Stress/Migraine Condition Often "Incapacitates" Michele Bachmann

In what may wel be a hit piece launched by Republicans worried about Michele Bachmann's unelectability in a general election, the Daily Caller, a conservative web outlet, is reporting that Bachmann is plagued with stress related migraines that incapacitate her on a regular basis. Having family members who suffer from migraines, I know first hand just how debilitating they can be when they set in. Thus, as in the article, I cannot help but wonder how a President of the United States could afford to be out of commission on a frequent regular basis due to an afliction that sets in often without warning. And if Bachmann's migraines are stress related, how much worse would the stress of the presidency make them. (I'd further add, and not just to be mean, but if living with her husband who some describe as a cross between Liberace and the Pillsbury dough boy isn't stressful enough now, just wait until he were the first husband.) Here are some story highlights:
*
In late July 2010, Rep. Michele Bachmann’s then-communications director, Dave Dziok, told his boss that he planned to take a new job with the public relations firm Edelman. Dziok had worked for Bachmann for two and a half years, a relatively long period by the standards of her office, and was leaving on good terms.
*
Staff turnover can frustrate any employer, but Bachmann responded more dramatically. Dziok’s departure triggered a debilitating medical episode that landed the congresswoman in urgent care. “Within 24 hours she was in the hospital,” a former aide says. Bachmann was admitted to a Washington, D.C. hospital on Friday, July 30, and released that same day. She flew home to Minnesota to recuperate, missing a scheduled campaign event with Sen. Roy Blunt.
*
It was, according to three people who have worked closely with Bachmann, not an isolated event. The Minnesota Republican frequently suffers from stress-induced medical episodes that she has characterized as severe headaches. These episodes, say witnesses, occur once a week on average and can “incapacitate” her for days at time. On at least three occasions, Bachmann has landed in the hospital as a result.
*
“She has terrible migraine headaches. And they put her out of commission for a day or more at a time. They come out of nowhere, and they’re unpredictable,” says an adviser to Bachmann who was involved in her 2010 congressional campaign. “They level her. They put her down. It’s actually sad. It’s very painful.”
*
Bachmann’s medical condition wouldn’t merit public attention, but for the fact she is running for president. Some close to Bachmann fear she won’t be equal to the stress of the campaign, much less the presidency itself. “When she gets ‘em, frankly, she can’t function at all. It’s not like a little thing with a couple Advils. It’s bad,” the adviser says. “The migraines are so bad and so intense, she carries and takes all sorts of pills. Prevention pills. Pills during the migraine. Pills after the migraine, to keep them under control. She has to take these pills wherever she goes.”
*
To staff, Bachmann has implausibly blamed the headaches on uncomfortable high-heel shoes, but those who have worked closely with her cite stress, a busy schedule and anything going badly for Bachmann as causes.
*
Of particular concern to some around her is the significant amount of medication Bachmann takes to address her condition. The former aide says Bachmann’s congressional staff is “constantly” in contact with her doctors to tweak the types and amounts of medicine she is taking. Marcus Bachmann helps her manage the episodes.
*
Sources who spoke to The Daily Caller said they did so because they are terrified about the impact the condition could have on Bachmann’s performance if she actually became president. They also worry that the issue could blow up in the general election campaign, giving President Obama an easy path to re-election.
*
“It’s a careful choice of words I used: ‘incapacitated,’” the adviser says. “As president, when she’s in crisis management mode, is she going to have the physical ability to withstand the most difficult challenges facing America?” the former aide asks.
*
TheDC agreed to provide the sources anonymity because they were providing information only a select group of people could know, at great professional risk. Two sources independently provided detailed accounts of Bachmann’s condition. A third source confirmed that Bachmann frequently suffers from debilitating headache episodes.
*
Again, I am not unsympathetic to Michele Bachmann's medical issue. And it cannot be easy being a right wing extremist culture warrior while married to someone who appears to be a closeted gay man. However, if these allegations of "incapacitating" migraines are true, it's an issue voters need to know about.