Quick Hits: Volume XXIX

-Full disclosure: I've made some pretty bad predictions in my day. Whether it's predicting Walter Mondale would carry a second state in the 1984 Presidential race or how the Vikings would throttle the New York Giants in the 2000 NFC Championship Game or The Village People making a heralded musical comeback, I've put out my share of duds.

But my dismissing Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN) as a serious Presidential candidate is one error I would gladly endure.

It started with the analysis of last week's GOP Presidential debate, where one pundit described her as "poised, informed and serious." I know, I know. I also thought someone like a Sean Hannity made those remarks. But would you believe it was none other than MSNBC's own Chris Matthews who lavished such effusive praise upon Bachmann?!?! Yes, the very same Chris Matthews who in the past called the Congresswoman a "zombie" and a "nutcase." Of course, I am a little suspicious. Part of me believes Matthews secretly hopes Bachmann wins the Republican nomination for President with the belief that she is the most vulnerable. Hence his quasi-enthusiasm for Bachmann's candidacy.

I had the privilege of hearing Rep. Bachmann speak this past weekend at the RightOnline conference in downtown Minneapolis. She gave an electric, impassioned speech that sent a very clear message: She will not rest until Obamacare is repealed. While Barack Obama's tagline in 2008 was "Yes We Can", Bachmann is charging forward in 2012 with "Yes We WILL."

That's not to say she has the nomination sewn up after one good week. But I daresay that anyone who chooses to underestimate Michele Bachmann's viability as a Presidential candidate does so at their own peril.


-Last night in Washington, D.C., the staffers at the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee squared off in their annual softball game. In last year's contest, the RNC whooped the DNC by a score of 15-3. However, if you talk to the Democrats, they'll insist that they were entitled to six of the runs earned by the Republicans in that game.


-For the past few months, I've found myself regularly stating that when I grow up I want to have the ability to write like the Iowahawk guy. If you're on Twitter, following him is an absolute must, even if you're merely a casual politico.

His "tweets" range from clever....

You know who else inherited an economy from George Bush? Rick Perry.

....to bitingly snarky.

Breaking: (Congressman) Weiner to teach French literature; plans to introduce coeds to a little Balzac

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