Politics | Michele Bachmann Michele Bachmann Wows 'Em in Iowa Her populist message overshadows speeches by Gingrich, Barbour By John Johnson Posted Mar 26, 2011 6:16 PM CDT Copied U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., speaks during the Conservative Principles Conference hosted by U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, Saturday. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Potential GOP candidates Newt Gingrich, Haley Barbour, and former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain tested the waters at an Iowa forum today, but all took a back seat to Michele Bachmann, reports Politico. ("Steals the show" is how the headline puts it; other reports don't go quite that far, but they point out that she easily got the biggest and most enthusiastic reception. See the AP, Des Moines Register and ABC News.) Bachmann delivered a blistering criticism of President Obama—"can anyone say Jimmy Carter"—on everything from health care to the stimulus to his "third Middle Eastern war," along with a populist message that included a call for abolition of the tax code. She also affirmed she's planning a 2012 run. "Are you in? Are you in for 2012?" she asked the cheering crowd. "I agree. I'm in." Read These Next A "horrific" incident killed 3 deputies in East Los Angeles. In the early morning hours in East Hollywood, chaos. This is why you don't wear metal in MRI rooms. You may not want to peek at suggested health insurance rates for 2026. Report an error