Matt Lewis & The News

The Washington Times reports that in Waterloo, Iowa, Michele Bachmann “promised to mimic the spirit of Waterloo’s own John Wayne. The only problem…Waterloo’s John Wayne was not the beloved movie star, but rather John Wayne Gacy, the serial killer.”

This is a problem.

And not just because it is merely the latest example of Bachmann getting basic facts wrong (we all make mistakes). And not just because it comes just as she was reinventing herself as a serious candidate (who is definitely not a flake). It is a problem because she keeps telling everyone she is from Iowa. She repeats this constantly. And yet she doesn’t know John Wayne isn’t from her hometown?

I would know this…

If John Wayne were from my hometown, I’m pretty sure I would know it.

And if John Wayne Gacy — or David Berkowitz for that matter — were from my hometown, I would definitely know it…

Update: Dave Weigel comes to Bachmann’s defense.