Why are Bachmann and Romney now backpeddling?

Particularly Bachmann, saying Obama was anti-American. Now she's saying that she feels he loves the country as any American does and does not question his patriotism. Sounds like another flip-flop to me. Romney called Obama "European". Now he's saying he's just as patriotic as Republicans and loves this country. Why? Could it be they finally developed the UNIQUE thought in their brain that it might make them look bad to smear and attack our President? Or is Bachmann trying to lose the "flake" tag? Your thoughts.