Bachmann: “You can count on me.” (audio)

GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann is putting herself forward as an alternative to rival Herman Cain, who is dealing with a crisis these days. Bachmann spoke at a “tele-town hall” this afternoon with members of the National Federation of Independent Business, the National Restaurant Association (which Cain used to lead; it’s during his tenure there that the allegations of sexual harassment were made), the National Association of Home Builders and the Associated Builders and Contractors. In the course of a 45 minute call, Bachmann used the phrase “core of conviction” five different times to describe herself, never once referring to her “titanium spine” as had been her habit since June. ( BTW: “Core of Conviction” is the title of Bachmann’s soon-to-be-released book.)

About 38 minutes into the call, she was directly asked about Cain.  The question came from Bill Shaw of Houston, Texas, a member of the National Association of Home Builders. “I’m really concerned with the Republican candidates’ status, with Cain now having problems with his personal life, with Perry who can’t seem to debate and, according to the liberal media, Romney is now surging — why should I give you the vote, give you my vote?” Shaw asked.

“You’re asking the right question. I think it is because what I have proved and what America is looking for is a leader with a core of conviction, who is going to do what they say they’re going to do and mean what they say,” Bachmann said, adding a few moments later that voters are “looking for an authentic voice, a real voice that gets them and they don’t want someone who is going to vote one way and do something else.”

Listen to the AUDIO of the question and Bachmann’s response (there was cross-talk in the middle of it from the next questioner who came on the line early).

Bachmann closed the call by calling 2012 a “seminal election” and making her “don’t settle” argument.

“Too often we’ve put someone into office thinking they’re going to do something and they don’t do what they say they’re going to do. I have a proven record of five years in Washington, D.C., of being very different,” Bachmann said. “…You can count on me.”