Bachmann Takes Aim At Gingrich's Stance On 'Life'

Michele Bachmann used her opening remarks at a promotional event for her new book to differentiate herself from the surging Republican frontrunner, Newt Gingrich.

Gingrich had earlier clarified his position on what he believes constitutes "life" — specifically, that implantation of a fertilized egg into the uterine wall, and not mere fertilization is when life begins.

"I just want to make it very clear that I believe in protecting human life from conception until natural death," Bachmann said. "There was another one of the candidates in the race today, former speaker Newt Gingrich, who said that he would not protect life until the issue of implantation, and he would also get behind embryonic stem cell research.

"I want to make it very clear that this is not my position. I believe in protecting life in all stages, from conception until natural death."

Bachmann made the statement during a book-signing at Barnes & Noble on Woodruff Road in Greenville to promote her memoir, "Core of Conviction," which details her personal life and beliefs, while also telling of how she made the decision to run for president.

A single heckler attempted to speak over Bachmann at several points during her opening comments, asking repeatedly if she'd gotten a flu shot - perhaps a jab at the candidate's anti-vaccine comments earlier in the race.

Alice Stewart, Bachmann's communications director, said that while Bachmann was promoting her book, she was still very much campaigning, and that it didn't necessarily indicate a shift in strategy, and that the congresswoman's book promotions represented an opportunity to tell voters her personal story. Stewart also made it clear that though the campaign is concerned with her low numbers in South Carolina, but conceded that Bachmann's eyes remain on Iowa.

"Obviously, South Carolina is important, but our focus is on Iowa," Stewart said.