WHITE HOUSE 2012

And They're Off: Palin Reemerges While Bachmann Readies White House Bid

By Lindsey Boerma

Updated: May 18, 2011 | 12:47 p.m.
May 18, 2011 | 10:22 a.m.

One day after Minnesta Rep. Michele Bachmann (left) said she's close to a decision about getting into the GOP presidential race, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin scheduled a round of TV appearances.

Political gossip junkies, take heart—the much-anticipated showdown between Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin could finally be taking off.

One day after Bachmann hinted that she may be lacing up her 2012 running shoes sooner than her self-mandated June deadline, Fox News and its affiliates began promoting Palin appearances on several shows on Wednesday.

“Right now, it’s anyone’s race, so who does Sarah Palin think will lead the GOP to victory in 2012? Surprising insight from the former governor tonight on Hannity," a Fox advertisement sang out. And at 10 p.m. ET, according to a tweet by host Eric Bolling, Palin will appear on Fox Business Network's Follow the Money, where Bolling says they will discuss the GOP field.

Because of the enormous center of shared attributes on the Bachmann-Palin Venn diagram—both are outspoken, often controversial female leaders with loyal followings in the tea party movement—many analysts have speculated that one’s decision to run will eclipse the other’s, particularly when it comes to constituent support.

Advisers to Palin, the GOP's 2008 vice presidential nominee, refused to speak on the record. Still, they indicated that her swing through the Fox prime-time lineup wouldn’t feature any major bombshell announcements or endorsements. (She’s a paid contributor for the network and could complicate election rules via the Fairness Doctrine if she did.)

But Bachmann told National Journal last week that her decision (sources say that she “very likely” will run) is independent of “anyone being in the race today, or if anyone else considers it,” including Palin. In a new fundraising letter, Bachmann asks supporters to vote with their wallets, contributing $25 if they think she should stay in the House, and $50 or $100 if they think she should take the presidential plunge.

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