name recognition as well as a large support base. Thus enters Michele Bachmann. Another example would be that if she is indeed able to establish herself as the Tea Queen, then she has a base of support to attempt an internal campaign to become the  next Speaker of the House. Is it not the best form of victory to replace the radical left wing Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) with the far right Michele Bachmann? It would seem a match made in heaven.

Michele Bachmann has cleverly and skillfully placed herself in the perfect position to pursue any option that may become available to her in the future. By preempting others within her own party, she has begun to establish herself as a national candidate as well as one of the possible leaders of the Tea Party Movement which has proven itself to be powerful force in the 2010 midterm elections. With the power of voter frustration at her back and as the leader of a House Caucus my advice is for Nancy Pelosi, John Boehner (R-OH), and any possible v.p. picks to watch out, this is Michele Bachmann's world, your just living in it.

Later,
Cody

(Photo: Courtesy of the Associated Press)