Michelle Bachmann Enters GOP Primary Race

04:46

June 27, 2011

Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., speaks to supporters during her formal announcement to seek the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, Monday, in Waterloo, Iowa. (AP)

Here & Now Guest:

Jay Newton-Small, congressional corespondent for Time Magazine

Tea Party star and conservative GOP Congresswoman, Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) entered the Republican primary race for the White House today.

Speaking from her hometown of Waterloo, Iowa, Bachmann cast herself as the "bold choice" for president in 2012.

This weekend, a Des Moines Registar poll put Bachmann and former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney as the frontrunners among likely Iowa caucus voters.

Meanwhile, this weekend Bachmann entered the debt ceiling debate, saying that the Obama adminstration is using scare tactics to force lawmakers to increase the amount of money the country can legally borrow.

The President is meeting with Senate leaders of both parties today in an attempt to iron out a compromise that would include revenue raising measures as well as budget cuts.

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner says Congress must act to increase the debt ceiling by August 2, or face worldwide financial spasms.

Des Moines Register: Transcript of Michelle Bachmann's prepared remarks
The Daily Beast Video: Bachman's announcement

This segment aired on June 27, 2011.