Do Not Underestimate Michele Bachmann

A lot of people are eager to write off Michele Bachmann’s potential presidential run, but they’re making a mistake, argues Steve Kornacki at Salon, because Bachmann has a real chance to rock the apple cart here. Bachmann is “plainly more viable” than a host of “no-shot GOP candidates of the modern era,” thanks to her outsized presence on cable news. And as she has already proven, she can raise a ton of money.

The best comparisons for Bachmann would be Pat Robertson and Pat Buchanan, “charismatic messengers” that resonated with part of the base—and “scared the bejesus out of the party establishment.” Each of them scored major Iowa and New Hampshire victories, and “Bachmann poses the same threat. She’s a genuine right-wing rock star with a credible-sounding title.” Bachmann probably won’t win the nomination, but she’ll “play a significant role in the nominating process. She’s worth taking seriously.” Click for the full column.