Bachmann uses forwarded e-mail crap to formulate policy decisions

[BurtWorm]

Another GOP golden age is upon us...


http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/bachmann-outraged-over-made-up-cost-of-obamas-india-trip-video.php?ref=fpb




Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) was on CNN last night, and host Anderson Cooper pressed her to get
specific about what programs she would cut to reduce the deficit.

"Republican Paul Ryan has suggested sharp cuts in Medicare and Social Security. Are you willing to make cuts there?" Cooper asked. But Bachmann wasn't initially interested in discussing Medicare and Social Security. Instead, she responded to Cooper by arguing about a much more pressing matter: the cost of President Obama's upcoming trip to India.

"Well I think we know that just within a day or so the President of the United States will be taking a trip over to India that is expected to cost the taxpayers $200 million a day," Bachmann said. "He's taking two thousand people with him. He'll be renting out over 870 rooms in India. And these are 5-star hotel rooms at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. This is the kind of over-the-top spending, it's a very small example, Anderson."

But wait: $200 million a day? Snopes.com says that the $200 million figure, which has been picked up by right-wing blogs, is "probably false." Snopes traced the rumor back to an anonymous Indian government official, quoted in a Press Trust of India article published on Tuesday. Factcheck.org calls the claim "highly doubtful," and points out that the entire war in Afghanistan currently costs about $190 million a day (h/t AJC).

"The numbers reported in this article have no basis in reality. Due to security concerns, we are unable to outline details associated with security procedures and costs, but it's safe to say these numbers are wildly inflated," Deputy White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told TPM in an e-mail.

Last night, though, Bachmann wouldn't have it.

"But don't all Presidents take overseas trips, and stay in hotels where there's security?" Cooper asked Bachmann.

"Not, not, not at this level. We have never seen this sort of an entourage going with a President before. And I think this is an example of the massive overspending that we've seen, not only just in the last two years, but really in the last four," she responded.

[ananda]

1. Our government.. safe in the hands of deranged idiots.

nt

[gratuitous]

2. Wow, way to take her on, Anderson

"Don't all Presidents take overseas trips?" Devastating, that.

How about, "Where the fuck did you get that information, you crazy-ass nutbag whom I wouldn't trust around the corner with a burnt-out match?"

And remember: Cooper gets paid more than you and I put together to be a professional journalist.

[JackintheGreen]

3. Actually, there's probably a folklore paper in here somewhere

If I wasn't finishing my diss on India right now I'd be on the make to publish something on this.

[MineralMan]

4. Bachmann opens her mouth, and

brown smelly stuff emerges. It's a phenomenon.

[Canuckistanian]

5. Where's he supposed to stay, the Motel Six?

If they even have them in India.

And WTF does Bachmann know about Presidential traveling costs?

[pinboy3niner]

6. Too pricey--he'll have to settle for a Motel 5

:evilgrin: