Romney picks Paul Ryan for running mate UPDATE:take the poll please

UPDATE (Jim): please make sure you take our poll. It will be interesting to see how you all vote, given your support for Senator Rubio last Friday

Meet America’s Comeback Team. This morning, it’s confirmed presumed Republican candidate for president Mitt Romney has selected Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) as his running mate. What do you think?

I’ve always thought pulling a candiate from the rank of governors was a good move since they have executive leadership experience running a government. Back in Oct. 2008, I wrote the following in my case against an Obama presidency. Look where picking two senators who had no real leadership experience has got us.

Presidents normally have had executive and/or military leadership positions prior to taking office.

Bush (43), Clinton, Reagan, Carter and FDR all came from the ranks governors. Bush (41), Ford, Nixon, Johnson and Truman were vice presidents prior to taking the oath. Kennedy was a senator prior to taking office, but had four years of military service during World War II. Eisenhower had extensive military experience beginning when he enrolled at West Point in 1911.  Even Hoover had eight years of experience as the US Secretary of Commerce under Harding.

That’s almost 80 years of presidential history. Obama does not have experience to match previous presidents.

So Romney met my definition of someone who was qualified; not that I agree with him on everything. When it comes to vice presidents, I think a governor’s smart choice would be someone who can help them once they get within the Washington, D.C political and bureaucratic bubble. I think Ryan is a pretty solid choice.

Picking a current governor does not really help all that much unless you’re looking for star power, and there might be some power struggles since both of the leaders would be used to running the show. This is logical. This seems a safe bet. I think Ryan probably does have the skill set to lead if – God forbid – something would happen to a President Romney.

If someone is going to argue Ryan does not have the skill set, that should be completely ignored since President Obama had zero executive experience and he selected another bozo with zero executive leadership experience. On qualifications alone, the Romney/Ryan ticket blows away what Obama/Biden brought us in 2008.

Some writers are calling Ryan a “bold” choice. I don’t feel that way. It’s not a surprise at all, and my guess is his “negatives” in polling are pretty low.

What’s Ryan like? Here’s Ryan’s deconstruction of Obamacare in six minutes. The facts and figures spouted out by Ryan are completely valid, but can not be used in a campaign speech. You can’t use phrases like “budget actuaries” in a campaign speech. I think this is a good example of why Ryan is a good choice for VP. He knows what’s happening, and can support/advise Romney very well.

Guy Benson at Town Hall writes, with my emphasis in bold.

… Paul Ryan is one of the sunniest, most likeable conservatives on the scene today.  He’s also the party’s top wonk and is completely fluent in fiscal issues.  I predict that Democrats will publicly gloat over this pick (“he’ll be so easy to demonize!”), even as they privately worry.  Paul Ryan is earnest, smart, articulate, attractive, calm, good-humored, and exceptionally gifted in explaining his case in persuasive and unthreatening terms.  He’s from the Midwest, has blue collar appeal (unlike Romney, he did not grow up wealthy), and has a beautiful young family.

Jazz Shaw at Hot Air

But as much as we need to have this conversation about fiscal responsibility and the future of entitlement programs, I confess that I’m still nervous about whether or not the rest of the country is ready to lace up their boots and seriously discuss tough medicine for an ailing system.

So maybe it is a bold choice if Romney is serious about dealing with the out-of-control entitlement programs scheduled to soon bankrupt us fiscally and morally.

A final thought… Paul Ryan was born in 1970, I’m four years older than him … and man do I feel old.

Posted in , ,

Steve McGough

Steve's a part-time conservative blogger. Steve grew up in Connecticut and has lived in Washington, D.C. and the Bahamas. He resides in Connecticut, where he’s comfortable six months of the year.

36 Comments

  1. Benjamin Less on August 11, 2012 at 9:25 am

    Let’s cross our fingers and hope Ryan puts some fire under the feet of Gov Romney.? The plus side to this ticket choice will be in 2016.? If Gov Romney fails to be elected to presidency, Ryan can run as president in 2016 with Rubio as the stronger alternative – the real fire the country needs.?
    ?
    Hope things work out in 2012, but it’s looking real good for 2016 for Ryan.



  2. brianh on August 11, 2012 at 11:20 am

    This is a pick to try to force discussion of the issues…the first decisive action taken by Romney in quite some time. If the country goes down, it’s the right thing to go down with the facts on the table. Paul Ryan will lay them out—as he did to President Obama’s?in the clip above and in the health care summit!



  3. Shock and Awe on August 11, 2012 at 11:58 am

    Paul Ryan is a no bs guy.? He says how it is and says it with no frills, he talks in a way people can understand what he is say and he pulls no punches.? Republicans really have hit it out of the park with the last two VP picks



    • ricbee on August 11, 2012 at 11:06 pm

      Ryan is bringing the Tea Party endorsement to the table. That’s what Rinomney needs to win this thing.



  4. gillie28 on August 11, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    At 6 a.m. my time (1 a.m on east coast) the “sources” were telling networks that Paul Ryan was the?VP choice.? Or, according to the BBC announcer, the Republican VP choice is “Paul Romney” – hah, guess they’ve been assiduously following the US political news!?? But, was surprised at how positive the CNN anchor at the time was, and even Wolf Blitzer said that we can now have “serious discussions” about the real issues.? See some snotty comments by Andrea Mitchell and Candy Crowley – big surprise.



  5. Dimsdale on August 11, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    He is an excellent choice, IMHO.? With the assumption that Ryan was off the table, I was looking to Bobby Jindal for the job.?? Jindal will still be there though.? Both offer the kind of knowledgable, no teleprompter needed representation that the country needs right now.? Ryan has already dissected and filleted ?bamacare, and gutted Geithner in hearings.? As a result, the regime hates him, and this will lead to mistakes, hopefully politically fatal ones.? We already know that there is no depth to which the regime and its acolytes will stoop to keep our eye off the ball.? Case in point, the pathetically predictable “Ryan pushes old lady off cliff” propaganda.
    ?
    Biden must be wetting himself as we speak in anticipation of the debate(s).



  6. rickyrock on August 11, 2012 at 3:18 pm

    Paul Ryan is a mistake.Choosing Paul Ryan polarizes the electorate ,exacerbates the differences among voters..Allows the Democrats to further their class warfare argument.? Romney is in trouble he has unwittingly made it easier for the Dems to win.They will bring up the fact that Ayn Rand (Ryans hero) ironically applied and received her social security and medicare .In my opinion? Ryan is a bad choice.



    • Benjamin Less on August 11, 2012 at 4:43 pm

      rickyrock said: “Paul Ryan polarizes the electorate ,exacerbates the differences among voters.? Allows the Democrats to further their class warfare argument.”

      I completely agree with you on this point.? Marco Rubio would have been better.? Ryan, in the eyes of the unknown represents the Tea Party activists.? The left will make mince meat of him.? No one in the US is interested in balancing a budget or cutting costs.? The US public wants jobs.? They need employment.? Ryan and Romney talk “smaller government.” Those listen may agree but that also means the State, Local and Municipal employees will run and hide, including teachers. ? Look at Connecticut.? The only people employed in the entire state are union Leftest in State and Municipal positions.? There’s 9 private sector employees, 8 or them work out of State.? {LOL humour}
      ?
      Ryan is too easy to pick on.? Y0u take any subject worth discussing on “fiscal responsibility” and it will be torn apart by the Left.? The “Left” gives away free stuff.? The “Left” is against billionaires and millionaires.? The “Left” wants higher wages and more unionization.? Unionization will “bring back” jobs, …is the Left’s…



    • gillie28 on August 12, 2012 at 6:16 am

      Have to agree, with some reservations.? As far as Ryan “bringing in” Tea Party, think they would have voted for Romney anyway, given the choices.? Rubio would have caused the democrats more panic for electoral purposes.? Certainly more appealing to Latino communtiy and very photgenic!? Probably Ryan is more qualified re. experience in Congress to take over as President if, God forbid, need would occur.? He’s very articulate and knowledgable, but has to be careful not to overload us voters with numbers and statistics – we’re inclined to glaze over with too much “wonkiness.”? Keep it focused and simple, but ready to back up questions (ie. interrogations) from media.

      Ryan also has to make his reforms palatable to seniors who are now and about to draw pensions. I haven’t looked at his specific proposals regarding ss reform, but know Bush was planning to?phase it in – ie. age limit where reform wouldn’t affect older citizens.??

      Let’s hope us voters have grown up enough to listen seriously ?to the proposals and not go by the superficial (ie. attack ads).? Free-loaders will vote for Obama anyway.? Hopefully, there are enough people so fed up with the economy and running-down of the country that they will make the…



    • gillie28 on August 12, 2012 at 6:19 am

      ooops, …..make the wise, but difficult, decision to get the US back in shape.



    • brianh on August 13, 2012 at 12:09 pm

      If you’re right, then we’re sunk in any case. Be aware…nobody will make mince meat of Paul Ryan, though! He’s already made mince meat of President Obama (see above, as well as at the “republican retreat” of the same year)



    • ricbee on August 11, 2012 at 11:10 pm

      We need to have distinct differences,Rinomney was Obama lite.



    • brianh on August 13, 2012 at 12:05 pm

      The country is already polarized! Those still willing to listen will hear an articulate plan to avoid the financial/moral destruction of our constitutional republic. It’s the right pick, offering the citizens an honest?choice as to what path they’d like followed—for the first time in almost 30 years!!



  7. Benjamin Less on August 11, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    Part2
    Unionization will “bring back” jobs, …is the Left’s arguments.? They will demonize? Ryan and Romney.? The “Left” want to grow out the middle class…? What a load of garbage but if you own the microphone and the messenger’s it may work.
    ?
    ?
    I think it will take another 4 years of complete suffering before the US decides “Free Stuff 2012” didn’t work out.? The majority of Americans can’t balance their own check books, so how can they understand this matrix in a National Budget and “tightening one’s own belt?”
    ?
    ?
    ?
    Here’s the latest on the Labor front.? The press is 100% behind the Left.? It’s a darn shame.
    ?

    “Speaking at the Workers Stand for America union rally in Philadelphia today, Democratic National Committee chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz?wasted no time attacking newly announced Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan.? ….Wasserman Schultz?also criticized the Ryan budget for being “focused on giving more tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires.”



  8. JBS on August 11, 2012 at 4:53 pm

    Ryan is definitely acceptable. (I prefer Rubio — to deliver Florida and any Hispanic vote not yet bribed by Obama.)
    ?
    Let’s face it, Romney needs some pizzazz and sparkle added to his campaign. The current race is as interesting as two nine-year-old children arguing on the playground. Ryan adds an intellectual and policy component that is sadly lacking. Sure, Obama and his covey of flying rats can lie, twist statements and parse Romney’s words, but Ryan is too sharp (I hope!) to fall for the Left’s tricks. And, be trapped by the media.
    ?
    Which is why the Democrats want Romney’s tax statements, to twist them into something they are not. Plus, it would be a victory for the Left to get the filings, and thus, a loss for Romney and the Right. (We don’t need no steenkin tax filings; but, I still want to see Obama’s college records!)
    There’s nowhere to go but up. Ryan is a better VP choice than the current VP! LOL — Joe the Dumber, better known as Gaffamn.



    • ricbee on August 11, 2012 at 11:11 pm

      Rubio would have delivered nada,dada.



  9. ABO (Romney/Ryan 2012) on August 11, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    Paul Ryan will take the progressives apart, he will respectfully listen to you then dissect it in a polite respectful way but make no mistake about it you will be on the short end of the stick when he’s done.? Seniors actually like his budget plan no matter what the left says.



    • JBS on August 11, 2012 at 8:32 pm

      Yes, ABO, “Let the games begin!” (Citation needed)
      ?
      I just want to see, and hear, these smug, Lefty have their butts handed to them in debate. With a Conservative win, I will live as a happy person . . . with hope for the country.



    • ABO (Romney/Ryan 2012) on August 11, 2012 at 9:22 pm


  10. once was on August 11, 2012 at 7:23 pm

    I think choosing Ryan shows that Romney is serious about addressing our federal deficit and overspending.??Ryan ?knows and understands?the issues better than Obama does.? Let’s hope that this energizes the Republican base and encourages them to get out and vote.? We lose elections because too many of them stay home.? Get out and VOTE!!!



    • dairyair on August 11, 2012 at 10:13 pm

      ?”Ryan ?knows and understands?the issues better than Obama does. ”
      ?
      I was thinking the same thing watching the video…Rand spoke without a teleprompter (and he wasn’t just reading something)–he spoke from the heart, while Obummer looked like he didn’t know what Rand was talking about…and probably didn’t!



  11. johnboy111 on August 11, 2012 at 7:41 pm

    finally some one that has some roasted nuts??



  12. ilovevice on August 12, 2012 at 6:56 am

    Political issues aside,
    I suppose I’m the only conservative,
    bible-toten’ mama, that noticed
    Paul Ryan is a hunk!
    I don’t want to be accused of being a stupid gal . . .
    voting for someone just because they’re hot!

    Thank God this OTHER Romney guy is on the same ticket!?



  13. gadsdenII on August 12, 2012 at 6:59 am

    Many Republicans are always worried what the other side will say about us. SO WHAT! Lefties will always demonize no matter who we choose because they can?t work with the facts or their record. Marco Rubio would have been a great choice too, but we need him in the Senate and he might not have wanted the VP job. Paul Ryan is a great choice this shows some very good judgment by Mitt. I was afraid he would choose someone like Christie or Rice.

    GAME ON!

    ?
    <p class="MsoNormal"…



  14. jimbo39 on August 12, 2012 at 10:10 am

    You can tell the Dumocrats are now in REAL panic mode as they can”t scream loud enough what a bad dude Paul Ryan is, especially for us seniors. Truth is a hard thing for the Dumos to swallow, they have caused our financial problems and didn’t have the gestagnas to even come out with a budget, never mind a balanced budget.

    Ryan’s going to get a lot of flak, but in the end, he & Romney will get the job done, Medicare, Medicaid,?& Social Security need to be reworked & updated NOW, before they and the country totally collapde financially. Obama has worked VERY hard to destroy the country, everything he has put in place needs to be repealed, cancelled, or thrown out. Obamacareless is a CONTROL program, it’s all about TAXING us into submission. NEWSFLASH for the Dumos, IT’S OVER!!!!!



  15. yeah on August 13, 2012 at 7:40 am

    imho…
    Ryan is a good pick – biggest problem is how much of our money the gov spends.? Nobody’s got the handle on the numbers like Ryan does, even though he’s been ostensibly forced to offer up sub par bills that might have some realistic chance of a D vote.?? With any sense of rationality in the electorate, ALL the ‘keys’ will be taken out of D hands in November.? That’ll show the country is serious about solving its fiscal problems.
    ?
    Rubio would have been the political demographic unserious choice – not that I dislike Rubio in the least, but Ryan was a better pick.
    I hope these guys win and restore a little faith in the federal gov, because its at an all time low and the feds are absolutely out of control.? Both the federal gov as well as the federal reserve – but I’m not counting on R&R to rock the boat that much that they’d actually address the federal reserve issue.? Hopefully enough TP victories will force that issue, with the fed’s charter expiring next year.



  16. Lynn on August 13, 2012 at 8:26 am

    Ryan is a clear choice as to the priorities of a Romney President. I’m tired of worrying about what the left and MSM will say. We already ?know what they will say. I say “no guts, no glory”. Let’s get out the vote! Go Romney/Ryan!



  17. Anne-EH on August 13, 2012 at 9:10 am

    At least Rep. Paul Ryan is NOT AFRAID to talk about what NEEDS to be talked about, a USA federal government that is simply is out-of-control, both money and laws wise.



  18. Tim-in-Alabama on August 13, 2012 at 10:57 am

    Ryan is a good choice. The D-bagger attacks on him are pretty hilarious. They’re all whining victims.



    • JBS on August 13, 2012 at 1:47 pm

      Speaking thereof: where is our resident victim?



    • RoBrDona on August 13, 2012 at 3:20 pm

      The victim class is hiding in a corner right now formulating “have you stopped beating your wife?” questions.?



  19. gillie28 on August 13, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    Can’t believe Candy Crowley is going to be a debate moderator.? She’s so prejudiced – most of the media is SOOO blatantly one-sided….journalism practically doesn’t exist any more.? The only “moderator” I respect is Jim Lehrer



    • Benjamin Less on August 13, 2012 at 6:52 pm

      There are 40% undecided over Ryan according to the latest polls.? Democrats and the media have to work on demonizing Ryan quickly, especially with the elderly.? If they [the Dems and the media] can make the elderly in Iowa and Florida feel threatened by the Ryan Plan – they will win the 2012 for Obama.? It’s a very close race.? All that needs to be done is placing doubt on key voter areas of the US to get Obama 2012.? That will be their entire focus.? This is the game in play and it will not let its teeth loose till blood is finally drawn.? I’m watching all the networks and no one is portraying anything else other than Fox.
      ?
      Have you seen the latest on Ryan insider trading?? Real filth.?
      http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/08/paul-ryan-insider-trading-rumor-quickly-debunked.php?ref=fpnewsfeed



    • ABO (Romney/Ryan 2012) on August 13, 2012 at 11:10 pm

      Ben have faith in Ryan being able to communicate his message.



  20. ABO (Romney/Ryan 2012) on August 13, 2012 at 7:59 pm

    Todays crowd in Iowa

    http://ow.ly/i/QzKL



square-paul-ryan

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