FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
For a second straight day, a new poll of likely voters in the Iowa caucuses has Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann as the front-runner of the current field of GOP candidates.
She's big with Tea Party voters, running on smaller government, no new taxes, but she's come under criticism most recently by fellow Minnesotan and GOP hopeful Tim Pawlenty for not having much of a record on anything in Congress. She also has some strong views on social issues that will likely turn independents and more moderate Republicans off.
Last week Bachmann signed something called "The Marriage Vow" penned by a conservative group in Iowa. It's a vow to be faithful to one's spouse and to the Constitution. It condemns adultery, "quickie divorces," and pornography. It also describes homosexuality as a choice. And the initial draft suggested that life was better for black children under slavery because more African-American children are born out of wedlock now than they were back then. Lovely. That part was later edited out and the group claimed it was a misinterpretation.
Is someone who would sign a document like that really the best Republicans can do? Apparently a lot of voters in Iowa think so.
Then there's the question of who else may enter the race...specifically former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin who has been playing games with the media for months now. In this week's Newsweek cover story, Palin says she thinks she can be president. She made these comments following the premiere of a documentary produced by a conservative filmmaker highlighting all the positive aspects of her political career. It's not a long film. Palin also said that even if she's not the nominee - she's not even in the race yet - she thinks President Obama is beatable in 2012. Maybe so…but not by her or Michele Bachmann.
Here’s my question to you: Michele Bachmann's leading in Iowa and Sarah Palin thinks she can be president. Are the Republicans in trouble?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Brandon in Arkansas:
I believe so. As an independent, I find that the Republicans have a problem finding candidates who actually recognize the problems faced in this country. Michele Bachmann and Sarah Palin may evoke an enormous amount of patriotism, but I believe it takes much more than that. If it comes down to Ron Paul and President Obama, my vote will be for Paul. However, if I have to choose between other GOP candidates my vote will most likely go to Obama.
Riley:
If even 20 percent of the country really thinks either person is presidential, the rest of the country is in trouble. I don’t believe the country holds that many dummies.
Michael:
The only way that either Bachmann or Palin should be allowed into the White House is with a ticket and a tour guide! Honestly, their advocacy of a theocratic government frightens me. We have tried it already, it was called "The Dark Ages," and it worked out so well.
Janie:
Yes, the GOP in trouble. Sarah Palin is a has-been, just looking to make a few more bucks before her looks fade. Bachman is a joke- just lost the black vote with her stupid remarks about black babies and slavery. This black woman will continue supporting our President, even if he does not win re-election. If he does not, the U.S. will deserve a Republican President. The whites will suffer right along with the blacks and Hispanics.
Bob:
Four years ago who would have thought a first-term black senator from Illinois would beat out Hillary Clinton, let alone become the president? Don't underestimate the President’s unpopularity. Let’s just wait and see.
T.:
I am starting a "medical" practice based on the fact I believe, that being a Republican is a choice, not inevitable.
Otis in West Hartford, Connecticut:
Well Jack, let's see: you've got a couple of schizophrenics (Romney and Huntsman), a set of wingnuts (Paul, Santorum and Cain), two certifiable loons (Bachmann and Palin), an insufferable bore (Pawlenty) and a skirt-chasing windbag (Gingrich)! So, yes, the modern-day GOP is clearly in trouble with this group of "luminaries" and, unless sanity is restored, it is headed for extinction!
