Speaking in New Hampshire, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann says she's "in for 2012," but that doesn't mean she's running for president.
Bachmann wrapped up her speech at a New Hampshire GOP fundraiser Saturday by proclaiming that she's "in for 2012" and asking the crowd to join her. She later clarified that she is committed to denying President Barack Obama a second term, not necessarily running herself. She said that decision won't come until early summer.
Her speech, which CNN described as "carefully choreographed," was briefly interrupted by protesters who had been allowed in the room after portraying themselves as civic-minded college students who wanted to hear Bachmann. Less than half an hour after they were publicly welcomed by the event organizers, they marched across the conference room, holding signs and chanting "Michele Bachmann we insist, end the AIDS treatment waiting list."
The protest was an apparent reference to the state- and federally-funded AIDS Drug Assistance Program. Many cash-strapped states have taken steps to cap enrollment, drop patients or institute waiting lists. Bachmann thanked them for the "love," as they were quickly ushered out.
Bachmann reportedly lashed out at the protesters after she was back standing by herself in the spotlight. According to CNN, the Tea Party favorite drew a comparison between the demonstrators and those who have recently taken to the Wisconsin state capitol to speak out against a controversial anti-union measure that Badger State Governor Scott Walker signed into law last week.
"They just brought the buses in from Madison, Wisconsin," she said. "We're seeing this kind of response because the left knows we're coming and we're serious about 2012."