Ann Romney RNC Speech: Ann, I Love You, But Your Husband is Bringing Me Down

Listening to Ann Romney speak at the RNC on Tuesday, my heart couldn’t help but melt a little when she trilled, “I love youuuuuuuu, women!” Ann Romney’s speech about her relationship with her husband was earnest, intimate, touching, and powerful, just as everyone expected it would be.

What it wasn't, though, was particularly enlightening as to why I should vote for Mitt Romney.

Ann Romney, you’re right — women everyone are the ones sighing a little bit more than the men. That is how it is. We are the ones who always have to do a little more. (And we’re the ones who always get paid a little less.)  I’m glad you want to sing my praises, and the praises of other women. I respect you for being candid and open about your struggles with MS, miscarriages and breast cancer. I am impressed by your dedication to your husband, to his campaign, and to the values which you both endorse.

But Ann Romney, there’s just one thing I don’t love — your husband.

And I can’t help noticing that for all your praise of women on his behalf, you don’t mention the policies that he’s going to put in place which directly affect them.  When I look into my heart, what I see is fear of a Romney presidency.

Fear that your husband has not clarified his position on abortion.

Fear that your husband may support the GOP human life amendment.

Fear that your husband would prevent equal marriage rights.

Fear that your husband would take away the health care I need.

Fear that your husband does not support clean energy.  

Fear that your husband has changed his mind on issues like minimum wage, public investment in private companies, and what role the government should play in the economy.

Fear that your husband does not support higher education.

Fear that your husband is either racist or attempting to pander to racists.

I’m sorry, Ann  – I’m just not in love with your husband. And, to be honest, your speech didn’t sell me on him. Maybe my fears are unfounded, but until it's clear that they are, I'm too anxious to care overly much about his good heart.

You put it well yourself, "You may not agree with Mitt's position on issues or his politics. Massachusetts is only 13% Republican, so it's not like that's a shock."

Lisewise, I'm sure you won't be shocked when I tell you that I'm not going to vote for someone whose position on issues and politics I don't agree with just because you think he's kind and warm and loving and I should really get to know him.

Look, Ann, like many other Americans, I’m nervous about this election and worried about the state of our nation. There are real issues facing us, complex issues which likely have no easy solution. What I want to hear from your husband is what his policies will be, and how those policies are consistent with his previous political track record. What I want to hear from you is why you support these policies, and why I should too.

You told me, “We’re too smart to know there aren’t easy answers. But we’re not dumb enough to accept that there aren’t better answers.”

You’re right. And until I hear better answers from you or your husband, I just can’t believe you when you say that I can trust Mitt.