Core of Conviction: My Story
by By Bachmann, Michele
Category: Biography & Autobiography , Political

Michele Bachmann is one of the most compelling leaders in America.  But despite all the magazine covers and cable television stories, most  people don't know who she really is, where she comes from, or what she  believes. So she decided to tell her own story and let the reader decide.As you'll learn in this fascinating memoir, Bachmann wasn't the type  of kid who started dreaming about the White House in elementary school.  She grew up in Iowa and Minnesota as a typical midwestern girl, grounded  by her family and her faith. She was raised to believe in the American  dream: that anyone could succeed if they worked hard and took advantage  of this country's boundless opportunities.She followed her dreams to college and law school, pursued a career as  a federal tax attorney, started a successful business with her loving  husband, raised five great kids and (over time) twenty-three foster  children. By her early forties she was very happy as a full-time mom and  homemaker and was a leading education reform advocate in Minnesota.Then she became what she calls "an accidental politician."The political insiders who ran Minnesota held a one-party line-Al  Franken-style liberalism. Bachmann became especially concerned about a  state-mandated education curriculum that stressed political correctness  over academic excellence. She started making calls, writing letters, and  recruiting others to act. When her state senator (an entrenched insider)  refused to listen, someone had to challenge him for his seat. No one else  volunteered, so Bachmann jumped in-and won.That was the start of an amazing journey from obscurity to the state  senate, to the U.S. Congress, to an underdog campaign for president.  Along the way her style has been consistent. She says what she means and  she does it. She is the rare political figure who fights for her beliefs.  She speaks from the heart, with common sense about limited government,  the sanctity of life and marriage, the power of free enterprise, and the  need to confront America's enemies. She also talks about putting  principles above partisanship, even if that means ruffling the feathers  of the Republican elite.As Bachmann puts it, the Republican coalition is traditionally a  "three-legged stool"-economic conservatives, social conservatives, and  national security conservatives. Like Ronald Reagan, she represents all  three groups. And in addition, as the founder of the Tea Party caucus in  Congress, Bachmann considers the Tea Party the dynamic fourth leg of the  coalition, in support of a return to constitutional conservatism.This book will show you why Michele Bachmann believes ordinary people  can take on the establishment and win. "Armed with values and faith,  supported by family and fellow citizens, together we can do much. We can  secure what people are yearning for-the chance to take our country back.  Just watch."