CNN couldn't hold back a parting shot at Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-Minn.) when the Congresswoman announced on Wednesday that she would be retiring after 2014.
On Wednesday morning's Newsroom, anchor Carol Costello said Bachmann became "the butt of a thousand jokes" and CNN dug up a 2012 Saturday Night Live mockery of her, as well as Newsweek's unflattering 2011 cover of the Congresswoman as the "Queen of Rage." [Video below the break. Audio here.]
"It's kind of surprising since Bachmann became the face of big government rage," Costello said of her upcoming retirement. "In fact, Newsweek tagged her 'the Queen of Rage' in 2008, and for a time Bachmann became not only a political star, but the butt of a thousand jokes."
"Didn't every politician become the butt of an SNL joke in 2008?" Costello admitted. Perhaps Costello could be the butt of a joke since she not once, but three times botched the date of Bachmann's presidential campaign, saying it was 2008 and not 2012. Newsweek's cover, in fact, ran in August of 2011 and SNL's skit aired in January of 2012, both during the 2012 presidential campaign.
Back in 2011, liberal comedian Bill Maher called Bachmann a "MILF" on CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight as Morgan laughed. That November, in the middle of the presidential campaign, Costello obnoxiously asked Bachmann if she regretted "following" God's "edict" to run for president after Bachmann had revealed she prayed to discern God's will before choosing to run. CNN contributor John Avlon called her a "wing-nut" the day after the 2012 election.
Below is a transcript of the segments which aired on CNN Newsroom on May 29:
CAROL COSTELLO: On to the world of politics. Michele Bachman, one-time Tea Party presidential candidate is calling it quits. The Minnesota Congresswoman announcing overnight s
(Video Clip)
Rep. MICHELLE BACHMANN (R-Minn.): Looking forward after the completion of my term, my future is full, it is limitless, and my passions for America will remain. And I want you to be assured that there is no future option or opportunity, be it directly in the political arena or otherwise, that I won't be giving serious consideration if it can help save and protect our great nation for future generations.
(End Video Clip)
COSTELLO: It's kind of surprising since Bachmann became the face of big government rage. In fact, Newsweek tagged her "the Queen of Rage" in 2008, and for a time Bachmann became not only a political star, but the butt of a thousand jokes.
(Video Clip)
KRISTEN WIIG, SNL comedian: (Impersonating Bachmann) Well I'm disappointed that my campaign has come to a close. I am also looking forward to resting, to spending some time at home, and most of all to blinking for the first time since this all started.
(End Video Clip)
COSTELLO: Didn't every politician become the butt of an SNL joke in 2008? Anyway, no worries, Bachmann says she won't fade away. She insists her tough re-election battle last November played absolutely no role in her decision not to run again, nor did an investigation into her presidential campaign. As I said, she says she will be back.
COSTELLO: Michele Bachmann, one-time Tea Party presidential candidate, is calling it quits. The Minnesota Congresswoman announcing overnight she will not run for a fifth term in Congress. Kind of surprising since Bachmann was once the face of big government rage. In fact, Newsweek tagged her "the Queen of Rage" in 2008.
