The Gift that Keeps on Giving

I can't tell you how many times that phrase has come to mind when I read about the antics of US Representative Michele Bachmann as she takes over Washington, and there it was today on the Star Tribune's Blog House:

Rep. Michele Bachmann has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving.

First, there was her hiding behind the bushes at a gay rights rally at the State Capitol. Then she was "trapped" in a restroom by some lesbians after a public meeting.

Then the hyper-religious politician claimed she was unaware that one of her church's basic tenets involved dissing the pope. And, of course, there was her groupie-esque behavior at the State of the Union.

Now she's acting like she's secretary of state for Fredonia. In an interview with the St. Cloud Times last month, Bachmann revealed that the deal is done -- Iran is going to take over half of Iraq, turn it into a terrorist breeding ground and name it "Iraq State of Islam, something like that." Because when you're making a case for war, who needs to be precise?

Or even truthful? Bachmann, after gaining just a little media scrutiny for her explosive revelation, backtracked like a Vikings defensive back. Her statement, she said, was "misconstrued." She did not, however, explain how a statement on tape could be "misconstrued" by everyone who listened to it. A commentary by Bachmann in Friday's Star Tribune added little clarity to what she was claiming.

I'll bet there is some voter remorse in the 6th Congressional District. If she keeps this up she'll soon become a regular on late-night C-Span the way my old Ohio Rep. James Traficant used to be with his trademark: "Beam me up Scotty!"