Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.)
Chair, House Tea Party Caucus
Friday, August 27, 2010;
12:30 PM
Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), chairwoman of the House Tea Party Caucus, was online Friday, Aug. 27, at 12:30 p.m. ET to discuss the conservative movement and the Glenn Beck 'Restoring Honor' rally scheduled for tomorrow at the Lincoln Memorial. She will be appearing at the event.
Complete Coverage: Glenn Beck and Al Sharpton: The rallies of 8/28
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Fairfax, Va.: Many think the Glenn Beck rally seems like it is political; he says it's not. But many Tea Party people will be there, including yourself. What will everyone be talking about and doing if it's not political? Please explain.
Michele Bachmann: Thank you for your question. The focus of the rally will be on American exceptionalism. Hence, the title Restoring Honor. I was on the plane this morning from Minnesota, and it was packed with people who are coming to attend the rally. They are pumped and excited about moving America forward with a positive vision. Glenn Beck is expected to remind everyone of the greatness of our founding values. Thank you for your question.
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Anonymous: Ms. Bachmann, How do you perceive that the Tea Party can establish an "open tent" for the inclusion of minorities of every color, persuasion, and religion within your ranks? At this time, many percieve the Tea party as anti-minority interests? Thank you
Michele Bachmann: The Tea Party already is an open tent. I have had African Americans, Latino's, men, woman, young, old, retired and people from every economic strata contact me with their concern for the Obama Agenda. They are all supportive of restoring America back to our Constitutional framework. The Tea Party is not about one group of people, it is a movement for everyone who believes this government is getting too big, taxing too much and spending at an out of control level. Thank you for your question and I look forward to seeing you at a Tea Party event in the future!
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Alexandria, Va.: Why are you allowing this to be billed as a Tea Party event while failing to acknowledge Marcus Luttrell's participation and the actual purpose of the event, which is to raise money for veterans of the Special Forces communities and their families?
Michele Bachmann: There are many events in Washington, DC this weekend. Some are Tea Party events and some are not. Glenn Beck has repeatedly stated his event is not a political rally. I hope everyone is able to attend regardless of Political affiliation.
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Nowhere: Why is the tea party so extremist and divisive and leaning towards violence using terms like reload?
Michele Bachmann: The Tea Party is one of the broadest political movements of the modern era. It is made up of people who are disaffected Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, Constitution party and everyone in between including people who are non political.
The Tea Party is not a political party, it is a set of ideas, which include government not spending more money then it takes in, people are taxed enough already, and the government needs to be reminded to act within the limits of the Constitution. What is extremist about that?
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Houston, Tex.: I will be there tomorrow. I am a travel agent and just pulled up D.C. hotel availability for tonight -- I see three hotels in all of D.C. with any rooms available! Amazing!
Michele Bachmann: It is amazing the level of interest of people who are coming to Washington, DC this weekend. Consider the fact that this is the end of the summer vacation and school is already starting. Additionally, the economy is struggling and people are paying their own way to be here tomorrow! They should be commended! I hope you are able to find some lodging!
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Anonymous: What positive agenda items does the Beck rally or the Tea Party in general offer to American-born minority citizens who always have had honor, character and patriotism? Thank you
Michele Bachmann: Character, patriotism and honor are qualities that have distinguished the American people from the inception of our country. We all need to live up to these high standards. Thank you for your thoughts!
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Tampa, Fla.: Let's say Sarah Palin runs for pPresident. Let's say she picks you as her running mate. In that case, would we Bachmann Palin Overdrive (like the '70s band, Bachman Turner Overdrive)?
Michele Bachmann: Just so you know my favorite Bachmann Turner Overdrive song is "Taking Care of Business"!
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Salinas, Calif.: It seems to me that the "greatness of our founding values" was the ability to balance the democratic impulse of Jefferson with the federalism of Hamilton. In essense, a compromise of conflicting interests for the greater good. Are those the values you and Mr. Beck will be about?
Michele Bachmann: The greatness of America is established in our nations founding documents, beginning with the Declaration of Independence, our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Think of the Declaration as America's mission statement and the Constitution as the structural framework for that mission statement. The purpose of the Bill of Rights was to ensure maximum individual liberties by placing restraints on the power of the federal government to act.
The Founders held a keen understanding of human nature which is why they sought to divide and separate government's power with the extra insurance of limited that power expressly in the bill of rights! Government based in the understanding of human nature has proved to be the most effective in over 234 years of America's existence.
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Michele Bachmann: Thank you all for joining us today on here today. I apologize for the short chat but it is an extremely busy day here in Washington, DC. I look forward to doing this again in the near future! Thanks and God Bless!
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