Left, Right defend Bachmann in migraines flap
The health of any presidential candidate always comes under scrutiny. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R, Minn.) is no exception. It's been revealed the Minnesota lawmaker suffers from migraine headaches which, she points out, millions of Americans suffer from, as well.
However, the way the information was revealed on a conservative website has people from not only the Right, but the left jumping to her defense, CBS News Political Correspondent Jan Crawford reports.
On the campaign trail in South Carolina, Bachmann wanted to talk about the economy and spending, but she instead was forced to address her health.
"I'd like to be abundantly clear: My ability to function effectively will not affect, will not affect my ability to serve as Commander in Chief," she said.
The controversy started when the conservative website Daily Caller posted a story Monday night saying Bachmann suffered chronic migraines and suggested she should be disqualified from the presidency.
The article, which used anonymous quotes from three former aides, alleged "heavy pill use." One unnamed former aide even questioned whether she is "going to have the physical ability to withstand the most difficult challenges facing America?"
Obviously, the health of a presidential candidate is a legitimate issue for voters.
Medical experts consulted by CBS News say migraines generally should not disqualify someone from the presidency. They said they now can be controlled by medication, unlike in the old days, when Presidents Thomas Jefferson and Ulysses S Grant suffered from them.
The article set off a firestorm on the Right and, surprisingly, the Left.
Conservatives said this "favorite of the Tea Party" was being targeted by establishment Republicans trying to torpedo her campaign, as polls show Bachmann is emerging as a front-runner.
And some liberals said the entire report was sexist, because its tone implied that, as a woman, she was weak and physically unfit for the job.
As the only woman in the race, Bachmann already has gotten questions some say wouldn't be asked of a man: Fox News' Chris Wallace asked, "Are you a flake?" And Bachmann responded "Well, I think that would be insulting to say something like that."
Of course, this is something then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton knew all too well. In her campaign, she was described in the media as "she-devil" who had gotten as far as she had only because her husband had "messed around." The New York Times even wrote about Mrs. Clinton's "cackle.
On "The Early Show" Wednesday, CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton looked at symptoms, triggers and treatment of migraines: