Bachmann 'so not ready'

Michele Bachmann's former chief of staff Ron Carey, who's widely known to have had issues with her during his tenure in her office, puts pen to paper to spell out just how poorly he views her, in today's Des Moines Register:

As the former chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party during the tenure of Gov. Tim Pawlenty, as well as the former chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, I have watched both candidates from behind the public scene. I've seen how they handle the pressures of the job; I've seen how they lead a staff; and I've seen how they would govern if elected to the most powerful office in the world.



Having seen the two of them, up close and over a long period of time, it is clear to me that while Tim Pawlenty possesses the judgment, the demeanor and the readiness to serve as president, Michele Bachmann decidedly does not.


The staid screed is a reminder that Bachmann has been notorious for churning through staffers during her comparatively brief congressional tenure, and all of those who feel burned remain at large, with a trove of tales that are sure to play out as the campaign goes on.

But what's noteworthy about Carey's piece is not just that he condemns Bachmann but he elevates Pawlenty, the person who is suffering most in Iowa from her rise and who is struggling to stay in the game.