Via Politico's Alexander Burns, Ron Paul debuted a new campaign spot in Iowa and it touts the libertarian's pro-life stance. As Burns put it: his new emphasis on social conservatism could help voters see him "as more than the audit-the-Fed guy." The ad also ties in with a larger push by his campaign to show off his softer side--which seems to mean less talk about wonky fiscal issues that have become his trademark. His final narrated line in the "Life" video puts the wording of his abortion views front and center: "Unless we resolve this and understand that life is precious, and we must protect life, we can't protect liberty." According to Real Clear Politics aggregate polling average in Iowa, Ron Paul is basically tied with Michele Bachmann at 12 percent support, trailing Herman Cain, Rick Perry, and Mitt Romney.

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Erik Hayden