Video: Bachmann’s first ad avoids social issues

Ascendent in the polls despite increasing pressure for her stances on some social issues, presidential hopeful U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann released a video Wednesday that highlights her economic bonafides.

In Bachmann’s first Iowa ad of the season, titled “Waterloo,” she highlights her Iowa roots and slams the stimulus, bailout and any increase to the debt ceiling.

Bachmann has charged up the ranks of Iowa and New Hampshire polls. But in recent days, national news venues like the Washington Post, Politico and the Los Angeles Times have published pieces chewing over Bachmann and husband Marcus’ conservative social positions.

It could represent a new tack for Bachmann, who’s been most well-known for her positions on social issues. A U.S. News and World Report post today suggested that focusing on fiscal conservatism could help pave Bachmann’s way to the Republican nomination by attracting more middle-of-the-road voters.

The DNC quickly responded to the ad, pointing out that Bachmann’s stance on the debt limit could lead to higher interest rates and other damage to the still-weak economy.

Watch it: