Michele Bachmann's migraines versus the stress management of male politicians

By Jenn Giroux

Is Michele Bachmann striking the fear of God in the liberal Republicans, Democrats, and the media?

As soon as it hit the news that an "anonymous" source revealed that Michele Bachmann had a problem with Migraine headaches I immediately thought to myself, "I guess she is the formidable conservative to watch."

First, I would like to call out the "anonymous source" as being a spineless coward. If something is true, why not have the courage to put your name to it.

Second, it is clear Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is an impressive woman and strong advocate for conservative principles. That is why attack dogs are out in full force as she soars in the polls as a potential front runner for the Republican nomination. I find it quite humorous to watch all of this talk about her migraine headaches and how they occasionally cause her to take a little personal time to re-group while we have witnessed for years the disgraceful way which many male politicians apparently deal with their own stress....President Bill Clinton and Former Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY)(might be the first two that come to mind.

Or perhaps former Congressman Chris Lee(R-New York) who took the time to advertise himself topless on Craigslist.

And then there is former Congressman Mark Foley (R-Florida), who had plenty of time to send sexual messages to underage, young male, congressional pages.

And who can forget the admission by long time Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) who was reprimanded by the House in 1989 for using his influence on behalf of male prostitute Stephen Gobie. Frank admitted paying Gobie for sex, hiring him with his own money as an aide and writing a letter on his behalf. Frank acknowledged, "I did not handle the pressures of having a public life...nearly as well as I should have."?

Ya think?

And how about Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho) who apparently takes his 'time out' in restrooms.

These types of promiscuous behaviors no doubt caused far greater distractions and absences from the daily work of these elected officials than would an occasional migraine headache.

It is a rare individual who escapes an occasional stress headache. No doubt we all might be very surprised to see the data on past presidents who dealt with severe stress/migraine headaches.

Given the scope of our discussion here, I'll take a president with a migraine any day of the week.

© Jenn Giroux