A reader writes:
While I agree with what the kid said to Michele Bachmann, the way the mother went about it was inappropriate. I say the mother, because I doubt the kid really understood what he was doing and was simply following directions. I honestly thought it was just as wrong as using – yes, using – the kids in the [above video].
Dan Savage, a gay parent, agrees. I felt queasy about it myself. Another reader:
I realize you didn't provide any editorial commentary to the link to this video, so I'm not sure I'm disagreeing with you here, but that video kind of makes me queasy. You have frequently lambasted Sarah Palin for using her kids as props in her political campaign; how is this any different?
Another reader contrasts the Bachmann video with one we ran yesterday of the 19-year-old Iowan:
As much as I support gay marriage and applauded and cried when Zach Wahls spoke up about being raised by two moms, it is unconscionable to manipulate a child into confronting a politician while being filmed. And the boy was clearly uncomfortable. Rather than being an example of Michele Bachmann refusing to enter into a dialogue with people who think differently, this is an example of parents having lost perspective in the belief that making a politician look bad is worth embarrassing your child.
I'm sure I'm not the only one responding to this post. This does a disservice to the cause. And to her credit, Bachmann did the right thing by not getting into it with a kid.
Another:
Hard to out-creep Bachmann, but apparently doable.
The Dish 