The 25 Dumbest Politician Quotes Of 2011

From Pokemon references to Paul Revere misinformation, behold the greatest foot-in-mouth moments that left a nation in DISBELIEF AND laughter.

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Barack Obama On "The Intercontinental Railroad"

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25. President Barack Obama, on "the Intercontinental Railroad"

Silvio Berlusconi

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24. Silvio Berlusconi, on potential party name changes

Unfortunately for Berlusconi, not many others seemed to think so. Hey, at least Vivid Entertainment can use it as a tagline on some upcoming girl-on-girl flicks.

Rick Perry On Election Day

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23. Rick Perry, on Election Day

While Rick Perry's proposals for job creation and national security are certainly open for debate, there's one little thing he's regrettably gotten dead wrong: The actual election date—and voting age, for that matter.

Last time we checked, the general election was November 6th. And the legal voting age was 18.

Michele Bachmann On Elvis

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22. Michele Bachmann, on Elvis Presley

Hey, who said foot-in-mouth moments were strictly limited to male politicians? Governing officials of the opposite sex have definitely been subject to their fair share of slip-ups, as well. During a visit to South Carolina this past August, GOP candidate Michele Bachmann made efforts to gain favor with her Southern spectators by taking a moment to pause and wish Elvis Presley a happy birthday:

Sure, you could do that...though The King's birthday actually falls on January 8th. While August 16th indeed marked a significant occasion in Presley's life, Bachmann unfortunately opted to give him a birthday shoutout on the day he was found dead in his bathroom.

Michele Bachmann on John Wayne

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Herman Cain On Syria

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20. Herman Cain, on his plan of action for Syria

Poor Herman Cain. Prior to his withdrawal from the presidential race, the dude only seemed to dig the hole deeper and deeper when it came to exposing his questionable knowledge of foreign policy. In response to a question in November 22nd's GOP debate about how the U.S. should deal with Syria, the candidate proposed the following:

Unfortunately for would-be president Cain, Syria is a rather minor exporter of oil. We also aren't sure who these "regional allies" of ours are that are apparently guzzling up their unimpressive supply. That said, maybe Cain just got a little sidetracked with his movement to bring back Black Walnut Haagen Daaz.

Mitt Romney On America's Future

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Anthony Weiner On The Infamous Twitter Photos

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18. Anthony Weiner, on the infamous Twitter photos

One tearful confession later, we can't say with certitude that Weiner's lower half hasn't officially become one of the most recognized in the country.

Rick Santorum On Racial Profiling

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Mitt Romney On Reasons Not To Elect Him

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16. Mitt Romney, on reasons to think twice about electing him

Who hasn't spoken once in a while of wanting a down-to-Earth president they can kick back and drink a beer with? Well, Mitt Romney definitely appears to be making efforts to be that bar buddy. Unfortunately, at times, he also unleashes statements that make you wonder if he's already a few deep. This past September, the GOP candidate declared the following, 

Michele Bachmann On "The Shot Heard 'Round the World"

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15. Michele Bachmann, on "the shot heard 'round the world"

The Battle of Lexington and Concord was apparently one that left quite a few people confused, especially politicians. Sarah Palin surprisingly wasn't the only nom to mix up her facts when referencing the famous showdown. While addressing Republican crowds in New Hampshire this past March, Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann applauded them:

Well, not quite. That battle for liberty was actually in Massachusetts' backyard—not New Hampshire, as Bachmann had claimed.

Condoleezza Rice On Attacks On U.S. Soil

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14. Condoleezza Rice, on attacks on U.S. soil

Got an American history question? You might want to think twice before making Condoleezza Rice your go-to girl. She might be one of the most accomplished ladies in the nation, but even she, like Herman Cain, is capable of the occasional (unforgettable) brain fart. In the midst of a 9/11 discussion with David Letterman on his late night talk show, the former Secretary of State asserted:

Uh, does Pearl Harbor not count?

Herman Cain On The Constitution

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13. Herman Cain, on re-reading the Constitution

Herman Cain, too, might not be the one you want to run to with burning questions about America's past. Per the former presidential campaign front-runner:

Michelle Bachmann On A Zero-Percent Tax Rate

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12. Michele Bachmann, on a zero-percent tax rate

Flip-flopping has never been specific to Michele Bachmann; plenty of others have been paving the way for ages. That said, they generally seem to wait longer than, well, under a minute to counter their original stance. At the Orlando debate this past September, Bachmann called for a zero-percent tax rate, stating the following:

Hear hear! But wait, oop, there's more:

Wait, what about the first part?

Mitt Romney On Gay Marriage

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11. Mitt Romney, on gay marriage

Speaking of self-contradictory statements, Bachmann hasn't been the only debater to debunk her own comments within a notably short period of time; Mitt Romney, in fact, was able to do it within a single sentence.  He explains:

"I'm firmly in support of people not being discriminated against based upon their sexual orientation. At the same time, I oppose same-sex marriage."

Uh...right. 

Michele Bachmann On Gay Marriage

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10. Michele Bachmann, on gay marriage

When it comes to gay marriage, Michele Bachmann also has some interesting thoughts. For starters, all gay people can get married! (Say whaaaat?) No, they really can—well, you know, as long as it's not to another gay person. Per the congresswoman:

"Every American citizen has the right to avail themselves of marriage, but they have to follow what the laws are. And the laws are, you marry a person of the opposite sex. There are no special rights for people based upon your sex practices."

So, gay marriage is finally a reality—granted you're ready to bite the bullet and wed someone you aren't attracted to. We feel so enlightened.

Newt Gingrich On Child Labor

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Herman Cain On Libya

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8. Herman Cain, on Libya

Who amongst us hasn't suffered from some sort of temporary mental lapse at an inopportune time? We've all dealt with struggles to recall certain passingly important facts before friends, family, and coworkers, and failed miserably. But when you're getting grilled in a small portion of the world's most important job interview, it's time to pull it together and put your game face on. 

Rick Perry On Solyndra

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President Obama On Jared Monti

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6. President Barack Obama, on Medal of Honor recipient Jared Monti

While Obama's botching of the history-making railroad line's name made us laugh, reliving his slip-up with fallen soldier Jared Monti's Medal of Honor is enough to make anyone squirm. While speaking to soldiers this past June, the president said of Jared Monti, 2011's honoree:

Unfortunately, Monti died in 2006. Erf.

Herman Cain On China

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Sarah Palin On Blood Libel

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4. Sarah Palin, on "blood libel"

In the event Sarah Palin's countless quotables hadn't already been an unrelenting topic of conversation during her memorable campaign with John McCain, a few choice words in a Facebook response to suggestions that her rhetoric may have contributed to January's Arizona shootings set off a media storm all its own. In her video, she states:

Be that as it may, unleashing a term associated with the blaming of Jews for heinous crimes (resulting in mass anti-Semitic rallying) isn't necessarily the greatest way to distance yourself from scandal.

Herman Cain On His Resignation

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3. Herman Cain, on his resignation

In hopes of best expressing his feelings about resigning amidst swirling rumors of affairs and sexual harrassment, former presidential candidate Herman Cain didn't turn to his family, his mentors, or any old sage for inspiration—he turned to Pokemon: The Movie. Or more specifically, the track playing during the end credits, as sung by Donna Summers.
 
Of his decision to bow out of the 2012 race, the former Godfather's Pizza bigwig expressed the following:
 
"Life can be a challenge. Life can seem impossible. It's never easy when there's so much on the line. But you and I can make a difference." 
 
Shortly after, he ventured off to perfect his Pikachu collection. 

Sarah Palin On Paul Revere

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Rick Perry On "The Three Agencies"

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