Warmth, confidence, and a radiant sense of peace are the qualities Ann Romney gracefully exudes as I sit down next to her on the returning flight from Boston to Long Beach. It’s been a long day “dialing for dollars” from the floor of the Boston Garden. And now, I’m headed home while Ann is on her way to Simi Valley, where she spends a week every month bonding with her horses, even staying on the premises where they board. These “breaks” from the campaign trail are both beneficial to her health and her sanity, and it is obvious she looks forward to the R&R she finds with her horses, a good history book, and a game of Sudoku.

The Ann Romney we see staring in admiration at her husband during their public appearances is authentic, bold, and completely confident that the man she fell in love with during her teens is indeed doing the right thing for the country. When asked how she feels about taking on such an enormous endeavor as a presidential campaign, she calmly says, “I have no fear, none at all. I know we are doing what we are supposed to, and no matter how things turn out, I know we will be okay. Everything will be fine.”                                                                                                                                                                                 

Ann says she first knew Mitt was destined for a future as big as a Pennsylvania Avenue address when she met him in high school. However, she wasn’t exactly sure how they’d get there. But now, she is “truly overwhelmed by all the support we have received. It’s obvious that this is greater than us all.” 

            While Ann says she thoroughly enjoys the excitement every day brings on the campaign trail meeting “the blanket of people” across the nation who support the Romneys, she is positively giddy about reuniting with her horses. She generously spent our flight’s take off with me answering questions, discussing her health and family, and even looking at pictures of my kids with a genuine smile and interest. Here’s what she had to say about her husband’s campaign, her family, and the future of our country.   

AM: What kind of future would you like to see for your grandchildren?

AR: Good question. First, I’d like them to live in a safe and secure

AM: How you do you keep your family ties strong through the chaos and stress of a presidential campaign?

AR: We all talk and email a lot. And the whole family looks forward to our annual vacations. We know that we are each other’s support system.

AM: How do you keep the negative comments said about your husband from affecting you?             

AR: We really just try to follow Mitt’s example.  He knows that criticism comes with the territory when you’re running for President, but he prefers to focus on all the great people we meet across the country and the great things he wants to accomplish as President.  I think we’ve been very fortunate for all the support and encouragement we’ve received during this campaign.

AM: What initiatives would you support as First Lady?

AR: I’d like to bring a greater awareness to MS. Also, I’d like to focus on helping at-risk youth, and inspire kids to make good decisions. And I’d like to emphasize the importance of waiting to have children, and the necessary role fathers have in families.

AM: Many women are excited about the prospect of a female presidential candidate, and will perhaps choose their candidate in this election based on gender alone. What about Mitt (besides his good looks and charm) will attract female voters to the Romney campaign?                                                                         

AR: Mitt’s policies on issues such as health care and education will appeal to women voters. They are issues where he has a strong track record in Massachusetts. He has made insurance affordable and portable, and is able to address the educational needs of our children better than other candidates.      

AM: How has your history with Multiple Sclerosis affected the way your husband looks at healthcare issues?                                                                             

AR: It has certainly changed both of us, as we are more sensitive to those who deal with health issues. Mitt hopes to bring a more accessible and affordable health care plan to everyone. My MS has influenced us in a broader sense, too. We are more sympathetic to anyone going through any type of hardship. We meet lots of people going through tough times, and we sympathize.

AM: What is it about Mitt that keeps him, someone who has proven very successful in many areas, so modest and approachable?

AR: At Mitt’s very core, he recognizes that we’re all children of the same God.  Everyone has struggles, and those who have been given a lot have to be more willing to give to others. He is a person who feels strongly that it is his duty to serve others.

It was a pleasure getting to know Ann Romney better. She radiates the best qualities of a wife, mother, grandmother, the kind of woman you’d want as a friend, and conceivably our future First Lady. It is obvious that the beautiful woman standing next to the man has significantly influenced the man himself. And these two make a great team. We look forward to watching the Romneys on their road to the White House!                                           

(America’s Calling Photos Courtesy of Romney for President Photos/Abby Brack)