Bachmann: Yes, I experience migraines, but so do 30 million other Americans

posted at 5:30 pm on July 19, 2011 by Tina Korbe
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GOP presidential hopeful and Minnesota Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann today released the following statement to respond to reports that she experiences “incapacitating” migraines:

Like nearly 30 million other Americans, I experience migraines that are easily controlled with medication. I am a wife, a mother, a lawyer who worked her way through law school, a former state senator who achieved the repeal of a harmful piece of education policy in Minnesota, and a congresswoman who has worked tirelessly fighting against the expansion of government and wasteful spending.
“Since entering the campaign, I have maintained a full schedule between my duties as a congresswoman and as a presidential candidate traveling across the nation to meet with voters in the key, early primary and caucus states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. I have prescription medication that I take whenever symptoms arise and they keep the migraines under control. Let me be abundantly clear – my ability to function effectively has never been impeded by migraines and will not affect my ability to serve as Commander in Chief.

“The many questions I have received on this subject have allowed me to discuss this important condition that impacts individuals in nearly one in four households. However, as a presidential candidate and office holder, I am focused on performing my job, which has never been more important given the state of our economy and the millions of Americans that are out of work. While I appreciate the concern for me and my health, the greater concern should be the debate that is occurring in Washington over whether or not we will increase our debt, spending and taxes.

Perhaps the headaches aren’t as horrible as they’ve been rumored to be, but, if she experiences even just the garden variety migraine, I admire her grit. But, at the same time, I’ve thought for a while — both with respect to Bachmann and with respect to other especially active politicians — that something has to give in their busy schedules. Bachmann might not mind if that “something” is her health, but she should. It might be basic and banal to repeat it, but health is essential to effectiveness in any arena.
All this time, I’ve been trying to figure out which GOP candidate would be best for president, but I’ve never stopped to consider what effect the presidency would have on them. Of course, that’s really a job for the candidates themselves and their friends and families. Gotta hope Bachmann has the kind of familial, friendly and staff support brave enough to say either “Go” or “Whoa.” It makes me see Gov. Mitch Daniels’ wife in a whole new light.