Bachmann's team fights perception that presidential campaign is floundering

By Josh Lederman - 10/11/11 05:30 AM ET

Mixed messages emanating from the presidential campaign of Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) signal an operation struggling to maintain the momentum needed to sustain itself until the make-or-break Iowa caucuses and fighting against the perception that the bottom is falling out.

On the surface, Bachmann and her aides insist everything is going according to plan and they are taking a long-term view of what is needed to carry the campaign through the caucuses in January.

[b]But under the surface, the campaign is emitting telltale warning signs: drooping poll numbers, the loss of major aides and the closure of Bachmann’s suburban Washington office.

“Your assessment is completely inaccurate,â€