Matthews to Bachmann: Are You Hypnotized?

Chris Matthews had an exciting/cringe-worthy interview with Michele Bachmann last night, in which he tried to hammer her on her past statement that she’d like to investigate Democrats for “un-American activities.” Matthews kept asking if she’d use the Republicans’ newfound subpoena power for such investigations, and Bachmann kept ignoring him, instead sticking to well-worn talking points about taxes and the economy.

Finally Matthews asked, “Are you hypnotized tonight? Has someone hypnotized you? Because no matter what I ask you give the same answer.” In the background, you can hear someone—it sounds like Keith Olbermann—burst into giggles. Undeterred, Bachmann replies: “I think the American people are the ones that finally are speaking tonight, we’re coming out of our trance. … I imagine that thrill is maybe not quite so tingly on your leg anymore.” (For more on the leg tingle/thrill, see the second video, and this Mediaite story.)