Ann Romney on Michelle Obama: 'She's lovely'

By Susan Page, USA TODAY

Updated

SANTA ROSA, Calif. – Ann Romney has harsh words for President Obama, saying she hears "a feeling of almost desperation" from voters about the course he has taken the country. But ask her about Michelle Obama and she has only praise.

AP

Ann Romney on Michelle Obama: "She's doing a good job."

"I love the fact that they have a strong family," Romney told USA TODAY. "I love the fact that she's talking about trying to make kids healthier. You know, it's all good."

The two women met in October 2007, when they participated on a panel at the California Women's Conference, moderated by Maria Shriver. (Political wives Elizabeth Edwards and Cindy McCain joined them.) The two women saw each other again at back-to-back Republican and Democratic debates sponsored by ABC in New Hampshire in January 2008. The opening 7 p.m. debate featured Mitt Romney and other Republicans; the 8:45 p.m. debate, Barack Obama and other Democrats.

• STORY: Mitt Romney's secret weapon: Wife Ann

"She's lovely," Ann Romney says of Michelle Obama. " I think she's doing a good job."

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