Michele Bachmann Wows 'Em in Iowa

Her populist message overshadows speeches by Gingrich, Barbour
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 26, 2011 6:16 PM CDT
Michele Bachmann Gets Enthusiastic Response From Iowa Conference
U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., speaks during the Conservative Principles Conference hosted by U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, Saturday.   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Potential GOP candidates Newt Gingrich, Haley Barbour, and former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain tested the waters at an Iowa forum today, but all took a back seat to Michele Bachmann, reports Politico. ("Steals the show" is how the headline puts it; other reports don't go quite that far, but they point out that she easily got the biggest and most enthusiastic reception. See the AP, Des Moines Register and ABC News.)

Bachmann delivered a blistering criticism of President Obama—"can anyone say Jimmy Carter"—on everything from health care to the stimulus to his "third Middle Eastern war," along with a populist message that included a call for abolition of the tax code. She also affirmed she's planning a 2012 run. "Are you in? Are you in for 2012?" she asked the cheering crowd. "I agree. I'm in." (More Michele Bachmann stories.)

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