Ryan started out slow - maybe he was a bit nervous - but he gained momentum as he continued. It turned into a barn burner at about the midway point. I love Ryan because he articulates the ideas and principles I think we badly need expressed, and he does it in a simple, convincing, honest - Reagan-like way. He is the very best spokesperson we have for limited government conservatism. Also, he's adorable and his whole family is adorable.
Most conventions - and speeches are pretty boring to me. Even when I like the speaker, the venue is awful in my opinion - that huge stadium. What I really appreciate about the Republican party of 2012 is the depth of our bench. We have many talented governors who are successfully doing their jobs. Nothing's more important than governing well.
Everything we think we know about healthy eating is wrong. Saturated fat is good for you. Protein and fat from animals is good for you. Carbohydrates make you fat.
Independents mistrust the cronyism in politics. Republicans are guilty of it. Conservatives who don't acknowledge the legitimacy of this mistrust are deluding themselves. Whether accurate or not, the general belief is that Republicans are beholding to "business interests" and the rich. R/R need to talk about the dangers of cronyism and captured government in clear language and make the case for limited government
Western Chauvinist: I think the comments are (mostly) missing the point. Douthat is correct when he says,
But setting up a clash of worldviews doesn’t address Romney’s most glaring policy weakness, which is the (understandable) fear among hard-strapped voters that Republican policies will benefit the rich more than the middle class.
People feel like the game is rigged (was it Peggy Noonan who said this?). They feel it's rigged to favor Washington insiders and corporate insiders. Putting up a clear choice between statism and free-market entrepreneurialism doesn't explain how free-markets are NOT what we have and are NOT part of the problem. And fairly, or unfairly, Republicans = corporate interests.
Ross Douthat is a good guy and a smart one. Poo-pooing his opinion simple because he writes for the NYT is childish. Those that read him frequently know that he's been a solid if subtle big C conservative.
His point is valid. Even so, I'm pleased beyond expression with the Ryan pick. I want this to be about a choice. I'd rather lose with a winner then win with a loser.
FeliciaB: It is officially the Handsome Men ticket. I'm in! Oh. Did someone say tacky? · 2 hours ago
Maybe not so tacky. I'm sure the Romney folks have polled it and are aware that Paul Ryan is attractive to women. With Obama's "War on Women" theme, Ryan is in part a strategic pick to counter that.
The gentlemen here might not realize how attractive Ryan is to single (and not too single) women. He's earnest, honest, and devoted to his own family. His blue eyes, dimples, self-depreciating smile, and P90X workout... hmmmmm.... where was I? Right.
In short, he's the type of guy many, many women would like to marry.
1. wmartin is spot on. The Ryan budget is toxic electorally.
2. Romney ain't that dumb. He's playing to win, so he'll pick someone who will make a big splash, get lots of attention and maybe win him votes.
3. For those of you who think Paul Ryan as VP would be agood idea. How! Why!?
1. It's time for conservatives to make the case for fiscal conservatism. If we aren't brave enough to do that now when the economy is tanking, when do we do that? To solve our fiscal issues we need to go big or go home. Remember Walker won in Wisconsin. There's a taste in moderate America of strong fiscal conservatism. Romney will need a mandate. Now is the moment.
2. After the Palin fiasco, Romney won't pick a VP based on racial and gender politics. It looks obvious and desperate.
3. Since Cheney the roll of the VP has been evolving. Ryan would be wonderful as the agressive spokesman for fiscal conservatism allow Romney some room at the top to stand back and look presidential.
1. His proposed budget and reforms to Medicare wouldn't be negatives in the general. The Dems have already ripped it apart the vilified him to the extent that's possible. By putting himself out there, he looks like the only adult in a congress full of children.
2. He's more knowledgeable and articulate on budget and finance issues than Romney. His ability to effectively communicate with middle class voters is a real asset.
3. His time as Chairman is due to end. His rotation is over and he needs to give up his seat.
4. He puts Wisconsin and mid-western states in play. Wisconsin and Minnesota are purple; he could turn them red.
5. The most important reason - He helps define who and what we should be as conservatives - particularly fiscal conservatives. This is not the time to go softly softly. We need to articulate the conservative case aggressively - Reagan style.
6. Romney and Ryan obviously relate well to each other. They campaign well together.
Behavior has deteriorated because there are no real consequences for this type of horrible behavior. Public schools should be able to expel students en mass for poor or disruptive behavior; they can't do this now. Teachers are nearly powerless to discipline in the classroom.
We need to stop pretending it's possible to educate people who don't want to be educated. We should be able to ask them, "Do you want to be here?" Because if they don't, they shouldn't be there.
Absent the ability to kick-out uncooperative students/parents, charters and vouchers provide those that want to be educated in a healthy environment an escape valve. I've heard teachers complain that the regular public schools will become dumping grounds for the uncooperative kids. Yes, yes they will. So?
Everyone should have access to a free public education provided they behave in an appropriate manner.
Being funny is attention seeking. It's a tool to get both peers and the opposite sex to notice and appreciate you. Women are as capable of being funny as men, but they possess other attention getting devices that are more powerful. They're called breasts. When nature provides you with an obviously appreciated asset you're less likely to spend considerable time honing a less necessary skill.
I'm wondering if this isn't a generational thing. I cannot imagine anyone from Reagan's generation whining boo-hoo Obama style.
Can anyone who has worked in the private sector for five minutes imagine telling your boss that you’d failed at your major task because the prior employee left a mess? Yeah, your boss already knows that. He’d want to know what you've been doing. Get a plan, explain it, do it.
Re: The Obama Poster In Your Childhood Bedroom Fades Some More
Ryan started out slow - maybe he was a bit nervous - but he gained momentum as he continued. It turned into a barn burner at about the midway point. I love Ryan because he articulates the ideas and principles I think we badly need expressed, and he does it in a simple, convincing, honest - Reagan-like way. He is the very best spokesperson we have for limited government conservatism. Also, he's adorable and his whole family is adorable.
Most conventions - and speeches are pretty boring to me. Even when I like the speaker, the venue is awful in my opinion - that huge stadium. What I really appreciate about the Republican party of 2012 is the depth of our bench. We have many talented governors who are successfully doing their jobs. Nothing's more important than governing well.