Michele Bachmann downplays slide in key Iowa poll

One day after a key poll showed a steep reversal of fortune for Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann’s prospects in the Iowa caucuses, the Minnesota congresswoman insisted her campaign is doing “exactly what we need to do” to win.

Appearing on ABC’s “This Week with Christiane Amanpour,” Bachmann brushed off her poor showing in Saturday’s Des Moines Register poll as a “day-to-day snapshot.”

The poll showed dwindling support for the conservative firebrand. In June, Bachmann registered 22% support, a close second to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Now Bachmann stands a distant fourth with 8% support. Herman Cain and Romney lead the pack, with 23% and 22%, respectively, and Texas Rep. Ron Paul gets 12%.

The Des Moines Register poll is considered a key indicator of momentum in the crucial caucus state. However, speaking with Amanpour, Bachmann didn’t interpret the showing as an indication of flagging momentum.

“Well, we’re doing exactly what we need to do,” Bachmann said. “And again, I just want to remind you, that I won the Iowa straw poll in less time than any other candidate, and the first woman to ever win the Iowa straw poll. I’m doing exactly what I need to do in Iowa. I’m here, all across the state, meeting with people multiple times every day.”

“And so it’s amazing what a difference several weeks can make in the course of a presidential campaign,” she added. “These are snapshots in time, and we’re looking forward to [caucus date] Jan. 3.”

melanie.mason@latimes.com