Wallace explained to Bachmann, "the rap on you here in Washington is that you have a history of questionable statements, some would say gaffes . . . are you a flake?" Bachmann retorted "well I think that would be insulting to say something like that because I'm a serious person." Bachmann demonstrated her seriousness by reciting her long resume of accomplishments and by not a cracking a smile during the uncomfortable questioning.

Wallace did try to make it clear to Bachmann that the perception of some is that she is a flake, and not that anyone was actually calling her that. He also asked whether she was aware that "you have to be careful and not say what some regard as flaky things." Bachmann did seem to avoid "flakiness" in her interview, but looked less than thrilled with the overall exchange.