It would seem as though Michele Bachmann really is going to run for president, or at least pretend that she's running, and one of her first official hires for her campaign is the author of birther legislation in Iowa.
On Thursday, Bachmann told ABC News, "I'm in for 2012," but didn't officially declare her candidacy. CNN reported on the same day that the Minnesota Republican has privately decided she'll mount a bid.
CNN also reported that, for her political director in the key state of Iowa, Bachmann intends to hire state Sen. Kent Sorenson (R), who authored a birther bill in the Iowa legislature this month.
Sorenson's four-line legislation declared that all presidential and vice presidential contenders must file their birth certificates along with affidavits of candidacy -- a clear wink and nod to the significant minority of conservatives who incorrectly believe President Barack Obama was not born in the United States and is therefore ineligible for the office.
Michele Bachmann is not alone in her birtherism. So far, nearly every possible Republican presidential contender has established their birther-cred through winks and nods or by outright declaring it.
Trump - Birther
Pawlenty - Birther
Gingrich - Birther
Cain - Birther
Barbour - Birther
Huckabee - Birther
Mitt Romney appears to be the only potential candidate who has not thoroughly established his status as a birther, and he actually polls quite well among people who don't question the president's legitimacy. Among people who do question the president's legitimacy, he polls behind Mike Huckabee.
I can only imagine what it will look like when we get all of these guys into one room together during a primary debate, if there are any, and a question concerning the president's legitimacy comes up.
As Bob said, good luck with that Southern Strategy.