Influence Alley

Not sure if it was ad-libbing. At least it wasn't in the transcripts as prepared for delivery.

But Ann Romney's exclamation, an ebullient outpouring of affection during her prime time address at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, certainly spelled out how she feels about her fellow female Americans--and that was the point.

"I love you, women," she said, almost blurted out, really.

It's no secret that the Republican Party struggles with a gender gap. Romney's interjection underlined the point for viewers at home. 

"It's the moms of this nation -- single, married, widowed -- who really hold this country together. ... You know it's true, don't you," she asked.

Well, what do you think?