Michele Bachmann is just a very impressive individual. Here is one of many clips I could have posted where she is asked a question, impromptu, and displays those qualities of hers that would make a truly great president.
Last night (Friday, August 26), she was at a town hall in North Charleston, South Carolina, with Representative Tim Scott. While Rep. Bachmann was on the stage, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was introduced and joined her on the stage. Gov. Haley then asked Rep. Bachmann about the NLRB’s recent actions on the proposed Boeing plant for South Carolina.
Here is what impressed me about her response, and these are things that always impress me about Michele Bachmann:
1. Poise. Notice how she gets the microphone from her host well in advance so she is prepared for her answer, a detail her host seems to have let slip. Yes, this is a little thing and is maybe expected, but she is always prepared and always poised, which is not true of other candidates.
2. Graciousness. She starts off with a substantive compliment for Gov. Haley and calling for a round of applause for her. This is a hallmark of a skillful politician. And while in her case I am confident it comes from her heart, it is a polished and refined skill of hers. Again, I see this quality every time she appears and speaks.
3. Understanding of the situation. The first part of her answer reveals the depth of her knowledge of what has gone on in the relationship between President Obama and Governor Haley. Even her critics, if they are honest, have to admit that is mighty impressive.
4. Unafraid to state her position clearly. The issue here is “right to work.” Rep. Bachmann indentifies that and clearly states her position.
5. Solution-oriented. Every point in her answer addresses something she could actually directly control as president. She understands that she would have no direct control over the decisions of the NLRB. So she limits herself to what she could control. She would have the power to appoint. And she would have the power to intimidate. And I get the feeling that she would know exactly how to use those powers.
6. Articulate. Finally, notice how in her entire answer there are no um’s, ah’s, maybe’s, pauses, etc. Listen to Obama in similar situations and you’ll find stops and starts, pauses, um’s, and the like—so much so that sometimes it is painful to listen to him. Play her answer through again, listening for stumbles. There are none. And she’s like that, consistently.
Here is the clip:
