Michele Bachmann a 'Novelty'

This weekend, Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann said that Hurricane Irene and the East Coast earthquake were a message from God. While her campaign said it was a joke, it stirred controversy in the ensuing days.

Keeping top of mind

According to Ronnee Schreiber, professor in the SDSU Department of Political Science, it is statements like these that keep Bachmann — and the Republican Party — on the political radar.

“She’s kind of a bit of a character in some ways in that she’ll say what’s on her mind,” Schreiber said. “She’ll say things that some people think are extreme and she gets media attention.

“She’s controversial, so that just keeps people paying attention. In that sense, it’s keeping the Republican Party primary — which isn’t really happening yet — front and center in the news.”

A loose cannon

But, it’s this same quality that may hurt Bachmann in the end, Schreiber said.

“I think she will be (in the running) for awhile,” Schreiber said. “She’s a bit of a novelty – it’s not that she’s the first woman to run — people are interested in what she has to say, in part, because she sometimes says things that are a bit outrageous.

“She’s kind of a bit of a character in some ways in that she’ll say what’s on her mind...”

“I don’t think she’ll do well, ultimately. I think slowly, but surely, her fortunes will fade and that she’s not going to win many primaries. I think that there are stronger candidates out there who the Republican Party is going to back — they’re a little nervous about her because she’s a bit of a loose cannon.”

Schreiber, who wrote “Righting Feminism: Conservative Women and American Politics,” compared Bachmann to another high-profile Republican woman: Sarah Palin. While Palin hasn’t declared her candidacy, she has continued to keep herself in the public eye with her nationwide bus tour.

Propelling women forward in politics

But, is there enough room in the Republican Party for two strong female presidential candidates?

“I think they should both run — there are lots of men who are similar to each other who are running at the same time,” Schreiber said. “I think it’s important to not say that there should only be one of them; I think that there’s no reason why the two of them can’t be running at the same time.

“I think in terms of propelling the place of women forward in politics, people should be clear that those two can certainly run at the same time.”

In comparing Palin and Bachmann, Schreiber noted that Bachmann has more traditional experience for the top executive office than Palin.

“Michele Bachmann has more political experience because she’s a member of Congress,” Schreiber said. “She has a little bit more of what’s considered a qualified background for leadership because of her degrees and the kind of experience she has just in terms of technical qualifications.”

Regardless of their backgrounds, Schreiber would like to see the two women run for president.

“I think it would be interesting if they both ran — it would be fascinating politics.”

Editorial disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed above do not necessarily reflect those of San Diego State University or SDSU NewsCenter.