Bachmann Tax Day Rally Flops

Tea Party favorite says she 'can't wait to go up against President Obama'
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 20, 2011 5:41 AM CDT
Michele Bachmann Tax Day Rally Flops
Michele Bachmann speaks during a Tea Party rally at the State House, Monday, April 18, 2011 in Columbia, S.C.    (AP Photo/The State, Gerry Melendez)

South Carolina didn't exactly roll out the red carpet for devout Tea Partier and possible GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann on Monday. Only around 300 people—including political operatives and members of the media—turned up at a Tax Day rally in Columbia, about a tenth of the number the event has attracted in previous years, CBS reports. Gov. Nikki Haley co-starred at the event, which her onetime alleged paramour and GOP blogger Will Folks labeled a "dud."

Bachmann, who is expected to announce her presidential plans in June, slammed the TARP bailout and told the crowd that Obama is "the best friend that Wall Street has ever had." She told reporters afterward that she "can't wait to go up against President Obama," saying "I think that it would be a pleasure to debate the issues with President Obama because he has a lot to answer for." (More Michele Bachmann 2012 stories.)

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