Class: Bachmann asks Wetterling stop her deceptive ad

I receive a lot of emails nicely asking or angrily demanding how I can support Michele Bachman when I disagree with her significantly on social issues. In a single word, it comes down to “class.”

Unlike some gimmicky demands politicians make – like calling for the return of campaign funds coming from fringe donors – Bachmann’s asking Wetterling to stop her deceptive ad comes only after two media sources – hardly members of the vast right-wing conspiracy – have publicly supported Bachmann’s position that Weterling’s ad is misleading. In an email issued today, the Bachmann campaign says --

Both the Star Tribune and WCCO television have called out the misleading information presented and the false impression the ad conveys. Eric Black of the Star Tribune stated in his column on September 28, 2006, the "ad that began airing Tuesday leaves out a key fact about a proposed tax plan. The missing fact is so relevant that the ad creates a false impression." Furthermore, Mr. Black agreed with Bachmann's contention about her positions on tax policy, "The ad also attributes a position to Wetterling's opponent, state Sen. Michele Bachmann, that Bachmann says she has not fully embraced."

In addition, Pat Kessler of WCCO reported during his Reality Check Segment September 29, 2006 that "she (Wetterling) distorts Bachmann's position and misrepresents what it does." Kessler also called the ad "very misleading."

Below is the text of the letter sent by Bachmann personally to Wetterling. I’d ask Bachmann critics to especially note this paragraph –

Patty, we have legitimate differences in our visions for Minnesota that we should discuss in this campaign. Let us focus on our legitimate differences.

That statement is the essence of what political campaigns should be about. More than any other candidate in this race, Bachmann respects the legitimacy of her opponent’s positions. A little pop psychology: Perhaps that is because her emphasis on social issues has taught her that good people can do bad (as she views them) things and still be good people. Whatever the reason, Bachmann does the best job of any candidate defining her opponent by her views, not any personal faults. Bachmann disagrees with Wetterling’s collective philosophy of making government the solution of first rather than last resort, but she doesn’t demonize Wetterling for it.

If anyone has a right to respond angrily to the Wetterlying ad, it is Bachmann. Anyone that knows anything about the Fair Tax solution and/or Bachmann’s position on taxes knows the implications of Wetterling’s ad are ludicrous. The Fair TAx can certainly be debated, but Wetterlying's ad doesn't take that issue-oriented approach. Instead she trys to paint Bachmman as pro-taxes.

No candidate is more vilified than Bachmann. Yet she refrains from responding in kind. Again, note the language of her letter to Wetterling --–
I

believe once you understand the entire story behind this tax policy and my comments on it, you will change your advertisements forthwith.

She doesn’t even accuse Wetterling of smearing her; Wetterling simply doesn’t understand the policy. Call it a political tactic if you will, but Bachmann’s letter is just plain classy.

September 29, 2006
Patty Wetterling
Wetterling for Congress
2022 N. Ferry Street
Anoka, MN 55303

Dear Patty:

I truly wish I did not have to write this letter. However, your current television ad misrepresents my tax record and creates a false impression. I am formally asking you to take down the unfair and inaccurate advertisement of my tax record.
Your ad has been called "misleading" and has "created a false impression." Both the Star Tribune and WCCO television have pointed out the errors in your misrepresentation of my words.

Both the Star Tribune and WCCO television have called out the misleading information presented and the false impression the ad conveys. Eric Black of the Star Tribune stated in his column on September 28, 2006, the "ad that began airing Tuesday leaves out a key fact about a proposed tax plan. The missing fact is so relevant that the ad creates a false impression." Pat Kessler on WCCO reported during his Reality Check Segment September 29, 2006 that "she (Wetterling) distorts Bachmann's position and misrepresents what it does." Kessler also called the ad "very misleading."
Furthermore, Mr. Black agreed with our contention about my positions on tax policy, "The ad also attributes a position to Wetterling's opponent, state Sen. Michele Bachmann, that Bachmann says she has not fully embraced."

Patty, we have legitimate differences in our visions for Minnesota that we should discuss in this campaign. Let us focus on our legitimate differences.

During the remainder of the campaign, I hope you will join me in addressing the voters in public forums in order to accurately present our views on taxes, jobs and national security. Unfortunately, you did not attend this week's forums, where I again outlined my position on tax issues.

I thank you for your attention to this matter. I believe once you understand the entire story behind this tax policy and my comments on it, you will change your advertisements forthwith.

Regards,
Michele Bachmann
Bachmann for Congress
6053 Hudson Road Suite 360
Woodbury, MN 55125