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Political Hay
One More Time
What makes Ryan an inspired and inspiring choice.
Picking Paul Ryan to be his running mate proves Romney is serious. It shows Republicans he is serious about winning. More importantly, it shows the country he is serious about addressing its problems, because America is in need of serious help.
Evidence of the seriousness of America’s needs are manifest. The economy continues to wallow about in the worst recovery since WWII ended the Great Depression. Unemployment is 8.3% and the economy grew just 1.5% in its latest quarter. And its prospects don’t look much better.
If anything is going worse than America’s economy, it’s Washington’s budget. In just over a month, the government will record its fourth consecutive $1 trillion-plus deficit — never before these four had the government recorded even one. The government’s debt (held by the public) has doubled over the last four years.
Worst going of all is Washington’s spending. The government spends almost a quarter of everything that America produces. Over the last four years, Washington has spent greater portions of America’s production than any time since WWII — establishing a new peacetime record.
America’s economy needs restoring, its government’s spending and debt need cutting, and its tax code needs reforming. And those are just for starters.
For most Americans, the problems do not need retelling, they need addressing. Romney’s pick of Ryan proves he agrees.
Ryan is an inspired and inspiring choice. No one in Washington better understands the problems America faces and what needs to be done than Paul Ryan.
Ryan is also a challenging choice. Not challenging to Romney or his campaign — though you better bring your A-game everyday, because Paul Ryan does not have a B-Game — but to us. His pick asks us: Do we really admit America has serious problems and we are willing to fix them?
Sure, in poll after poll Americans say by lop-sided margins that the nation is on the wrong track, that federal spending is too high, that the deficit and debt are too big. But by picking Ryan, Romney asks us: Do you really mean it?
Because if we do — and we decidedly should — then Rep. Paul Ryan is the solution.
He is what we should want if we are serious, because Ryan is serious. And thoughtful, and right, and dedicated to addressing the problems we claim we recognize. There is a little “put up or shut up” in Romney’s pick.
There is also a lot of courage in the Ryan pick. Romney certainly knows what he is getting in Ryan — an articulate, smart, charismatic person that is the more than a match for most in Washington, or anywhere else for that matter. Quite simply, it takes guts and no little confidence to choose someone who many would be afraid would overshadow them. In Washington, a town built on egos, there are not many who would feel so bold.
Romney is running for President, but really he is interviewing with America to be its CEO. That is who Romney is — a man who can make things run well. He has done it all his life. You can fault him for some things — as we can anyone — but failure is not one of them.
America has had PR teams, what it needs now is a CEO. Before a CEO starts a job, he is judged by the team he puts together to tackle it. As a “first hire,” Ryan is a great initial indicator of Romney’s acumen. Ryan is just the sort of first hire a confident and competent CEO would pick.
Now it is time for America to let Romney and Ryan get to work. Because if America is serious that it needs fixing, Romney and Ryan are serious about fixing it.
About the Author
J.T. Young served in the Department of Treasury and the Office of Management and Budget from 2001 to 2004 and as a Congressional staff member from 1987 to 2000.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (133) | Leave a comment
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Appleby| 8.15.12 @ 6:35AM
Paul Ryan will in fact overshadow Romney. I think that's one thing he was hoping for when he chose him; Ryan will do the PR and soothe the folks -- and stand with the Christians and allow Mitt to sidestep the Mormon question, not to mention the question of why he didn't step up on Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day to speak up for the First Amendment. Most of all, he has given people who would never vote for Mitt a chance to take a second look at the ticket.
Aristocat| 8.15.12 @ 7:30AM
Ryan is awesome...Young, Catholic, Wisconsin, congressional veteran, Budget Chairman...
I don't get the Medicare plan for 2022...Who knows what the situation will be in 2022...Romney will be a 65-year old former president...The candidates will probably be Chelsea Clinton vs. Pedro Bush (just kidding)...
But why bring this up now? If it's so great, why not do it now instead of waiting 10 years ? But it brings Medicare into the national debate and allows Republicans to point out that Obama is taking $700 Billion out of Medicare to give to his government dependents.
Aristocat| 8.15.12 @ 7:32AM
Sorry, meant to say Romney will be 75 in 2022 and long gone from the national scene...
vtwin| 8.15.12 @ 12:30PM
Excellent point Aristocat; if Ryan’s Medicare plan is really going to “save Medicare,” is going to provide a better healthcare system for our retired and disabled Americans, and do so at a lower cost to the nation why doesn't Ryan and Romney offer it up with a start date in January 2013?
George S| 8.15.12 @ 1:05PM
They will; the first step is to repeal ObamaCare.
First, the premise is that Medicare will be broke ten years or so from now. That is not me talking but the Medicare Trustee. If you do not agree with that, then Obama's Overworked President Golfing Vacation and Medicare Solvency Act of 2009-2012 will be all that is needed to sustain Medicare.
But if the system is going broke -- and a CONSENSUS of economists agree (love that word, no?) -- then the political reality (not to mention the fair thing to do) has to address those 55 and over who have not structured their finances around Medicare not being there. So the overhaul has to be done over a phased in period to protect current seniors.
Why is that a problem?
JohnLeo| 8.15.12 @ 3:40PM
Most likely it's because he doesn't want to pull the rug out from under folks 55 plus years old
MK48| 8.15.12 @ 10:21AM
Applebag.......you just can't let the mormon deal go......you need serious prayer or maybe an adjustment in your meds.
No one cares about what his religion is you got a muslim in office who says he is a christian [ya right] who has serious character flaws and you give IT a pass.
We know more about Mitt and his life than "the one" Mitt has a record of LIFE he can run on. So your constant obsession of his mormon faith tells me ........I question your FAITH.
Evelina| 8.15.12 @ 12:45PM
The Ryan Medicare plan absolutely will affect people currently on Medicare. If you establish that in 10 years the Medicare risk pool will stop growing and start shrinking, you do damage to how the program works.
First, you increase the risk in the pool and drive up cost by stopping younger healthier seniors from entering the plan. Second, as the pool shrinks Medicare loses power to dictate reimbursement rates. Doctors will begin not to accept Medicare patients because not only will the volume of patients no longer justify the low reimbursement rates, but those left in the pool will be older, sicker and more expensive to treat.
The program that they say will be in place will not only become much more expensive to maintain than projected, but it will collapse on itself.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 12:53PM
Evelina,
"Doctors will begin not to accept Medicare patients "
Have you not been paying attention? They are doing that now because the goverment dictates rates, they do not even come close to covering them. That means a Doctor can't pay his bills or stay in business.
Evelina| 8.15.12 @ 2:33PM
Because government dictates rates, they are so low that "a doctor can't pay his bills or stay in business."
Source, please.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 2:39PM
http://www.usatoday.com/news/w.....care_N.htm
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US.....277133043/
Here are just two. Type "Doctors refusing medicare patients" into a search engine and you will find a ton of articles. And remember, this is even before Obamacare kicks in and lowers payments even more.
Evelina| 8.15.12 @ 3:21PM
I was unaware of this development. It's scary. Drunken Sailor,
Thank you for the links.
I guess we seniors cannot be too smug about our health care. There's a great deal of unpredictability about our medical treatment.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 3:23PM
Sad but true. If this affects you I and you do not already have a regular doctor I suggest getting one now and staying with them. Something has to be done.
Von Mises Jr| 8.15.12 @ 7:28AM
The real issue in this election is FREEDOM.
The economy is only a symptom of the dictatorial, statist and potentially totalitarian rule of a man who sees himself above the law.
The NDAA and recent Executive Order to allow the President to declare a National Emergency to then act like a King or Emperor is of greater danger than prolonged stagnant growth. Not enforcing immigration laws and suing states for following the law is despotic. Raiding a company such as Gibson Guitar with automatic weapons drawn and shaking them down for $300M is communist tactics.
If you don't understand that, you are too stupid to hold a job.
sailorman100| 8.15.12 @ 7:50AM
actually the shakedown was 300k
Von Mises Jr| 8.15.12 @ 8:13AM
You are correct, sailorman. It is hard to keep track now that we speak in trillions all the time. Rush and many of the politicians confuse the extra tree zeros.
Actually, with legal fees, it was another $50K to be a total of about $350K.
Thanks for the good catch.
irish19| 8.15.12 @ 12:15PM
What's a couple of orders of magnitude between friends, eh?
nathan| 8.15.12 @ 8:21AM
You understand sir that Rand Paul opposed the NDAA and McCain more or less called him a traitor for doing so. And Boehner allowed the language to remain in the bill. Who voted for it? The current darling of the republicans, PAUL RYAN. So what makes you think that since MR and PR both support the NDAA that the won't use it to detain Americans after THEY take office? Don't kid yourselves here, your freedoms aren't that much safer in the hands of these two, based on their support for NDAA than they are in the hands of BHO. If PR was the man of principle we're told he is supposed to be, he would NEVER have voted for the Fifth Amendment destroying NDAA bill. Rand Paul was one of the few who did stand up and be counted. He should have been the VP choice, not this guy.
Von Mises Jr| 8.15.12 @ 9:50AM
That's a brilliant argument nathan. It is like saying that since we all agree to pay taxes that Obama should be able to confiscate all your income and property. If you let a doctor cut a tumor from your body, then it is then a logical deduction that you can stab your neighbor?
We have never seen anything remotely similar to this Imperial Presidency, if you can call it that. I think it falls somewhere between tyrannical and despotic to outright totalitarian.
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 10:20AM
O.k., so obama is not the worst president, he is actually Americas' first dictator. But aside from that, don't you think that romney/ryan should be better than obama, before we vote them in? They are not, and we will not. You don't even know that you are stuck in hate mode because romney/ryan are so bad. What have they done to merit us putting them in? If you want to be taken seriously, drop obama, and tell us why you believe in romney/ryan. I don't think that you do. I don't think that you care who romney/ryan are. You have got the hannity talking points, and hate. We don't buy any of it.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 10:28AM
So vote for Obama then. You have two viable choices doomsayer, which do you choose?
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 10:37AM
You speak doom yourself. Fine, sell me romney. And yes, I'll wait. You can't keep saying to vote for the guy if you don't even know why you say it. Obama is a dictator, yes, but romney is worse. But sell him, if you can. His record, not hot air.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 11:08AM
You didn't answer my question. It is not up to me to sell you anything. I ask you, which do you choose and why?
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 11:21AM
I was asking you the same thing and you didn't answer. But fine, I will say it again. No new leader can save America now. America is so far into marxist/fascist/socialist culturalism, that if the American People do not wake up and realize that it is the peoples' job to work for and maintain freedom, America will cease to be. I disagree with you on romney because you say he solves all of our nations problems, which is a flat out lie. America is too far gone to look to anyone but the American People to bring freedom back inside our lives.
But Romney was never vetted. His record was never mentioned. Ryans record is not being mentioned. You don't know their records, or anything about them, and you just automatically think they are good because your right wing medias are selling them. Romneys record is far to bad to ever talk about. But so is ryans. His budget passed the house, while the same house didn't stop any spending. Ryan was there, holding up the status quo. Ok, so now tell me, do you know ryans record or not. If you look at this story, it is pure conjecture. The right wouldn't have to hide his record if it was good. The talked about Palins record. They weren't ashamed of Palins record.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 12:01PM
I am voting Romney even though he was not my first choice. I never said he would solve all of our problems nor has anyone else on here. He is a better start than what we are currently dealing with.
You obviously gave up the fight as you plan to vote for no one. That will definitely work won't it? You'll show everyone how wrong they were not to listen to you.
Let me guess, Ron Paul supporter?
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 1:26PM
So you are ignorant of his record then, o.k. well it won't get talked about. This year we have the choice between a marxist nanny state (obama) and a marxist nanny state with vulture capitalists feeding off of it's poor (romney).
You obviously have no clue who romney and ryan are, and have ceased wanting the truth about them. No, I have not given up. But I just don't worship false gods like you do. You obviously think that romney/ryan will save us because you intend to vote for them even though you have no idea who they are. I pity you.
One day you will wake up and see that America is not a viable nation anymore. The American People would have had to done the work, not romney or any one else elected.
Santorum tyvm.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 2:43PM
Sigh, another 3rd party voter. You do realize that Santorum isn't the nominee right? And that he endorsed Romeny in May and will endorse the R&R team soon?
http://www.politicspa.com/sant.....ron/39686/
I like Santorum but a 3rd party vote is the same as voting for Obama.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 2:44PM
Actually the article says he is supposed to voice his support today in Ohio at around 3PM
Von Mises Jr| 8.15.12 @ 10:42AM
Romney is a very successful businessman. Obama never had a real job in his life and lived off the system as a communist agitator.
Romney was a successful Governor. Obama wrote two narcissistic books about himself while he voted "Present" in the Chicago Senate.
Romney does not have any known communist, Islamist friends. All the people Obama knows fit into this category.
Ryan wrote a Budget that passed the House. The Democrats have not passed a budget in three years and Obama's budget got ZERO votes in a Democrat Senate.
Now change your name communist agitator. Is that you Perpetrator under another false name?
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 11:09AM
Von,
I think you have belled the cat.
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 11:29AM
I bet that you do nothing in the real world for fredom. You can sit there and insult me for wanting to get out of this marxist, collectivist despotism that we are under, and why? Because you can't see the outside world anymore. The right wing media has led you to believe that obama is why we are here. That is a lie. We are here because we are are marxist nation. If we were ever to pull out of it, it would not be with romney, or any other elected official. It would be from the American People removing despotism, and rebuilding freedom. Your romney/ryan is a false hope. And besides, they are horrible people. Sarah Palins record was talked about, first thing. Ryans is being hidden. Romney/ryan is so much more corrupt and pathetic than McCain/Palin ever was.
But you cling to that false hope that if you stand there with your hand out, freedom will fly into your hand. You have no idea how far gone America really is. And that is why you must lash out. I pity you.
irish19| 8.15.12 @ 12:21PM
So what are you proposing? Who are you going to vote for? A vote for a third party is no different from voting for Obama.
You can bet Romney and Ryan have both had their records vetted by the legacy media. The fact that nothing has oozed out of that sewer to me means there's nothing there they can spin.
So, what are you going to do?
Stephie| 8.15.12 @ 12:48PM
So what do you suggest Tea? I feel after reading your posts that I may as well put my 9mm in my mouth and pull the trigger.
Please offer some suggestions or hush.
Butch| 8.15.12 @ 2:08PM
" . . . you are stuck in hate mode because romney/ryan are so bad." Spoken like a 7th grader.
nathan| 8.15.12 @ 10:34AM
Umm didn't show up for a lot of your history classes did you? I can easily name one president just as bad. A lot of them? Andrew Jackson for one. In the 1830's the Cherokees win court. Jackson told the court something to the effect that you've made your decision now enforce it. The Cherokees were ethnically cleansed. (Some of this happened I think under Van Buren too but you get my point.) So you want to talk tyranical? That tyrannical enough for you?
Lincoln is such an obvious choice. In 1866 the Supreme Court said in no uncertain terms (read the ruling) that war is not a reason/excuse for throwing the Constitution under the bus. (A lesson Bush/Cheney didn't get.) No, good intentions which all these people, BHO, Bush, Jackson, Lincoln, no, that's not an excuse/reason.
FDR? I mean if you're one of those Japanese who got indefinitely detained no judge no lawyer, I don't think you're holding him in the highest regard. There's a monument near Union Station in DC for those people. Despotic enough for you.
Point is, we're not seeing anything all that new here. Goodness Bush/Cheney routinely violated their oath of office weekly. Who cared? Reagan was impeachable (yes, he was) on Iran Contra. So go back, crack open your history books and afterwards let's continue this.
Von Mises Jr| 8.15.12 @ 10:46AM
If you don't like America, find somewhere else to go. Perhaps you are a Mao lover or Stalin/Lenin worshiper like Obama's Czars? Hugo or Castro would surely like another worker bee. I'll write a recommendation letter for you.
nathan| 8.15.12 @ 12:09PM
My my. Here sir, copied and pasted, is what you said.
The economy is only a symptom of the dictatorial, statist and potentially totalitarian rule of a man who sees himself above the law.
You appeared to suggest that BHO was somehow unique in this behavior. I proceeded to give you a history lesson citing numerous examples where presidents had acted unconstitutionally and imperially in the past. IE not a lot new here. Given the death and suffering attendant Jackson's unconstitutional behavior, you have to probably rate worse, for the moment than BHO's? There's a reason we study history sir? And Bush/Cheney showed little or no respect for the document either. Ask the Canadian that got sent to Egypt(?) to be tortured in violation of the torture convention, American law and the Constitution only for the Canadians to tell us later he wasn't a bad guy. And just one of so many. Recent enough for you? So I give you history lessons and I'M the bad guy? No, Stephen Decatur wasn't right. It's not my country right or wrong. When she's wrong, we note it, call her out on it, and correct it. And I'm sorry if your history books didn't tell you about the Cherokees or the genocide against the Indians. Get better books?
CJW| 8.15.12 @ 1:30PM
So what is your point, that other presidents were bad, and that excuses Obama, so let us vote for Obama?
We cannot change the past, but we can change in November. You seem only interested in aruguing for the sake of arguing.
Face reality, November is Romney v. Obama. Not, Andrew Jackson or Lincoln or FDr. Make a choice.
Feel sorry for the suspected terrorrists sent to Egypt, send them a check with your apology. In war, there are casualties. I don't see your sympathy for the Americans killed at Ft Hood, or 9/11.
nathan| 8.15.12 @ 3:14PM
I'm limited to 15oo characters so I can't say EVERYTHING. He made a point, I pointed out there's nothing new here, presidents misbehave all the time. Some more than others.
And I'm sorry we have no business torturing people for any reason. We have a hundred years on the record of opposing it. And it really doesn't work.
And PR voted for the Fifth Amendment destroying NDAA. MR appears to support it. You really think in the next eight years they won't start putting AMERICANS in unlimited detentions, your "casualties of war"? Only this time it won't be some Canadian, it will be you. Bush didn't just abuse foreigners, Padilla ring a bell? An AMERICAN ON AMERICAN SOIL. Detained without a judge without a lawyer for THREE YEARS and tortured to boot. Defend that all you want. But you see I don't feel like playing Martin Neimollor (look up the reference yourself) here. The precedent has already been established and it wasn't BHO who did it. It was a republican president.
So why did McCain support NDAA and PR vote for it? You can ask yourself that question when you're in the cell they put you in. You'll have LOTS of time.
CJW| 8.15.12 @ 3:29PM
Still no sympathy for the 14 Americans killed at Ft Hood?
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 11:00AM
These rombots are sick. If ever someone should show some concern for America over their new chosen savior and messiahs romney/ryan, they immediately attack. I bet that it doesn't even know what a book is. And listen to it, ryan wrote the budget that passed the house. Ryan also stood by Boehner as he cut nothing. It didn't put that in. Oh, but it passed the majority house that The American People gave it. It passed while said majority held up the status quo on spending. It won't get history, or romney/ryans real records either. Some people only know how to drool. Sorry, it's gross, but this nation is a pretty ugly place right now if you think about it.
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 10:24AM
Romney/ryan can't save us, if the American People don't start working for freedom, nothing in America will get better. We will just keep taking on debt and eventually cease to be. And keep the faith, I am glad I am not the only conservative speaking against romney/ryan. And these people here get so mad. You'd think they might want a better country, not just another couple of quacks with every despots hooks in them.
Kingofthenet| 8.15.12 @ 3:03PM
Being sick and starving is NOT freedom.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 7:46PM
Well, it all depends on the circumstances, doesn't it? One can be free to make choices that ultimately make one sick and starving, in which case one has exercised one's freedom and learned that freedom is inextricably linked to responsibility. Therefore, "sick" and "starving" may in fact be the consequences of exercising one's freedom to make poor choices.
Guaranteed outcomes, on the other hand, can NEVER be confused with freedom (if one does not have the freedom to fail, then one isn't free, is one?)...
Ken (Old Texican)| 8.15.12 @ 7:34AM
Picking Ryan was the loudest shout for freedom and liberty Mitt could have done.
Any questions about Mitt's courage can now be put aside...at last.
sailorman100| 8.15.12 @ 7:48AM
Maybe it's time for the adults to take charge
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 8:35AM
Ryan is a Republican shill, just the latest one no one knows well.
Ryan voted for every GW Bush policy, including TARP.
He touted the Stimulus as having created jobs, and gladly saw that money pour into his district.
He is no fiscal hawk. He is anti-poor, anti-less fortunate.
Anyone who has read Ayn Rand knows what he thinks - the winners must be protected at all costs, the rest are on their own. And, his budget plan proves it.
Throw the elderly off the cliff. Gut education and infrastructure spending. Lower the taxes on everyone who already has plenty. Capital Gains taxes to ZERO. So RomBot actually pays NO taxes.
Yep, quite a shining city on the hill you got there people. But all of you ain't on that hill, Romney/Ryan will guarantee it. Medicare, not guaranteed anymore. Social Security - privatized, at the whims of the market. Goodbye Security, hello cruel world. While the rich get richer and pay RomBot and RyanBoy handsomely for their good works.
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 10:13AM
This is why the whole of the right wing media refuses to talk about either romney or ryans records. This is the best post I've read so far on ryan, and I appreciate it. But please keep talking, the right wing media (now worse than the left in my opinion because of their whining) will never tell us these things. Please add links too. If we want the truth this year it is going to have to be from us. Thank You.
-And don't feed the RomBots : ) they are all over the right wing sites, drooling and fawning, it's disgusting.
junkyard infidel| 8.15.12 @ 12:45PM
wait..what? a post by the perp-a-traitor is the best you've read? i guess if you have the thought process of a dung beetle, that makes sense. and i apologize for the insult to dung beetles !
Stephie| 8.15.12 @ 12:51PM
I don't think you're Tea Party at all. I think you're a stinkin' progressive liberal slithering around to stir the pot and put doubts in people's minds about the Republican ticket. Honey, one look at Joe Biden yesterday in Danville VA would change anybody's mind.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 12:55PM
TeaParty is Purp. Von Mises identified him early and TeaParty did not deny it. I gave him a second chance and still did not deny. Apparently the moderator has no problems with trolls.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 12:56PM
Completing my thought. The posts identifying them is no longer here.
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 1:14PM
I too was surprised by his remarks.
But just so you can stop guessing - I am Purp, no one else. I can't be bothered registering more than one name.
I think by the number of my posts under Purp, you ought to know that by now I don't need no stinkin' extra handle.
But believe what you want, the information still stand. TeaParty can speak for himself.
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 1:16PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....-how-much/
Here ya go. Ezra Klein is brilliant, and can out-wonk Medicare-Killer Ryan anyday.
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 1:18PM
Adding ... http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....e-deficit/
George S| 8.15.12 @ 1:34PM
That's the whole point -- spending less. But I am sure you are clever enough to see that Klein uses today's spending as a baseline. If you take that into account, the federal government -- under Ryan's budget -- is still spending more over the next ten years than we have ever spent before.
Not only is Klein brilliant, but he can read invisible ink. How the hell does he know what Obama is going to spend when Obama has never put forth a budget? Ah, but I quibble and annoy with my lack of reasoning.
Did you notice that Klein is bemoaning Ryan not spending 260 billion on transportation over the next decade? Helloooo... wasn't that what the Stimulus was supposed to do?
Klein also never mentions where the money is to come from for Obama's spending. It's as if ObamaCare doesn't even exist -- not to mention a newly funded and re-energized Medicare.
Ryan's budget is ABOUT reducing spending. How about you justify the extra 5 trillion in debt Obama rang up. What did we buy that we didn't have five or ten years ago? That's the point of Ryan's budget.
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 3:12PM
The point is, Ryan doesn't spell out the spending cuts exactly. So the numbers don't add up.
Klein can tell what Obama spends by keeping current budget figures - it's called "Continuing Resolution Budgeting". Keep what was in place, in place.
What did we buy? People have far more of their own money than before Bush - but where are the JOBs from the "Job Creators" ? Nowhere, because that's just a line of bs to throw all social safety net programs over the side- and it's killing the government's ability to provide the services we, as Americans, expect. Since Social Security, Defense, Medicare and Debt pmts are 85% of the Budget, let's not quibble about the other 15%. It's small potatoes where the rest is spent. We don't have enough revenue and we can trim some spending - but we have to do BOTH. Until you come to that realization, you're not serious.
The point of Ryan's budget is to implement the Republican "Ayn Randian" ideology and KILL THE NEW DEAL.
We won't have any of it - NO THANKS.
George S| 8.15.12 @ 4:23PM
So the brilliant Mr. Klein is telling us that we are going to be funding government by CRB over the next 10 years? How does Obama have control over that? (Purp, that there is enough to convince you that the brilliance of Mr. Klein does not live up to the hype).
And Ryan does spell out the spending cuts -- 1.3 trillion worth. Specifically: rescind the unspent stimulus and TARP funds, federal hiring and pay freeze, and freezing discretionary spending to 2008 outlays. And notice... no cuts yet to entitlements!
What we purchased was a bigger regulatory state... from ObamaCare to Dodd-Frank followed by a bigger Welfare state (record unemployment benefits and food stamps). Both combine to give us the Obama Debt and its interest.
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 4:50PM
No - I said CRB. Go ask Klein if you really care.
In any case, his plan doesn't balance a budget for almost 30 years. And far more debt and deficit spending along the way.
Truth to Power| 8.15.12 @ 7:56PM
The big O has no plan to balance the budget ever. Democrats in the Senate only reject the budgets of our spendthrift President. It is time for a change. We don't want to end up like Greece or California.
George True| 8.15.12 @ 4:42PM
The usual laundry list of leftist claptrap talking points. Throw granny off the train, and all that. Riiight! You really are pitiful, Purp-troll.
One other thing. Stop trying to sound like you fault Ryan for being a RINO, that is, not conservative enough. We are all more than familiar with your Communist worldview.
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 4:46PM
Oh, Ryan is radical - but he is NOT a Conservative. But, then neither are any of you. That's where you go wrong.
What's conservative about your ideology? It's Ayn Rand's Objectivism, but not Conservatism.
William F Buckley would be sick on all of you, if he were alive. Now, HE was conservative. You are not. Republican yes, conservative, no.
Kwan| 8.15.12 @ 9:04AM
Obama lie # 1,652,997: "I don't want the folks who created the mess doing a lot of talking, I just want them to get out of the way so we can clean-up the mess." Yes da clean-up man wants plenty of room so get out of da way so he can get to cleaning-up. What a joke. Now it's time for the electorate to give da clean-up man his walking papers on November 6th, and let two guys that believe in America get down to the serious business of cleaning-up the mess created by the worst President in the history of the United States.
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 10:05AM
Have you ever talked to someone about our problems in the real world? I'm just curious. You seem to think that freedom is a handout, and all that we have to do is elect the right guys, and all of our problems will go away. Not really the kind of guy who has a picture of what freedom really is. Freedom only is, after people (not their "leaders") have don't the work that it takes to destroy tyranny. I bet that you do nothing in the real world (outside of your keyboard there is one, you know). Have a nice day : )
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 10:07AM
people have done the work that it takes to destroy tyranny, sorry no edit button here
Kwan| 8.15.12 @ 10:53AM
Another Soros Punk trying to pretend he's for freedom and the American Way. Whatzyousoupset about Fauntleroy did I disrespect your hero and idol da clean-up man. But hold-on a Tea Party guy wouldn't be for Obama would he? And then our Tea Party genius/philosopher gives us this piece of nonsensical swill to enlighten us: "Freedom only is, after people (not their "leaders") have "don't" the work that it takes to destroy tyranny."....Notice that this uneducated buffoon has used the word "don't" instead of the word "done". But let's not be too harsh on the guy rumor is he failed sandbox in kindergarten and was kicked out of school.
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 11:06AM
There isn't an edit button. You didn't read the comment below, stating that it was a type error. You definitely haven't seen the real world for a very long time. I can tell when all that you are capable of is flying off the handle about my type errors. You don't really know what is wrong with America or how to fix it do you rombot?
You are not going to sell romney/ryan with hate either, but it doesn't matter. Romney/ryan can't be sold.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 12:04PM
Kwan, your arguing with a purp alter ego.
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 1:31PM
No, it's not me, stupid. GOD, you're dumb, Drunk.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 1:52PM
I must really get to you.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 2:45PM
Purp, you are absolutely right. Teaparty is not you and a apology is called for.
I apologize Teaparty for thinking you were Purp.
C. Vernon Crisler | 8.15.12 @ 9:10AM
The only problem I see with Ryan is that his charisma level doesn't really add much to an already charisma-challenged ticket. Compare with how Sarah brought out the crowds (at least until McCain decided he didn't really want to be president, suspended his campaign, and refused to challenge Obama).
The left isn't as fearful of Ryan as they were of Sarah. I haven't yet heard about how Ryan had a child out of wedlock and had his daughter claim to be the parent. No far left journalists have yet staked out his house as far as I can tell. No incessant attacks upon his family.
However, the campaign is still young.
Ryan at least brings a lot of policy experience with him as a Washington insider.
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 10:00AM
Would you care to illuminate this policy experience? I have heard nothing of his record anywhere. And how about all of the spending cuts that him and the boehner majority got through?
Oh, those D.C. insider elites are the best though, aren't they. Yeah, that's what we need more D.C. elites. And yes, I'll wait for your response. Not like you are talking through your behind like Mark Levin or anything, is it now?
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 1:39PM
Neither RomBot or RyanBoy have any military experience or foreign policy experience AT ALL. Moreover, Ryan has NO managerial experience whatsoever. And RomBot doesn't want to highlight BAIN, Governor of Massachusetts, sooooo...
Who's going to answer the 3 a.m. call ? Rifalca? Queen Ann? Maybe Seamus?
Truth to Power| 8.15.12 @ 7:58PM
Projecting again. The big O has been in office going on four years and still has no experience running anything.
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 9:54AM
Not one word in the story about how ryan is going to fix America. Why? Because he can't. And never a word about his record. How about all of the spending cuts that he got with the boehner majority? Oh, those don't exist either.
It's nice of you to blow smoke this morning, J.T., but how about the truth? The truth is that no one has a clue how much work it would be to get and maintain liberty again in America. And our leaders can't help us. The American People are to blame for everything in America today. We the People made this disaster, if we the people do not do the work, in demanding that our medias refrain from bias, our schools refain from fascism, our government downsize to about 20% of what it is today, we reform welfare, and social security disabilities so that everyone and their broth isn't on it, demanding liberty, if we the people do not do the work, nothing will ever get better.
You right wing medias keep selling romney/ryan as the fix all. Well guess what, romney/ryan would fix nothing, if the American People sit around with their hands out and expect freedom to come flying out of romneys butt.
The right doesn't even know what the problem is. The American People are so marxist by habit, that they don't get the basic idea that tyranny is automatic. Obama didn't do anything that we the people didn't give him the money and the power to do. So how about some resonsability from the American People for what they (us) have done? Instead of blowing smoke.
George True| 8.15.12 @ 4:54PM
Wow, the leftist trolls are here in force today. Whatsamatta, PurpTroll and Troll Party Now? Can't stand it that conservatives are allowed to espouse their views and exchange ideas with each other on their own forum?
Your game is so boringly transparent and predictable. Prevent anybody who doesn't agree with the likes of you from exercising their First Amendment rights. If you were honest, you would admit that just like your false god Obama, you would use whatever means necessary, including intimidation, thuggery, imprisonment, and murder to prevent any dissent in your Das Kapital utopia. You leftists are the ultimate control freaks. Would-be Stalins, all of you.
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 5:46PM
No one stops you from espousing whatever ill-conceived ideology you like. You do plenty, George. If the tactics today are not to your liking, then you just have to hark back to the John Kerry days, where your side besmerched a war hero as if he were some pos. Never again will the right wing get away with dirty tricks. You taught us and now it's back at ya.
You want civility - go tell Rush Loudmouth and all the Fixed News commentators, including the biggest moron of all, Rupert Murdoch, you don't like it. Tell them to stop it. Scorched Earth campaigning is exactly why I moved left originally. Now, Republicans are so far right they have no moderates left. You've castigated them so much they are dead. And then you complain, how rich.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 7:04PM
"...hark back to the John Kerry days, where your side besmerched a war hero as if he were some pos."
Purp,
There is no shortage of folks here who are willing to engage in a principled debate about a broad variety of political, social, and economic topics. However, when you make the absurd claim that John Kerry was a war hero, you simply lose all credibility and, in so doing, render further engagement meaningless. Really, Purp, you'd even be hard pressed to find anyone in the liberal establishment from whom this claim wouldn't elicit a snicker, and you're trying to sell it here?
C'mon, sport. I love to bust your balls, but it's no fun if you're not even going to put forth a serious effort.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 5:21PM
"How about all of the spending cuts that he got with the boehner majority? Oh, those don't exist either."
A majority in a single branch, which gets you exacltly what, sport?
Bob Grant| 8.15.12 @ 10:01AM
I agree whole heartily with the author's assessment of Vice Presidential Nominee Paul Ryan but he's preaching to the choir.
He needs to go on a massive media blitz - AND NOW!!! - to reveal his greatness to the rest of the country.
The vast majority of Americans know nothing about this guy. As we speak, the dems and mainstream media are writing his narrative, and if allowed to complete, it will be very difficult to reverse!
My advice to Paul Ryan is to go down to Florida - home of the low-information elderly voter - and educate these people. And pronto! ...townhalls in every retirement community, bingo hall, and sewing club.
He also needs to appear on every national news and talk show.
He's young, he's got the energy, he's got the charisma, and the has the facts.
He's got two weeks to convince the American Public!!!!!
I'm afraid, however, this is beginning to look like how Sarah Palin was handled, and if that's the case, we will lose the election.
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 1:56PM
Paul Ryan is such an advocate of Paul Ryan, he said she was the inspiration for him to public service. And, he makes all his Interns read "Atlas Shrugged". Defining Cong. Paul Ryan:
Let's start with Ayn Rand who said regarding the limited role of government :
"The only proper purpose of a government is to protect man’s rights, which means: to protect him from physical violence. A proper government is only a policeman, acting as an agent of man’s self-defense, and, as such, may resort to force only against those who start the use of force. The only proper functions of a government are: the police, to protect you from criminals; the army, to protect you from foreign invaders; and the courts, to protect your property and contracts from breach or fraud by others, to settle disputes by rational rules, according to objective law."
Galt’s Speech, For the New Intellectual, 183.
So from Ayn Rand we know Ryan doesn't believe in: See Next Post
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 1:57PM
Continued:
So from Ayn Rand we know Ryan doesn't believe in:
Social Security Insurance - kill it.
Medicare Insurance - kill it.
Medicaid Insurance - kill it.
Foreign Aid - kill it.
Emergency Aid for Natural Disasters - kill it.
Head Start - Kill it.
Healthcare of any kind - kill it.
Housing Assistance - kill it.
Unemployment Insurance - kill it.
Small Business Administration - kill it.
Energy Dept - kill it.
Education Dept - kill it.
Interior Dept - kill it.
National Park System - kill it.
Immigration Services - kill it.
HB Visa program - kill it.
Farm Subsidies - kill it.
Corporate Subsidies - kill it.
Earned Income Credits - kill it.
Income Tax - Kill it.
Interstate Highway System - kill it.
NASA - kill it.
National Institutes of Health - kill it.
CDC - kill it.
Treasury Dept - Kill it.
State Dept - Kill it.
Agriculture Dept - Kill it.
Homeland Security Dept - Keep it.
Defense Dept - Keep it.
Peace Corps - Kill it.
And, in Paul Ryan's Budget, which is Romney's budget - they all are just about killed off and a lot, lot more.
You get the idea. Welcome back to 1801.
CJW| 8.15.12 @ 2:21PM
Obamaboy purpie
Nice job of pasting the DebbieWS emails.
Now go collect your $10.
Bob Grant| 8.15.12 @ 2:34PM
You nailed it. He's just a second rate seminar blogger/operative.
Rest assured, THEY have big plans for him in the fall: a couple of heckling jobs at Ryan or Romney speeches (pays $15 per, plus meal at Mickey D's.); a couple of Occupy Wall street jobs ($10 per, plus free Choom); a dozen pro-obama speech jobs (free transportation, $15 per, plus lunch); early voting assignments in multiple states and districts (free transportation, $40 per vote, plus meals); voter intimidation assignment at a TBD polling site ($40 per, plus meals), ...aaand street protest/riot assignment if Romney happens to win ($50 per, plus beer).
Yep, Perp has his plate full for the next few months.
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 3:17PM
I wish. If I didn't have work to do, I just might do all that - FREE.
But alas, some of us that make big money aren't selfish little small minded ideologues like RichBoy Ryan.
Truth to Power| 8.15.12 @ 8:00PM
You're killing me. Did you clean out your mama's basement today?
CJW| 8.15.12 @ 9:26PM
Since you make big money, purpie, I assume you are generous to IRS and pay more that what your are legally required to? You write that check to the US treasury for an extra amount? And you do not pay any capital gains tax on the capital gains but pay the regular income tax?
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 3:15PM
I don't her emails, but wish I did.
$10? Oh, no way more than that ...
But you don't answer any of the points, do you? You can't, because that is what "The Road to Prosperity" does. It eliminates almost every spending program in the government - limited doesn't mean non-functional.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 4:00PM
Congratulations, Purp; you just gave me 30 specific reasons to enthusiastically SUPPORT Ryan and, in the course of one short post, provided perhaps the most succinct and articulate step by step plan for fixing the cluster f*** that our federal government has become.
Thank you, sport. Well done!
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 4:43PM
You're welcome - if you think that list helps you, knock your socks off.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 5:02PM
It not only knocked my socks off, it sent a tingle up my leg...
CJW| 8.15.12 @ 9:29PM
T
purpie is such a brain dead lefty he thinks that eliminating the Energy dept, Education dept, Agriculture Dept, farm and corporate subidies (Solyndra), Peace Corps (think Chris Matthews), Interior Dept, income tax, Head Start, foreign aid, and others are bad ideas.
Butch| 8.15.12 @ 6:10PM
Gosh, not a bad start, Purp. I'd keep six or seven on that list however; other than that, I'm good with most of it.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 6:46PM
Really? Which 6 or 7? I think it's a pretty damn good list...
Butch| 8.15.12 @ 8:12PM
I think we ought to keep the constitutionally mandated ones. I make that as State, Defense, Treasury, Justice, and maybe Commerce in an originally-limited sense of keeping the states from imposing tariffs on each other's products and such. Other than that, I'm down with all those cuts. I'd keep NASA too, and I know you may argue with that, but that's for a different day. I can actually make an eloquent argument about many of those: I'm famously considered Neanderthal among those who know me for passionately making a case against disaster relief, for example. Why should taxpayers indemnify wealthy Floridians living on the coast where the know there's going to be a hurricane sooner or later? Wait till the biggie hits California.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 10:56PM
Can't argue with you, Butch, although I wouldn't be opposed to a constitutional amendment that abolishes State and Commerce.
JimH| 8.15.12 @ 10:06AM
In selecting Ryan, Romney has patched over one significant weakness in his campaign. Romney, through no fault of his own looks to be the evil corporate suit right out of central casting. He could be on the board of OPC in Robocop. He could, in real life, be a warm wonderful guy, but it does not come across that way, particularly through the MSM. Ryan on the other hand, looks like a choir boy. People who see and hear him like him on a personal level. As America gets to know him, the administration’s attempts to portray him as a granny killer become increasingly offensive and laughable. Beneath the smile, for all we know he could be a new Machiavelli. But, as appearance counts for so much these days, his is certainly a big plus.
Who Knows?| 8.15.12 @ 10:38AM
The Ryan express has only just left the station. So, those who have doubts or are ignorant about his record need to shut up, and pay attention.
Biden’s “chains” comment was perfect---for Ryan. Remember that Indian in “Little Big Man”, I think it was, who always talked backwards? His “Hello” meant “goodbye”.
Well, ol’ lyin’ Joe, like ALL liberals, is usually doing that. So, what he actually did was FREE Ryan from his chains, in his own outrageous way---and a freed Paul Ryan is going to stomp Biden-Obama, with his characteristic politeness.
Lesson for today---meditate.
A spiritual aspirant went to see a Zen master for his teaching.
He was full of questions, and kept on talking.
The Zen master was pouring tea, and when he got to the guy’s cup, he over-filled it, all over the table.
The aspirant was stopped---“What are you doing?”, he asked.
“Your mind is like the cup, too full, and nothing can go in it.”
Yes--daily tsunamis of words, while most people are just doing their work or play thing.
Shut up, and listen!
Who Knows?| 8.15.12 @ 10:48AM
That reminds me---I subbed for a while, so many times there were classes that talked too much.
It was always a “challenge” to get them to stop, at least, and even to pay attention.
Many times I wanted to shout, SHUT UP! But, that was very un-PC, so I resisted.
However, sometimes I did cry out, UP SHUT! How to insult, without insulting. That weird demand did work. Then I got to explain, etc etc.
Guess what?
The vast majority of voters are exactly like an unruly class with a substitute teacher. Worse, actually.
Because when they are FREED from pubic education, at last, for the rest of their lives they can snub their noses---you can’t make me shut up, and listen!
They’d rather “listen” to themselves. And, make no mistake about it, even when silent, most people are subconsciously talking to THEMSELVES.
Hear me, feel me, touch me, see me!
ME.
TeaPartyNow| 8.15.12 @ 10:49AM
Why are you actually going to say something? You mentioned his record. Why don't you just tell us what it is. I'm sure that it was just all a big mistake that no one has talked about it yet. Not like ryan has anything to hide, right? The right is so proud of romney/ryan that they just can't wait to tell the truth. And yes, we'll wait. And, oh, you've got a huge drool stain on your shirt and pants.
Who Knows?| 8.15.12 @ 10:54AM
Poor ignoramus.
You are exposing yourself.
It's not my job to educate you about Ryan's record, which you'd know, if you just read the Wall Street Journal, say---my advice to you, is do this, as I've done, daily, since 1975.
Take your time. But, TAKE it, use it, and get off your snarky know-it-all riff.
You are just making a fool of yourself.
Stephie| 8.15.12 @ 12:55PM
Tea or whatever your name really is, please just go back on over to the HuffPo. They miss you darlin.
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 2:21PM
Go read Ayn Rand and you'll know all you need to about Ryan - condoning Rape?
David| 8.15.12 @ 11:16AM
Romney has guts??? Really??? How could he not have commented on the ChickfilA deal??? No guts whatsoever.
As to Ryan as his pick, in my opinion he should have went with Santorum for the following reasons. I hope Ryan does not turn out to be the lightning rod that I think he is - he is after all the author of all kinds of budget cuts - cuts that will affect voters.
Here are some reasons Santorum should have been chosen over Ryan, in my opinion.
One, he worked his butt off in the primary campaign and except for a couple of silly gaffes, he did an excellent job on a shoestring budget.
Two, he beat Mitt in several swing states, and would have beat him in several others if Gingrich had not been in the race.
Three, Santorum did not write the budget plan to right our fiscal house AND that addresses entitlements. The dems are sure to use to the specifics of the plan to hammer Ryan point by point, and to scare seniors and others. Ryan was and is the author of it. What politician do you know of who hasn't paid a price when running on entitlement reform during an election?
To be continued.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 4:20PM
Yes; quite, because history will certainly look back on Romney's decision to take a pass on the Chik-fil-A controversy as a pivotal moment in American presidential politics and, indeed, a seminal moment in the lamentable devolution of our culture. OR...it will be seen as a wise and disciplined decision not to take the bait on a polarizing issue when doing so would have had no discernable benefit and would have certainly complicated efforts to secure support among the 10% of the population that remained undecided.
With respect to Santorum, it's of rather little significance that he beat Mitt in several swing states, or that he "would have" beat him in more if Gingrich was on the ballot. Hell, I would have slept with Salma Hayek if I would have been richer, more talented, better looking, and hung like Mr. Ed. Guess what? I'm not, so I didn't. It was, I will concede, a disappointment, but I've moved on. Perhaps you should, too...
David| 8.15.12 @ 11:21AM
Four, Ryan is seen first and foremost, and probably only, as a fiscal conservative - just like Romney. Santorum would have fired up the social conservatives just like Palin did.
Five, Santorum has a proven track record of attracting blue collar workers (even union types), and conservative democrats. He was a big underdog and yet a big winner in many races in heavily dem and union PA. I am not sure, but I don't think Ryan is someone who has a track record of attracting those types of voters.
Six, Santorum is much more knoweldgeable on foreign affairs than Ryan - and moreso than Romney, too.
Seven, both WI and PA are in play, and I believe PA has more than double the electors.
Eight, unlike Romney and Ryan, Santorum would not have been afraid to weigh in on the Chick filA deal, and I think he would have been able to whack that "Romney caused the death of a cancer patient" shit right out of the park. Santorum knows how to play hardball. The only time I have seen it from Romney was against other republicans - CONSERVATIVE republicans. It is to be seen if Ryan will stay away from social issues. We know Santorum would not.
Everyone knows that when our side acts like p_ssies, we lose.
Those are some of the best reasons. There are probably a couple of more minor ones, and when I think of them, I will let you know.
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 2:48PM
Santorum is backing R&R
http://www.politicspa.com/sant.....ron/39686/
David| 8.15.12 @ 4:13PM
Of course Santorum is backing R&R. So is every other right thinking person. My point was that Santorum should have been the VP pick.
I hope does not prove to be the lightning rod that I think he is. When Romney picked Ryan, Ryan's budget is wrapped right around Romney's throat. If the cuts he proposes scare the crap out of some voters and we lose, it will be because of the Ryan pick.
And let's not forget, when Ryan's budget was first unvailed during the primary season, Santorum "wholeheartedly endorsed it" and Romney and Gingrich made fun of it. Do you folks recall that?
Just saying that Santorum would have been the better choice. Romney still could have used Ryan's budget with him as WH budget director or just where he is in the House now.
But by choosing him, ROmney now owns Ryan's budget, and I just hope using it as a sledgehammer against Romney doesn't work.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 4:26PM
So you don't like Ryan as a VP candidate. BFD. Then vote for Obama/Biden (and let us know how that works out for you). But enough already with the incessant bitching and moaning.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 5:24PM
"Five, Santorum has a proven track record of attracting blue collar workers (even union types), and conservative democrats."
Like the ones that handed him an 18% defeat in his own state in his last senate race? It's a powerful argument, D, except for the part with words...
Who Knows?| 8.15.12 @ 12:08PM
Biden has unchained both Mitt and Paul. I don’t think so much attention should be spent on their past actions.
When you decide whether or not to buy a stock, while due diligence does entail close perusal of its past history, the decisive factor is always---what is the future probability?
The Romney-Ryan ticket is, in my not-so-humble opinion, wildly undervalued. Intrade still has them at 42%!
The conventional “wisdom”, that they haven’t offered any plans, is totally false. With the MSM, aided by anti-Romney Republicans, continuing to claim this, it’s going to be hard to reverse this.
However, R & R have generated lots of $ and enthusiasm---even I, who’ve never before donated to ANY politician, sent Romney a check---so it’s going to be quite a battle, going FORWARD, as they get tough, and expose the Obama lies.
Example---Ryan is portrayed as just a fiscal conservative, who ONLY wants to reduce debt. This is not true. He’s a Jack Kemp supply-sider, who wants to incentivize the tax system, etc, to grow the economy---FIRST job!
Just so, Romney, despite his Romneycare baggage, has “grown” since then, and is putting out detailed plans and promises that are good enough to at least stop America’s slide into a depression---or worse.
I think he’ll match Reagan, in results---buy R & R!
Who Knows?| 8.15.12 @ 12:18PM
Here's the latest Jennifer Rubin take at Right Turn--my favorite blog (besides American Spectator):
"Conventional wisdom (CW) can shift on a dime. This election is no exception:
Old CW: Republicans are in trouble because Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) will make the presidential race only about Medicare.
New CW: Democrats are in trouble because Paul Ryan has made the race about Medicare.
Old CW: Mitt Romney is too cautious.
New CW: Mitt Romney is bold.
Old CW: Paul Ryan will be the constant thorn in Mitt Romney’s side.
New CW: Joe Biden will be the constant thorn in Mitt Romney’s side.
Old CW: NBC’s Andrea Mitchell is a liberal patsy.
New CW: Look what got into Andrea Mitchell!
Old CW: Mitt Romney is falling way behind in the race.
New CW: Oh, it’s too early to say.
Old CW: President Obama’s likability is his great advantage.
New CW: Sure, Paul Ryan is likable, but what difference does that make?
Old CW: North Carolina is in play.
New CW: No one thinks North Carolina is in play.
Old CW: Women don’t like Paul Ryan.
New CW: Wow, women might really like Paul Ryan.
Old CW: President Obama will run on the success of the auto bailout.
New CW: Oh, never mind. ":
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 2:45PM
"Right Turn" says it all. Dream on...
No one is voting for Ryan for President. He can only hurt, not help Romney.
And, is he really ready to be President? The #1 reason to pick a VP nominee? That would be his main reason for living as a VP. He knows nothing about foreign policy or the military. And, he isn't fiscally conservative - His budget doesn't balance the budget until 2035 or beyond!
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 2:46PM
He does have pretty blue eyes - so I'm sure you all like that. Like Big Blueberries in saucers.
What a reason to vote ... what a hoot!
Drunken Sailor| 8.15.12 @ 2:50PM
Yea, I mean it's not like his pants have a sharp crease or nothing huh David Brooks, I mean Purp
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 4:28PM
Yeah, that's so much less refined that voting for a man because of his skin color...
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 4:34PM
"He can only hurt, not help Romney."
Yes, apparently he "hurt" him to the tune of $7.5 million in campaign contributions in the first 48 hours after he was announced as his running mate. Why, it's a freakin' disaster...
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 4:42PM
Yeah, and Sarah Palin was a God-send too, wasn't she? She gave a bump until reality set in... The hockey mom was really a pig when you took the lipstick off.
Have you heard Ryan fumble and mumble asking Fox News Brit Hume's questions? What a poor showing. It's just the beginning of the end.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 5:10PM
So, to be clear, it is your opinion that the selection of a mumbling, bumbling, inarticulate running mate is a sure sign of impending disaster for a presidential candidate?
Vic| 8.15.12 @ 1:32PM
The lefties can be grinning from both their ears, but I am also. Ryan is the best thing that could have happened to Romney. Thankfully he went with the charismatic, honest, upfront, Reaganisque Ryan over baiting the hispanic vote with Rubio. With this pick Romney has ensured a 16 year Presidential run for the GOP. I would have preferred the ticket the other way around though, which would have also been a fitting retirement for Romney as VP, just like it has been for Biden. However, lets hope this guy doesn't mess this thing up. He has a terrible tendency to do just that. Right now, however, Gallup and Rasmussen already have the ticket up against Obozo and showing increasing momentum
Purp| 8.15.12 @ 2:49PM
" charismatic, honest, upfront, Reaganisque Ryan" ? Have you heard Ryan stumble and mumble the last couple of days. He's not ready for Romney's shifty campaign. He can't answer a straight question now. Unprepared, just like the Romney campaign is unprepared for everything - BAIN record, Tax returns, Gov of Mass, Olympics Government Bailout - Romney wasn't ready for any of it ... and now, neither is Ryan. It's all smoke and mirrors - don't look to hard, you might actually see something real.
Kingofthenet| 8.15.12 @ 3:08PM
Purp, Willard is on it, After he cuts Sesame Street, he is going to pray over the Book of Morman and get Moroni, to make Ryan's numbers work, so he doesn't have to be evasive and stumble.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 5:14PM
"It's all smoke and mirrors ."
And as the redoubtable Mr. Obama and his trusty sidekick Aristotle Biden demonstrated, it is absolutely essential to have specific, meaningful, well-crafted policies like "hope", "change", and "forward" in order to stand any chance of prevailing in a presidential election.
You're on fire today, Purp. Keep 'em comin'...
Kingofthenet| 8.15.12 @ 3:53PM
Can't we LEARN from history, do we ALWAYS have to repeat our mistakes?
http://video.pbs.org/video/1428499965/
David| 8.15.12 @ 5:44PM
Trinacria, whatever that means, you sure are an irritating person. Who said anything about voting for Bam Bam or staying home.
I am not bitching about the Romney pick, but simply stating two things: My opinion that Santorum would have been the better pick, and an observation that by picking Ryan, Romney now owns Ryan's entire budget. There is not wiggle room and you can be sure Romney will get question after question as to whether he agrees with this or that in the budget. I was simply saying I hope Ryan does not turn out to be a lightning rod for Romney when Ryan could have been just as effective budget wise by staying in the House or working as WH Budget Director.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 6:42PM
And I simply pointed out the myriad flaws in your premise.
1. You claim Santorum's strong appeal among blue collar workers and "conservative democrats" would have helped Romney in states like PA. Unfortunately, Santorum couldn't even help HIMSELF in states like PA, losing his last senate race by an 18% margin!
2. You claim that Santorum's victory over Romney in a handful of swing states in the Republican primaries suggests that he would have improved Romney's chances in the presidential race. But performance in a closed primary where the voters are committed Republicans is of little prognositic value for a general election that will be driven by the 10% of the population that remains undecided. Santorum's socially conservative positions, while laudable, do not generally appeal to the undecideds ( if you have strong socially conservative views, are you even contemplating pulling the lever for Obama?).
Kingofthenet| 8.15.12 @ 7:33PM
Yet, you don't see Ryan as a lightning rod? He SCARES the bejesuz out of ANYONE on ANY Entitlement Program. Obama just has to run ONE commercial in Florida on how the Ryan Plan won't cover hover-rounds or jazzies and it's ALL over.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 8:04PM
Ah, King; you rather miss the point. I think he's a great choice BECAUSE he is a lightning rod. We're not going to fix the catastrophic mess we're in with another pandering mope who promises to keep the government candy store open for every special interest group. Ryan is bright enough to propose bold and creative solutions and articulate enough to make a compelling case to support his proposals.
Do I believe it'll be enough to win? Dunno; afterall, the American public hasn't exactly acquitted itself well in recent elections. But if the answer is to trot out another timid clown who's willing to promise more of the same in order to pander to every special interest, well, there's not much point in winning, is there? I say tell them the truth, offer constructive solutions, and remind them (repeatedly) how the current administration is smiling to their faces while gutting Medicare to the tune of $750 billion in order to provide healthcare to those who have never contributed a dime.
Trinacria| 8.15.12 @ 6:44PM
3. You indicate that Santorum would have had the courage to take a stand on the Chik-fil-A controversy, thereby appealing to true conservatives. You're right; he would have taken the bait hook, line, and sinker and handed the Obama campaign ammunition that would have been exploited in an effort to appeal to the undecideds (who, let's remember, are emphatically not socially conservative). So, to appeal to a group that IS ALREADY IN HIS CAMP, he would have pissed away support in a crucial voting block in order to take a stand on an issue that no one will remember in 6 months.
4. You paint Santorum as an experienced candidate with broad appeal, yet in his last quarterly filing, his campaign had a grand total of $229,000 in the bank (by constrast, the Romney campaign took in $7.5 million in the 48 hours after naming Ryan as his running mate). Conservatives might have liked him, but they weren't willing to fund him - and that says an awful lot about a candidate's viability. Santorum might be a lovely guy, but the fact is in presidential politics money talks, bullshit walks. It's just that simple.
Kingofthenet| 8.15.12 @ 7:35PM
here is the math that should scare ALL you Conservatives, President Obama can lose ALL Swing-States except Florida and the map would look like this:
http://collegiatepunditry.blog.....s-bad.html
cicero| 8.15.12 @ 7:14PM
The Republicans have chosen 2 smart men to head their ticket. Give me smart people any time. They have the mental ability to analyze a problem, and come up with solutions. Forever, we have been told that the Democratic nominees are the smartest people in the world. Go back as far as you want. Kennedy, Carter (nuclear scientist), Clinton (smart enough to fool most of the people most of the time), Hilary (the best atttorney in the country - who never tries a case), Gore (invented the Internet), Kerrey (smart enough to marry a wealthy widow), Obama (falling down smart - wrote two retrospectives by the time he was 40). The only problem was that none of them could do anyting but promise things they couldn 't deliver.
We are now at the brink of idsaster. We need real grown ups to take over, and try to solve the problems given us by juvenile narcissists. Romney and Ryan my just be those grownups. I suggest we stop looking for the savior, and get behind a few rational leaders, and try to work OURSELVES out the mess we have voted ourselves into.
David| 8.16.12 @ 3:39PM
Trinicaria, since the primary began it has been explained over and over again on this site exactly what happened to Santorum in his last senate race.
That is the year the dems demolished repubs and took over Congress again. No repub could have held on to that seat in that elelction cycle. The wars were unpopular and Santorum stood by Bush on seeing them through.
As far a challenging my premise, I gave very specific reasons as to why I believe Santorum would have been the better choice. If R&R win, fine. Just watch for the dems and the media to wrap Ryan's entire budget proposal with all of its specific budget cuts right around Romney's throat. They will try to get Romney to disagree with this or that specific item.
It may work out fine, and I hope it does.