A breathless Dana Bash chased after Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann Tuesday trying to get her to respond to comments she made about Pres. Obama’s “lavish lifestyle” at CPAC last weekend. Determined though she was, Bash was not successful, and on top of it all, she probably has shin splints.

Last night on AC360, Bash and Anderson Cooper talked about the chase for answers, and came to the conclusion that just by covering this story, they end up helpping Rep. Bachmann.

“We do struggle in situations like this,” said Cooper, “because we want to call out politicians when they say things that are flat out untrue. With with congresswoman Bachmann it’s a double edged sword. She fund raises off this stuff.”

“We can be transparent with viewers,” said Bash. “We had a real discussion about this today because we know the more oxygen we give this, the more Bachmann will raise money off of this.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she uses this program, this report and another one tomorrow or beyond,” said Bash, adding, “But we’re doing our job.”