Tim Pawlenty became the first Republican presidential contender to directly address the contentious issue of Michele Bachmann’s migraines by commenting on the congresswoman’s health status following an event in Indonesia.
“All of the candidates I think are going to have to be able to demonstrate they can do all of the job all of the time,” he said. “There’s no real time off in that job.”
Given the context of Pawlenty’s remarks and his longstanding rivalry with Bachmann, many have speculated that he was suggesting her chronic migraines may disqualify her from the presidential race.
Pawlenty tried to clarify his stance on the issue during an appearance on Fox News’ On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, claiming that he was making generic comments that applied to the entire GOP field.
“I think it’s mostly a sideshow,” he said of the Tea Party darling’s migraines. “I’ve observed Congresswoman Bachmann. I’ve never seen her have a medical condition or impairment that would seem to be a concern.”
TPM notes that the former governor of Minnesota’s attack-retreat pattern originated at the first New Hampshire Republican presidential debate, where he declined to repeat the term “Obamneycare” that he debuted in the press.