Bachmann's 'John Wayne' Gaffe: In the Reagan Tradition?

As you've read in recent moments all over the Atlantic's site -- from Joshua Green, from the Wire, from me -- and conceivably from other info sources too, today Michele Bachmann put a dent in her growing reputation for discipline and professionalism by wrapping herself in the mantle of Waterloo, Iowa's own "John Wayne," not realizing that the hometown boy she was referring to was in fact the infamous pederast/murderer/clown John Wayne Gacy.

Thanks to reader Larry Delaney, this reminder that previous conservative Republicans from the Midwest have made similar errors. From a 1994 Newsweek obituary article about Tip O'Neill, who had been Speaker of the House in 1981:

>>Welcoming newly elected President Reagan to his Capitol office, O'Neill pointed out that he had Grover Cleveland's desk. Reagan brightened and said he'd played the man in the movies. O'Neill was talking about a Democratic president; Reagan thought he meant Grover Cleveland Alexander, a legendary turn-of-the-century ballplayer. "Welcome to the big leagues," O'Neill told Reagan. Tip swore the tale was true.<<

This reinforces the point I made a little while ago: the way Bachmann can show she is a pro is by joining the hearty laughter about her incredible "what are the odds?" error rather than getting defensive. Which is the way you can imagine Reagan having handled it. This has made Bachmann's first day on the campaign trail an unexpectedly interesting test of her demeanor and resiliency. (And, yes, I do realize that Reagan was already in office by the time this occurred. But he'd done similar things earlier.)

Photo: Grover Cleveland Alexander, when not signing bills at his White House desk.