July 20, 2011, - 2:50 pm

Michele Bachmann’s Migraine Headaches, Courtesy of Tucker “Dancing Star” Carlson

By Debbie Schlussel

As you should know from my previous posts on this site over the last few years, I’m not exactly a huge fan of any of the announced Republican candidates for President.  That said, the one I like the most (so far) is Michele Bachmann.  She’s made several silly verbal gaffes, but I can live with that.  And, in general, I like her positions on the issues, which she articulates well.  She also understands the jihadist threat to America and is willing to say so.

Huge Headache?: Tucker Carlson Tries to Destroy Michele Bachmann

Now, it has come up–through a hit piece on faux-conservative, bowtied-brat, “Dancing with the Stars” contestant, and failed MSNBC/CNN/PBS host/FOX News contributor Tucker Carlson’s Daily Caller–that Bachmann is plagued by migraine headaches that would allegedly keep her from performing her duties adequately as President.

As someone who suffers from debilitating migraine headaches, I sympathize with Mrs. Bachmann.  I only get 1-3 of them a year, and they have never stopped me from adequately representing clients, showing up in court, or keeping obligations.  I work through it and do what I have to do, and I usually get them on the weekends when I finally get respite from a lot of hard work and little sleep.  Bachmann’s case is reportedly more severe and has taken her off the campaign trail and away from work at least once a month, if the reports are to be believed, and I’m not sure I believe them.  If the reports are true and she’s taken away for days on end every month, then she would not be a good choice for President.  On the other hand, how many days has Barack Obama absconded from the work of the nation for the important duties of golf, hanging out in Hawaii or Martha’s Vineyard, or hanging out with rapper Jay-Z?

If Bachmann’s headaches took her away from work so often, I believe we’d  have heard about it earlier in her three-term Congressional career.  She is hated by the entire left and the media, and they are constantly trolling for something on her.  Given that and the kind of media world in which we now live, it’s very difficult these days, unlike in the time of JFK, to keep stuff like this a secret.  It can be done, but it’s nearly impossible.  However, yesterday, when ABC News’ Brian Ross asked her if the headaches ever caused her to miss votes, she did not respond.  That’s troubling.  If she missed a few votes for migraines, it’s not a big deal.  If she missed major votes because of it, it might be more important, but no more so than any other Member of Congress missing votes for illness, which happens and we put up with it.  Mrs. Bachmann should have responded with a truthful answer, instead of avoiding the question.  When people do that, it’s suspicious, and now every vote she ever missed will be scrutinized with the question of, “Hey, did she have her migraine then?”

I think Michele Bachmann could answer all of the questions and move on, if she released her medical records.  Then, we would know the full story.  And we could certainly say she’s been far more open than the current President who won’t release records on much of anything.  We don’t know anything about his college years, and he won’t even tell us about his more recent experiences at anti-Israel, jihadist confabs, like his appearance at Rashid Khalidi’s Arab American Action Network dinner, where the entertainment was a bunch of young kids who do “dances” consisting of simulated beheadings of American soldiers.

Because of the nature of Republican politics and primaries, I don’t think Bachmann will be the Republican nominee for President, despite her strong showing in the polls, right now.  As we all know, the nominee usually ends up being some empty-headed, faux-conservative talk show host type like John McCain or Mitt Romney.  And I think that Romney–who denounced America when he ran the bloated Olympics and doesn’t have the guts or decency to speak out against his church’s multi-million dollar contributions to a HAMAS charity–will, sadly, be the nominee.  Mitt happens.

I would be happy to vote for Michele Bachman if she were the nominee.  And I believe Mitt Romney’s people are the reason this story was released.  She is his biggest threat.  And he wants to make sure the establishment candidate–himself–takes the prize.  With Tucker Carlson’s help, this story is doing Bachmann some damage.

What do you think about this whole thing?  Do you believe the stories?  Is it just an attempt to trash and destroy Michele Bachmann’s surging campaign?

We will learn more as the campaign season continues.  Remember, the Iowa Caucuses are just a half-year away.






42 Responses

Reminds me of the controversy over Troy Middleton’s appointment to head an Army Corp in WWII. He had severe arthritis that could prevent him from walking. Bradley said he preferred a General with arthritis in his knees rather than his head, and Eisenhower said that they’d carry him into battle on a litter, if necessary.

The job has been handled by men in wheelchairs (FDR), jaw tumors (Cleveland), and suffering from a chimpanzee brain transplant (Carter). I couldn’t care less about her headaches.

Occam's Tool on July 20, 2011 at 2:56 pm

Don’t forget JFK’s bad back.

Broomer on July 20, 2011 at 2:59 pm

Both me and a good friend of mine suffer from migraines due to different medical conditions. Either one of us would be disqualified from the Presidency due to this. So since she has migraines and continues dodging the questions, maybe there IS an underlying condition causing it. It should seriouly be looked into.

Lee on July 20, 2011 at 3:03 pm

Hi Debbie
Bachmann is my choice too. She’s a real conservative who fights for her beliefs and does so eloquently. I don’t believe the migraines are as bad as they were protrayed in the article, because NONE of the sources wanted to be named. And you had a great point about all of Obama’s NUMEROUS golf outings and fundraisers that took him out of the loop. Nobody in the media is complaining about that. Of course, that’s probably because they’re either playing golf with him or donating money to him. I had a feeling you’d weigh in on this with your history of migraines, and I’m glad you did.

Sean M. on July 20, 2011 at 3:03 pm

I wouldn’t be surprised either if we find out that Romney’s campaign was behind this. She’s gained quit a bit of ground in the polls, people like her and she sticks to her principles. There is going to be a lot more mud slung in the next few months. Strap in.

Road Warrior on July 20, 2011 at 3:12 pm

It might also be Perry who’s behind all of this. His handlers are trying to portray him as a ‘more established conservative’ than Bachmann. They may not succeed as his horrible record on illegal immigration is starting to get more publicity now.

She is in her mid-50s, and there aren’t too many people that age that are symptom-free any more. If the worst they can (potentially) find on her is migraines, rather than STDs, cardiac or stroke problems, diabetes or cancer, she is in pretty good shape. She would have access to the best doctors and medical facilities in the world as president, and I suspect they could deal with something like migraines.

Her detractors are getting desperate. Unlike Palin, she can handle herself under pressure; her response to Chris (good Jewish name) Wallace’s calling her a lightweight is an example — it suggests she can handle herself against liberal interviewers, and in debates against BO.

She could put the Republican ‘elite’ on the spot in a way that Palin could not.

Little Al on July 20, 2011 at 3:14 pm

I don’t have a problem with her having migraines from time to time. Anyway, it is the cabinet that runs the day to day affairs of the country, and hopefully she would be far more astute in appointing conservatives to these positions than President Bush was, who appointed Jimmy Carter style liberals, like Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell, doing major damage to our country.

I don’t get migraines nearly as much now that I make sure I don’t eat anything with MSG in it. Anything by FritoLays is loaded with MSG.

JM on July 20, 2011 at 3:17 pm

I’ve liked Michele Bachman ever since she hit the national scene. Her migraines haven’t kept her from building her visibility over the last 2.5 years – she’s been more outspoken and hardworking than just about any member of congress in either house. I think this story has an anti-woman edge to it, stoking up the “weaker woman” embers to see if they can fan it into flames, but it is not a fair argument and should die down. Most everyone has some physical issue to deal with, and reasonable people know this.

Mz Brown on July 20, 2011 at 3:26 pm

Hmmmm. I would be shocked if Flip Flopney was behind this. I know some think she is a stalking horse for HIM. I still haven’t figured that out. I know Savage is peeved at her. I do dislike Ed Rollins, too.

But what I know for sure is that Liberals are afraid of her and will try to take her down. If she is indeed a stalking horse for Romney, I will have no respect for her, but I like her so far. We’ll see. More must be developed.

I hope Col Allen West does NOT apologize to that vile POS Debbie Blabbermouth-Schultz. Now there is a woman that people should hurl invective at but nnnnnnnoooooo. She’s the worst of the worst and that is why the Dems gave her the head DNC chair. The dirty dems know how to fight and won’t EVER do Lucy and the Football…as the Republicans continue to do.

Skunky on July 20, 2011 at 3:30 pm

With friends like Romney and Perry in the republican party,who needs enemies.

Back stabbing bass-turds

It doesn’t matter WHAT they dig up on Bachmann,I’d still vote for her over Obama.

ebayer on July 20, 2011 at 3:32 pm

I think that the only woman qualified to be the president of the United States is a pro abortion, anti gun, victimized woman that lives as a doormat under the foot of her husband who has cheated on her numerous times and she continues to be treated as a victim.

That’s how the press sees a woman qualifier for the POTUS anyway. I believe the whole story is garbage and they will continue to throw garbage as long as she remains in the race. At least if she suffers from migraines, she might be laid up in the White House for a few days, but the point is that she would be actually IN the White House.

sharon on July 20, 2011 at 3:34 pm

A number of presidents have had debilitating migraines. Now, there are injections which end the headache within thirty minutes (if you can drive to the doctor). As there is always a doctor in the White House, these headaches will not prevent her from being president, but will win her some votes, as 30-50 million Americans get migraines on a routine basis at sometime in their life.

I know, the hard way.

Jonathan E. Grant on July 20, 2011 at 3:45 pm

One of the most important criteria for me is : “Who CAN’T be bought or scared off by oil/Arab/Islamo money?” Bachmann seems to rank high in that regard, and that is one reason I like her, too.

Not Ovenready on July 20, 2011 at 3:46 pm

If I’m not mistaken, but I believe Tucker Carlson made a controversy statement last winter against Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles? It was posted on Andrew Breitbart’s blog (breitbart.tv) that Carlson made that little remark about Vick.

Now to Michelle Bachmann, she’s ok, to Skunky, I to have heard Dr. Savage has been a little disappointed at her. He mentioned that either she’s snubbing us the listeners and fans (that’s me, you Skunky and some posters on this blog) of his show on her own or her advisors are advising her to not appear on the “Savage Nation” again?

Debbie, I do hope that Ms. Bachmann is strong regarding to the threat of islamiazian to this country, but I also notice that she hired Ed Rollins who gave a speech at a anti-semitic arabic/muslim conference sometime ago. I remember you had that exchange with Mr. Rollins DS, and Rollins couldn’t have been any wrong on what he said to you.

“A nation is defined by its borders, language & culture!”

Sean R. on July 20, 2011 at 4:07 pm

Little Al writes, “her response to Chris (good Jewish name) Wallace’s calling her a lightweight is an example …”

I think the term he used was “flake”. In retrospect, I’ve thought that the proper respomse to Wallace’s “Are you a flake?” question was, “I don’t know, Chris. Are you an arrogant toad?” I think Wallace’s head would have exploded.

Whether her migraines are serious enough to raise doubts about her qualifications, well, we don’t know. There are lots of things we don’t know about the candidates because they or the press that covers for them have decided we “don’t need to know”. The LA Times will no doubt cover the migraine question, but will keep the Khalidi dinner tape in the safe until Obama leaves public life.

In general, I’m averse to going with those with only or primarily legislative experience. Not just because they often have little in the way of achievements, but because they’re just one of many – 1 of 435 in the House, 1 of 100 in the Senate. I prefer someone who knows what “the buck stops here” means. Reagan had that experience. Obama never did.

Raymond in DC on July 20, 2011 at 4:41 pm

With the level of scrutiny Bachmann has received in recent years, it is unlikely that frequent and long absences from Congress would not have been noticed by her opponents. Also, if she gets to much into the topic of her migraines, will it end there? She should give such a full disclosure if it can be done in such a way that will end the chatter on the subject.

Worry01 on July 20, 2011 at 4:41 pm

I don’t care about Michele Bachmann’s alleged migraines. But until Bachmann fires her campaign manager Ed Rollins, I cannot support her.

DFG on July 20, 2011 at 4:43 pm

migraine shmigraine

lotsa people get them…those who have access to free A-1 medical care seem to have the most success at controlling them…IF they really want to

lifestyle changes and medication usually do the trick

past presidents who suffered didn’t have the medical options we have now

if she gets the nomination, maybe I’ll vote for her

personally I would rather not see a woman in that office – even if her political views are the same as mine – this is not the UK and she is not Maggie Thatcher

OTOH Mitt Romney would be even worse! But I don’t see him getting the nod, he has yet to fess up to signing MassCare into law…and sowwwwwwy, Ron Paul is TOO OLD…Rick Perry is a RINO AND we don’t need another former Gov. of Texas running the country

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb as usual on election day!

I’m getting a migraine just thinking about it…

detroit_murder_capitol on July 20, 2011 at 4:45 pm

“Mitt Happens.” I like that. Sums up his vision thing.

Seek on July 20, 2011 at 5:13 pm

Really? This is supposed to be “mud”?

I could not possibly care less if Bachmann gets migraines. It has absolutely ZERO to do with her qualifications to be a President.

If that’s the best Mitt-4-brains can dig up, Bachmann has this in the bag.

pitandpen on July 20, 2011 at 6:07 pm

..I think Michele Bachmann could answer all of the questions and move on, if she released her medical records.<<

Michele Bachmann released a doctor's letter today.

Mark Levin said that he's anxiously awaiting a letter from Barack Obama's doctor about his cocaine use. (Michelle Obama said the other day that she's in better shape than Barack, but we'll never know because Mr. Transparency doesn't show us his medical records.)

Barry Popik on July 20, 2011 at 7:08 pm

“Youths oppress my people, women rule over them. O my people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path” (Isaiah 3:12)

You’re not going to reverse the decline of society by ripping out the foundations [i.e. women] and nailing it to the top of the structure.

sg on July 20, 2011 at 7:21 pm

If this were about a democrat, the media would talk about how cruel it is to “attack” someone who has migraines and that the Republicans and “tea party wing nuts” hate people with migraines. Ed Schultz would literally explode on MSNBC.

GianniV on July 20, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    “Ed Schultz would literally explode on MSNBC.”

    Got that right Gianni, could you imagine if Ms. Bachmann where a “Democrat” and she had migrane issues and it mentioned by the other political end, I also can guarantee you that that jackass Keith Odorwoman on Court-TV would do his pathetic rant of “Worst people in the world”, where he urinates and does number two in his dress pants and become blue in the face and get all riled-up against the Republicans and some conservative talk show host for bringing up Bachmann’s headaches, if she was a democrat!

    “A nation is defined by its borders, language & culture!”

    Sean R. on July 20, 2011 at 7:57 pm

Debbie:

If Ms Bachman really DOES have a migrane problem severe enough to incapacitate her on occasion, shouldn’t she qualify for “reasonable accommadation” under the Americans For Disability Act?

FDR hid his medical condition from the public, as did many other public figures.

But now, a “disability” is considered a “badge of honor”, unless, of course, you are a Republican.

Frank Zavisca on July 20, 2011 at 7:33 pm

They’re “cycle” headaches- my wife used to get them Although brutal it’s not anything she can’t handle. Anyway, Bachmann’s approaching that age where she won’t even remember when her last period was. She’ll be fine! The libbies loathe her which is incentive enough to vote for her. We’ll see!

Patrick on July 20, 2011 at 8:59 pm

Whatever happened to, “Thou shalt not speak ill of another Republican?”

Solomon2 on July 20, 2011 at 9:31 pm

No, R; Bachmann is an accomplished attorney and realizes that the best way to answer Wallace is not to exchange epithets with him, but to systematically demolish his smears. Snarks like Wallace, Rove, Romney and Perry will try to get Bachmann to lose her cool, lose her temper and get out of control. Exchanging epithets is a way of losing control, and would detract from the perception of dignity that a president must have.

Little Al on July 20, 2011 at 9:53 pm

I was pleasantly surprised to view Dr. Sanjay Gupta, M.D.,CNN’s medical correspondent defend Rep. Bachmann’s alleged condition by stating that he, too, suffers from serious migraine headaches. He’s the physician, while on assignment for CNN in Iraq, has performed emergency brain surgeries on American troops hurt by enemy attacks. It was refreshing to view someone on CNN unafraid of the truth.

Neils60 on July 21, 2011 at 12:54 am

I’m stealing a line from Michelle Malkin’s blog but it sums it up best for me. I’d rather have a migraine sufferer in the White House than a migraine inducer.

J: Michelle Fraudkin steals all of “her” lines, ideas, and everything else from everybody else, without credit, so you are already a better person than she is, citing the plagiarist from which you took the quote. DS

Janne on July 21, 2011 at 11:34 am

I will vote for anyone but Obama, but I agree and think Romney’s camp also had a part in destroying the Sarah train too. Don’t trust him at all and hope he is NOT our candidate or we will have 4 more years of the destruction of America from within.

CJ on July 21, 2011 at 1:39 pm

I would support Bachmann except for one major thing…SHE SUPPORTS THE UNCONSTITUTIONAL 4TH AMENDMENT VIOLATING PATRIOT ACT CREATED AS A RESULT OF THE STAGED TERROR CALLED 9/11!

Bob Porrazzo on July 21, 2011 at 2:07 pm

I’d rather have a wise woman with headaches and a good staff to carry out her wise instructions when she’s down, than the healthiest twit on the ticket.

Just sayin’.

The President’s role is to make the big decisions, not be an action hero. As long as her mind is functional, she’s capable of doing her job. True, she may miss a few public appearances. However, it’s very rare that a missed public appearance will cause that much trouble.

Michelle on July 21, 2011 at 3:47 pm

Since my first two choices, Col./Rep. Allen West and Chris Christie are not running for Pres., my third choice would be Bachmann–kinda like Sarah Palin’s gumption and charisma, but with depth and intellect. Unfortunately, her family is likely to be savaged, ie. “closeted” husband, ad nauseum. At least she doesn’t have a Bristol-type child (as far as we know).

Debbie~I’m kinda new to your blog. Very informative, entertaining and rock-solid conservative values. I know what you think about some other prominent conservatives in the media, ie. Malkin, Coulter, Ingraham, Hannity, etc. How would you rate my three personal favorites–Dennis Prager, Charles Krauthammer and Mark Steyn? To me, they are consistently conservative, insightful and cogent (and Steyn is one of the very finest wordsmiths). Just wondering…

Keep up the great investigative pieces that most others have no clue about or decide to ignore.

nailsagainsttheboard on July 21, 2011 at 6:53 pm

bob, you are an idiot. ’nuff said.

Anson Rohr on July 21, 2011 at 10:57 pm

Bachmann is a religious extremist. Once she gets into office and gets rid of all the Muslims, if you think she wouldn’t move on to the Jews, you’re living in denial Debbie.

And then there’s this: Her husband is a closeted gay, and she seems to be the only person in the world who is oblivious to the fact. Is that the person you want with her finger on the nuke button? Check this out from Bachmann in 2006, talking about how her husband does her clothes shopping for her:

“Before Vice President Dick Cheney’s visit this past summer, Bachmann’s husband, Marcus, hit the stores — “he’s got a good sense of style” — and came home with “a sleek, simple hourglass dress with a yoke collar in winter white.” He even bought a matching coat and shoes. “I just slipped it on.””

Yeah, what straight guy goes to the store with no guidance from his wife and comes back with a winter white hourglass dress?

David on July 22, 2011 at 12:58 am

Here is the link to the story about Marcus Bachmann’s shopping prowess: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-11-29/features/0611290056_1_dress-election-night-high-heels

David on July 22, 2011 at 1:01 am

Where is his signature bow-tie? I hate props.

John P on July 22, 2011 at 2:28 am

when has the msm
ever questioned

hillary & billary

about their well known
cocaine addiction

prestigio on July 22, 2011 at 1:16 pm

Oh, Bachmann is a religious extremist, ‘eh? And what are all of the Democrats, who call border enforcers racists and anti-gay marriage Christians bigots? They are fascists who will usher in a new Nazi era if they have their way.

Daniel Middleman on July 22, 2011 at 9:47 pm

I like Bachmann. Not only for her stances and communication skills… but one also must look at the not so simple fact that she has 5 biological children, and she has fostered 23. To been able to handle a full time career and a large family shows me how capable she is… and I too am a migraine sufferer (actually having one as I type this) and I believe that she can handle it. My hope is that either Bachmann or Santorum is the GOP candidate…

the dr. is in... on July 25, 2011 at 5:19 am

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