Michele Bachmann's Kids Appear On The Campaign Trail

WASHINGTON -- Four of Rep. Michele Bachmann's (R-Minn.) five biological children joined the candidate and her husband, Marcus Bachmann, in Iowa on Tuesday, less than 12 hours before the state's first-in-the-nation Republican caucus.

The joint appearance marked a visible shift for team Bachmann, and reflects a new strategy in recent days of the congresswoman underscoring her gender in speeches and meetings with voters.

On Tuesday morning, Lucas, Harrison, Elisa and Caroline Bachmann all participated in an interview with their parents on CNN. Until now, Bachmann's children have been largely absent from the campaign trail. Elisa Bachmann said on camera that if more people knew how "normal" her mother is, "maybe they would change their view on her."

Reporters were also surprised to see Marcus Bachmann, whom media outlets noted in December was far less visible on the campaign trail this winter than he had been this summer and fall.

As far as families on the campaign trail are concerned, Bachmann is late to the party. Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich have all conducted multiple campaign appearances with their children, and Romney's sons have even filled in for the former Massachusetts governor at fundraisers and rallies.

More candidates' kids who have hit the campaign trail: