6th District debate

Posted at 9:33 PM on November 1, 2006 by Bob Collins (6 Comments)

Here's the audio. Yep, it's RealPlayer format.

Story is in the Campaign 2006 section.

Comments (6)

This is what you lead your online story with, Bob:

Andover, Minn. — Sixth District candidate Michele Bachmann said Wednesday night that she doesn't believe God has chosen sides in her election battle. Bachmann made the comments during tough questioning at a free-for-all forum in Andover. At a church service last month in Brooklyn Park, Bachmann said, "God called me to run for the United States Congress."

"Does that mean God wants you to win?" forum host Kerri Miller of Minnesota Public Radio asked Wednesday night.

"No," Bachmann replied. "God calls us to duty... but the results are his."

This is the problem with you guys, Bob. If you have watched Bachmann's video from her political appearance at Living Word--and I know you have--you know that Bachmann did suggest that God has taken sides in this race. You know--that bit about the laser beam, and how the Foley scandal got God's attention? She lied onstage about that last night, and you remained silent about it. Why not correct her lie in the story?

Again, stick to the Halloween stories.

Posted by Karl | November 2, 2006 8:58 AM

Bob, you didn't bother to mention in your article about how Bachmann did everything she could NOT to answer the question about the attack ad against Wetterling (in fact she tried NOT to answer most of the questions). Instead she began talking about how 'she was disturbed' about how 'they' distorted HER face? Come on she is totally self absorbed and instead of answering the question it was all about her, then went on to attack Wetterling. So, Bob how does she feel about the attack ads against Wetterling, does she agree with them?????

She also lied about her poor family.

Posted by Kate | November 2, 2006 10:22 AM

I can see MPR's 'leftist' position in Kari's questioning of Backman regarding her life of faith as a Christian.

As I listen Kari seems to try to Nail Backman to the wall and give Wetterling a bye. Just not right for a public station that says it's nuetral but proves outright that it is totally liberal.

Start calling things down the middle like you SAY you are but are not.... Or get the people in there that will call it down the middle or get off the air waves.....

Posted by Keith | November 2, 2006 10:34 AM

Keith,
Fair and Balanced like Fox network???? hahahah...yeah right.

Bachmann has lied about her stance on issues, it is fair to call her out.

Posted by Kate | November 2, 2006 11:02 AM

In this day and age how can we even contemplate voting for someone who has communications with God? And how can we take anyone seriously after they campaign in places like the "Living Word"? This woman (Bachmann) is our version of the Taliban.

Posted by John Beamish | November 2, 2006 12:17 PM

Since when are "Rightists" the only authorities on faith? Bachmann made a controversial statement and needs to defend it. Wetterling didn't make as bold of a claim, and so, does not need to defend it. Miller did a wonderful job moderating, and was fair to all candidates. Bachmann brought fire on herself because she doesn't shut up. She could have said "God inspired me to run, but that doesn't mean I'll win" and it would have been over. She chose to bring up her faith to skirt the question. Her history as a Christian is irrelavent to the question whether or not Bachmann will win. Miller "Nailed" both "To the wall" about their campaign advertisements. Just because the forum made a candidate look bad doesn't mean they are "liberal media source". If anything John Binkowski came out on top because he is more external than the character assaults between the major party candidates.

I donate to MPR for good journalism, and that's what Kerri delivered. Fair and balanced means asking questions and getting them answered, not avoiding them because it makes others uncomfortable when it comes to defending faith. Bachmann was the only candidate who alluded to divine intervention in this race, and so she she be the only one to have to defend such a comment. Don't want to talk religion during campaign season? Then don't bring it up. Bachmann made a choice, she needs to live with the consequences.

Posted by Mike | November 2, 2006 12:51 PM

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