Ann Romney discusses multiple sclerosis battle

FINDLAY, Ohio -- Ann Romney fired back yesterday at critics who have accused husband Mitt Romney of being out of touch with average Americans, saying her own bout with multiple sclerosis taught the family what it means to suffer and lose hope.

"When people say that we've led a charmed life and we don't relate to people that are having trouble, I want to remind you that I've been in a very dark place, and I know what it is like to have no hope," Romney said at a rally for women supporting her husband, the Republican presidential candidate, at the University of Findlay. "So believe me when I tell you these words: We are there for you because we know what it feels like."

Democrats attending their party's national convention this week in Charlotte, N.C., have repeatedly accused the wealthy Romney of a remoteness from the problems facing ordinary Americans. It is one of the primary arguments Democrats have used to criticize Romney and support the re-election efforts of President Barack Obama.

"My husband was getting demonized, lied about, and now, you know, we're really getting it, as you know," Mrs. Romney said.

She described her struggle with the disease, which coincided with her family's move to Utah so her husband could oversee preparations for the 2002 Winter Olympics there. She said she lost the use of her right side and had problems getting out of bed, but said that, despite initial second thoughts, the move turned out well.

Meanwhile, Republican vice-presidential nominee Paul Ryan heaped praise on Bill Clinton on Wednesday, holding him up as a model of reform and Obama as his opposite just hours before the former president was to address the Democratic National Convention.

Campaigning in Iowa, Ryan lauded Clinton administration action on welfare reform and spending reductions -- areas where the GOP ticket has aimed some of its sharpest critiques of Obama.

In Utah later, Ryan said he supports prayer in public schools. The Wisconsin congressman addressed the issue during a brief stop in a Republican volunteer center in Provo. He was in the state to attend a fundraiser.