Last updated on August 10th, 2014 at 05:00 pm
Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) showed up on Fox and Friends today to claim that there is absolutely no evidence of racism in the Tea Party. Bachmann said, “The assertions that were made by some of my colleagues during the health care debate, there’s no record of it. Nothing on audio tape, nothing.”
Here is the video courtesy of Media Matters:
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Here is a collection of racist signs from various Tea Party protest:
It would be a gross and unfair overgeneralization to claim that all members of the Tea Party are racist, but it is clear that the Obama hate, which appears to be a fundamental tenet of the Tea Party attracts racists like a bug to light. The Tea Party is overwhelmingly white, and Republican. These are many of the same people who are likely to believe that Obama was not born in the United States. This is a message that is custom made for racists who angry that there is now a black man occupying the White House.
Bachmann’s claims are absurd. Just because she refuses to acknowledge the evidence does not mean that doesn’t exist. In fact, her non answer of Doocy’s question serves as confirmation of the racist element of the Tea Party. Bachmann has been diligent in pushing the myth that the Tea Party is an organic group of angry Americans who just happen to be white, and coincidentally happens to be funded by business interests, which would explain why the Tea Party doesn’t favor regulating Wall Street.
Much like Sarah Palin, Bachmann is using the Tea Party to advance her personal political ambitions. In fact, she was on Fox and Friends to discuss her plans for a Tea Party Caucus in Congress. Bachmann’s claim that there is no racism in the Tea Party makes her look like a fool to everyone with a set of eyes, ears, and the ability to read. I am not sure what is more of a disgrace.achmann’s continued denials, or her willingness to hitch her wagon to an Astroturf movement that has elements that engage in race baiting and racism.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
