COMMENTARY | It would be hilarious if it weren't so pathetic, this latest political ploy using some vacuous associative context to attempt to win over voters for Michele Bachmann just before the Iowa caucus. It would appear supporters of the Minnesota congresswoman, a candidate flailing in single digits in the presidential preference polls, has called upon a higher power to deliver her a win in the nation's first GOP electoral contest -- NFL quarterback Tim Tebow. The context? They're both defiant born-again Christians.
In a television ad released by No Compromise PAC, a narrator informs the audience that the "establishment" just "loves to hate" Tebow and Bachmann, asserting the Denver Broncos quarterback makes sports fans feel guilty because the avowed Christian doesn't "drink, cuss, smoke or kick opponents when they're down."
The ad goes on to make the comparison: "The same could be said of Michele Bachmann: No baggage, Christian and like Tebow, she keeps fighting and she just keeps winning votes."
So what is to be gained from the "hail Tebow" last-second pass? Tebow is popular (he just topped a poll where he would be America's most desirable neighbor). He's a Christian who wins games even though he's criticized for the way he plays and for his open display of his beliefs. Bachmann is a Christian who is criticized for the way she plays politics and for her beliefs. Therefore, Republican voters in Iowa should understand that, by linear logic, Bachmann is every bit as much a winner as is Tebow. Because she's a Christian.
And perhaps because Tebow throws the football like Bachmann? Maybe.
But Tebow and the Broncos have lost three games in a row (although the Broncos still made the playoffs) since reeling off six consecutive wins. Does the Super PAC ad mean to say if Bachmann loses the Iowa caucus and a few other contests, she'll continue campaigning?
Regardless, except for the fact the two are born-again Christians, the ad appears ludicrous, a thinly veiled and laughable attempt to draw on the popularity of a star football player for political gain. Where's the endorsement of the player himself?
Perhaps Bachmann and the guys behind the Iowa ad should take a knee. That is, try a little "Tebowing" before the caucus. Who knows? It can't be any less effective in Iowa than the ad.
