Bachmann’s Elvis Fumble

Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann mixed up the date Elvis Presley died with his birthday on a South Carolina campaign stop on August 16th.

The Minnesota congresswoman played Elvis’ song “Promised Land” at a local restaurant and announced that she wanted to say happy birthday to the King, who was really born on January 8, 1935.
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“Before we get started, let’s all say happy birthday to Elvis Presley today!” Bachmann chirped.

She later acknowledged the mix-up when she spoke with reporters, but maybe Michelle should lay off the pop culture references. Earlier this year, she called Waterloo, Iowa the home of John Wayne, another member of show biz royalty — the Duke, who was really born in Winterset, Iowa but grew up in Glendale, California.

Here are the lyrics to Promised Land
(written by Chuck Berry)

I left my home in Norfolk Virginia.
California on my mind/
I straddled that Greyhound
And rode into Raleigh
And on across Caroline.

We had motor trouble that turn into a struggle
Halfway across Alabam’ —
And that hound broke down and left us all stranded
In downtown Birmingham.

Right away I brought me a through train ticket
Ridin’ across Mississippi clean,
And I was on that midnight flyer out of Birmingham
Smokin’ into New Orleans.

Somebody help me get out of Louisiana
Just to help me get to Houston Town.
There are people there who care a little about me
And they won’t let the poor boy down.

Sure as you’re born brought me a silk suit,
Put luggage in my hand.
And I woke up high over Alberquerque
On a jet to the promised land.

Working on a T-bone steak a la carte
Flying over to the golden state,
When the pilot told us in thirteen minutes
He would set us at the terminal gate.

Swing low chariot come down easy,
Taxi to the terminal zone.
Cut your engines and cool your wings
And let me make it to the telephone.

Los Angeles give me Norfolk Virginia,
Tidewater four ten o nine.
Tell the folks back home this is the promised land calling
And the poor boy is on the line.