Rush Limbaugh describes Rep. Michele Bachmann as “a strong spokeswoman for unapologetic conservatism” and says the left is making a big mistake by writing her off as a “flame-throwing lightweight.”
The talk show host waxes wildly enthusiastic about the Minnesota Republican in a profile for “Time 100,” Time magazine’s annual list of 100 most influential people.
Limbaugh writes that he is “a great admirer” of Bachmann, a potential 2012 presidential candidate.
“Far from being the fringe outlier depicted by the mainstream media — and all too often by some on the right — she is a strong spokeswoman for unapologetic conservatism. She is neither extreme nor unreasonable, which is why her philosophy has resonated with grass-roots conservatives,” he said.
One reason he’s a fan: the way the founder and head of the House Tea Party Caucus responds to a barrage of often-barbed criticism.
“She is energized, rather than deterred, by the caustic criticism she constantly endures,” he said.
Another reason he likes her: “She is unafraid to speak out against the crushing debt crisis we face.”
Limbaugh contends that Bachmann, 55, has been a victim of a double standard. He points out that she went from being a stay-at-home mom for five children – and, over the years, 23 foster kids – to becoming a federal tax litigation attorney. After serving in Minnesota’s state Senate, Bachmann was elected to the U.S. House in 2006.
“If she were liberal, she'd be celebrated from the mountaintops. But she's conservative,” Limbaugh said.
He also thinks the left picks on Bachmann for a host of unfair reasons.
“So because she is smart, talented and accomplished and a natural leader — not to mention attractive — the left brands her as a flame-throwing lightweight,” Limbaugh said. “They underestimate her at their own risk.”
Limbaugh isn’t the only conservative talker warming up to Bachmann. Glenn Beck recently said he would like to see her as the running-mate on a GOP presidential ticket headed by Rep. Allen West of Florida. They would make his “dream team,” Beck said on his radio show.
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