GOOD STRATEGY – AT 11:10 A.M. ET:  I realize that we have some thoughtful readers who believe Michele Bachmann is a bit of a ditz, and I myself have winced at some of her more "imaginative" statements.  Her political history contains some problematical moments.

But I have to concede that she is showing growth.  Her performance in last week's debate was surprisingly good, although I'd like to hear her get down to specifics of policy.

I detected a smart change in her strategy last week that sets her apart from othe Republican candidates – an emphasis on compassion, and the inclusion, by name, of groups not normally associated with the GOP.  Last week she accused President Obama of showing coldness toward the plight of the unemployed.  Smart.  There is no reason why Republicans have to come off looking like an army of people in green eyeshades.  Maybe Michele is working the "compassionate woman" angle, which is entirely legitimate, and connecting with those in trouble makes good sense in any event.

Now she is properly attacking Obama on another front:

(CNSNews.com) - Pointing to double-digit unemployment rates among African Americans and Hispanics, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R.-Minn.) said on Friday that President Barack Obama “has failed” both these communities.

“This president has failed the Hispanic community. He has failed the African-American community,” said Bachmann. “He has failed us all when it comes to jobs.”

Bachmann, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination for 2012, made the remarks at the “Republican Leadership Conference” held in New Orleans over the weekend.

COMMENT:  When you mention groups by name, you wind up in the newspapers and broadcast outlets that serve those groups.  It is a good move on Bachmann's part.  Too often the GOP has abandoned communities that have not been supportive in the past.  But how can you win votes in those communities if you ignore them? 

Bachmann has a long way to go, but she shows improvement all the time.  She does her homework, is a good debater,  and works the details.  If she continues on this course, she can have a very bright future, perhaps on one end of a national ticket.

June 21, 2011