Ann Romney on post-campaign bitterness, lack of trust in government

(CBS News) Ann Romney said the U.S. government is "breaking our trust," on Thursday, calling the recent rash of political scandals "deeply troubling." Romney criticized leaders in Washington for their role in the incidents -- from Benghazi to the Justice Department seizing of journalists' records, particularly noting the mounting controversy around the IRS targeting of conservative groups.

"There's this breach of trust that we as all Americans feel right now with our government, if we look at the three scandals that are going on right now...in particular...the IRS scandal." Romney said on "CBS This Morning." 

"We have to have trust in our government. We have to believe they are doing right for us...Where do we turn to know what's really true?" she asked.

In the months since Mitt Romney's loss, she admits she has been "frustrated" but said "Now, I'm really happy with my life."

Turning to her husband, she said since the election, "He's been the most extraordinary husband this winter for me because I've been doing what I've been dying to do for a long time, which is ride a lot. And I've been competing a lot and showing a lot and Mitt's been there supporting me...and watching me and helping me.

"Beyond that, he's writing. He's doing a lot of travel with me," she added.

Romney also addressed the voter gender gap, often-cited as a critical factor behind Romney's loss. She blamed the 20 percent gap between her husband and President Obama in support from female voters issue in part on "the negative nature of the campaign," which she claims characterized her husband as a "more ruthless...businessman."

Still, the former first lady of Massachusetts said she harbors "no bitterness toward anyone" and has no regrets about the 2012 race. She praised her husband's running mate, Congressman Paul Ryan, R-WI, as well as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

"Chris is a great guy, and it's all good," Romney said, addressing the controversy surrounding Christie's resounding praise for President Obama for his swift handling of aid distribution after Superstorm Sandy struck New Jersey.

Looking ahead to the 2016 presidential race, she added, "Mitt and I are partial to Paul Ryan, but we don't even know if he's going to run."