As U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) prepares her official announcement that she’s running for president, here’s a rundown of her ugly track record of extremist rhetoric, incendiary demagoguery, and political paranoia, catalogued and documented since Bachmann’s 2008 reelection to the United States House of Representatives in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District.

Michele Bachmann’s March of Folly (2009-2010)

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) at the Sartell SummerFest Parade, Saturday, June 14, 2008. (Photo credit: St. Cloud Times)

Michele Bachmann Up-Close (2010-2011)

Rep. Michele Bachmann addresses a Tea Party rally at Lake George, St. Cloud, Minn., Friday, June 4, 2010. (Photo: Aubrey Immelman)

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FROM THE ARCHIVES: One Year Ago — May 17, 2010

Congressional Quarterly Rates Bachmann’s Seat Safe

Image: Ken Avidor — Dump Bachmann / TheUptake

One year ago today, I reported that Washington D.C. political handicapper CQ Politics, in its district-by-district congressional race ratings for the 2010 midterm election, reclassified Minnesota’s 6th District from “Leans Republican” to “Likely Republican” — reflecting an increasing likelihood that incumbent Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann would be reelected for a third term.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES: Two Years Ago — May 17, 2009

Barack Obama at Notre Dame

Notre Dame graduate Greg Podolej, right, passes activists on the way to his commencement ceremony on the campus of Notre Dame University Sunday, May 17, 2009 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo credit: Scott Olson / Getty Images)

Two years ago today, on May 17, 2009, I reported on President Barack Obama’s commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame and the anti-abortion protests it prompted.