Some think he's opened the door to a possible run.  Some are praying it's true.  

However, I actually don't take much hope from his response on the video, available at the bottom of the Hot Air article about minute 8.  I would also argue with Cavuto's closing remark that he's a rising star in the GOP.  I'd say he's already the leader of the GOP as a result of his Roadmap and his influence in driving the budget debate.  

Hot Air:  Oh my:  Paul Ryan opens the door slightly to running for president?

Huffington Post:  Paul Ryan Hesitates On Question Of Run For President

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Severely Ltd.
Joined
Oct '10
Severely Ltd.

As another Ryan hopeful, this also strikes me as weak, but it's not nothing. With Romney leading and Pawlenty gaining traction, I'll cling to any slim hope out there that Ryan is not definitely out. And as for Ryan as a rising star, yes, in the same sense that the sun is; his authenticity, intelligence and obvious electability makes lesser lights fade.

Paul A. Rahe

I have reason to believe he has read my post on the subject.

Keith Preston
Joined
May '10
Keith Preston

I have hope...based on two words:  Reince Priebus.

Todd
Joined
Oct '10
Willie Beamen
Paul A. Rahe: I have reason to believe he has read my post on the subject. · Jun 3 at 10:20a

Fantastic. 

Stuart Creque
Joined
Dec '10
Stuart Creque

I can't believe that Paul Ryan would be dumb enough to run for President in 2012. It would not only be a quixotic effort to make the jump from the House to the White House, a nearly impossible leap under any circumstances, it would not only divert his time and effort from where it's most needed in Washington, but it would give the rest of the GOP field an incentive to oppose his budget and entitlements proposals.

Cutlass
Joined
Apr '11
Cutlass
Stuart Creque: ... it would give the rest of the GOP field an incentive to oppose his budget and entitlements proposals. · Jun 3 at 11:30am

I wouldn't worry about that.  The whole point of drafting Ryan is because we don't have faith in the current candidates to effectively promote a conservative message and defeat Obama.  If, say, Mitt Romney can somehow present himself as a more eloquent defender of conservative values then Paul Ryan then Romney should be our nominee.  Can anyone - even the most passionate Romney defender - honestly imagine this happening?

Also, conservatives shouldn't be afraid of challenging one another on policy.  If there are specific areas of Ryan's program that are unsound we'd be best served seeing that hashed out in an intelligent, public debate among fellow conservatives.  Let Americans see what a serious discussion about our future looks like so they can contrast it with the childish "You're gonna to kill Granny!" nonsense to come in the general election.

Aaron Miller
Joined
May '10
Aaron Miller

Unless Ryan runs for President, his star has already risen as high as the Republican establishment will allow. He should be the voice of the Republican party, but I more often hear about Boehner in the media. Seniority rules must not be disrupted, it seems.

Whether or not Ryan plans on running for President, he needs to increase his public presence. And he needs to be on offense.

He has a plan for the debt and economy. Obama doesn't. Yet Republicans have allowed Democrats to put them on defense by making Ryan's plan the issue. Ryan's plan is important, but more important is that swing voters recognize that no alternative has been offered. Republicans must put Democrats on defense. Fail to do that and Democrats will be strong in the coming elections.

Todd
Joined
Oct '10
Willie Beamen
Stuart Creque: I can't believe that Paul Ryan would be dumb enough to run for President in 2012. It would not only be a quixotic effort to make the jump from the House to the White House, a nearly impossible leap under any circumstances, it would not only divert his time and effort from where it's most needed in Washington, but it would give the rest of the GOP field an incentive to oppose his budget and entitlements proposals. · Jun 3 at 11:30am

Dislike! 

Paul A. Rahe

In the world of the blind men, the one-eyed man is king (even if he is a lowly Congressman). If Ryan were to declare, there would be a phalanx of Governors who would endorse and enthusiastically back him -- starting with Mitch Daniels and Scott Walker and extending on to John Kasich, Bobby Jindal, and Chris Christie. There is no one in the race or likely to enter the race who has the stature he has. Not, surely, the proud father of Romneycare; not the former Speaker of the House; not even the former Governor of Alaska.

StickerShock
Joined
Jun '10
StickerShock

 Ryan would inspire me to actively volunteer, and no candidate since Reagan has had that effect on me.  I'm sure I am not alone.  I was actually getting excited watching the Neil Cavuto interview. 

He is so sharp ......such a quick mind.  His eloquence seems effortless and genuine.  And on top of that, he has a pleasant disposition.  He could cut down Obama with his arguments but follow the punch with that disarming grin.  He is extremely likable & highly respected by his peers.  Obama will be shaking in his boots if Ryan steps up.

Southern Pessimist
Joined
May '11
Southern Pessimist

 "there would be a phalanx of Governors who would endorse and enthusiastically back him" - I think that is true. It seems to me there are more politicians on the sidelines this cycle who might have more influence than usual which is surprising considering the anti-establishment nature of the Tea Party sentiment. Ryan himself obviously but also Jim DeMint and Palin among the ones you mention. I don't think endorsements usually mean much but this time around it seems different to me.

Todd
Joined
Oct '10
Willie Beamen

If Paul Ryan runs, campaigning for him would become a second job.

If Romney is the nominee, I would seriously consider leaving the party.

Stuart Creque
Joined
Dec '10
Stuart Creque
Paul A. Rahe: In the world of the blind men, the one-eyed man is king (even if he is a lowly Congressman). If Ryan were to declare, there would be a phalanx of Governors who would endorse and enthusiastically back him -- starting with Mitch Daniels and Scott Walker and extending on to John Kasich, Bobby Jindal, and Chris Christie.  · Jun 3 at 1:22pm

If the race were to boil down to Romney vs. Someone Else, Ryan would be an excellent choice for Someone Else.  He'd be able to draw on all of the Anybody But Mitt crowd's resources and effort.

But the race won't break that way, even if Ryan enters.  Romneyacs will mainly stay with Romney, Palinistas mostly with Palin, Cain-raisers with Cain, T-Pawers with Pawlenty and -- well, perhaps Gringleberries will switch en masse to Ryan.

Ryan would certainly get a lot of important endorsements and donors.  Could he catch up in building an organization and war chest with the other candidates?

As for debating his Path to Prosperity in the GOP primaries and debates, I'd rather see it become a party plank - let the Democrats try to tear it down.

Severely Ltd.
Joined
Oct '10
Severely Ltd.

StickerShock:  Ryan would inspire me to actively volunteer, and no candidate since Reagan has had that effect on me.  I'm sure I am not alone.  I was actually getting excited watching the Neil Cavuto interview. 

He is so sharp ......such a quick mind.  His eloquence seems effortless and genuine.  And on top of that, he has a pleasant disposition.  He could cut down Obama with his arguments but follow the punch with that disarming grin.  He is extremely likable & highly respected by his peers.  Obama will be shaking in his boots if Ryan steps up. · Jun 3 at 1:35pm

Well said. Charm and electability (what an ugly word) are not the most important qualities in a candidate, but this time around they are essential. Many conservatives seem to be ignoring this.

Severely Ltd.
Joined
Oct '10
Severely Ltd.

Willie Beamen: If Paul Ryan runs, campaigning for him would become a second job.

If Romney is the nominee, I would seriously consider leaving the party. · Jun 3 at 2:14pm

I'm with Willie, at least on the first statement. And I completely understand the sentiments that prompted the second.


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