WASHINGTON -- Ann Romney rebuked Republican critics of her husband in two media appearances on Thursday, telling them to "stop it."
The wife of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, during a sit-down interview with CBS 58 in Milwaukee, was asked about the second-guessing within the GOP's tent over the campaign.
"You know there is always sniping and everyone always thinks they are the best critic, and they know this and they know that," she said. "And you know what, it is really amazing to me that people forget that what this election really is about is the economy."
In an interview with Radio Iowa, she was more forceful.
"Stop it. This is hard. You want to try it? Get in the ring,” she said. “This is hard and, you know, it’s an important thing that we’re doing right now and it’s an important election and it is time for all Americans to realize how significant this election is and how lucky we are to have someone with Mitt’s qualifications and experience and know-how to be able to have the opportunity to run this country."
Mitt Romney has largely been diplomatic when read back some of the complaints that Republicans, whether they be Senate candidates distancing themselves from his remarks or columnists complaining that his campaign is inept. Usually, he concedes that his statement -- declaring that 47 percent of the country was government-dependent, self-identified victims -- was inarticulate, then moves on.
Ann Romney's remarks suggest rather strongly that both her husband and his campaign are more aggrieved by the words coming from fellow Republicans.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly referred to Mitt Romney as the vice presidential candidate. His ambitions are slightly higher.
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