Michele Bachmann kicks off campaign, but John Wayne Gacy gaffe mars speech

                                                                                                  Tea party firebrand Michele Bachmann cast herself as the voice of conservative Republicans, and also disaffected Democrats, in her campaign kick-off speech Monday, promising a better way forward if elected to the White House.

Standing outside a historic building not far from her childhood home, Bachmann said she was entering the race “not for vanity, but because America is at a crucial moment. And I believe that we must make a bold choice if we are to secure the promise of our future.”

The Minnesota congresswoman related her own history — growing up in a politically mixed family of modest means, becoming an education activist in Minnesota and eventually being elected to the halls of Congress, where she was best known as a champion for conservative causes.

“I am profoundly grateful for the blessings that I have received both from God and from this great country,” Bachmann said, adding, “Every American deserves these blessings.”

Since declaring her candidacy this month, Bachmann has toned down the sometimes incendiary language that has reinforced her reputation as an uncompromising conservative. She returned to that more fiery persona Monday, firmly stating her Christian convictions and support for the tea party and accusing President Obama of “leading from behind.”

But she also faulted her own party and cast herself as the candidate for all disgruntled Americans, regardless of party affiliation.

“Our problems don’t have an identity of party; they were problems that were created by both parties,” Bachmann said. “I think that Americans agree our country is in peril today and we have to act with urgency to save it.”