Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
Doing errands earlier today--having returned home from the endless, flawless beaches of the South Fork of Long Island a few days before my wife and kids, I discovered at mid-morning that if I wanted to eat I would have to buy groceries--I listened off and on to Sean Hannity. Sean spent an hour lambasting Speaker Boehner and everyone who supports Boehner's proposal to raise the debt ceiling, including the Wall Street Journal and Bill Kristol.
Then Congressman Ryan came on the air. Sean asked if Paul Ryan agreed with those who believed that voting against the Boehner proposal would "play into Obama's hands" in a tone leaving no doubt that Sean expected Ryan to prove as dismissive of the Boehner proposal as was Sean himself. "I absolutely believe that voting against the Speaker's proposal would play into Obama's hands," Ryan replied. (I'm quoting from memory here.)
Respectfully but firmly and--very much worth noting--cheerfully, Ryan explained, a) that Boehner's proposal would cut federal spending by more than it would raise the debt ceiling, b) that the Boehner proposal would do so without raising taxes, and, c) that, even though Obama and Geithner have been misleading the public about the likelihood of a default, if Congress failed to raise the debt ceiling the markets would indeed be disrupted, doing damage to a weak economy. Ryan continued to say that the conservative movement was split "right down the middle on this." While urging listeners to support Boehner's proposal, he nevertheless insisted that "after this is over we're going to unite as conservatives to keep on pounding and pounding."
Sean asked about the new proposal being floated by Congressman Connie Mack. It would tie an increase in the debt ceiling to a balanced budget amendment--then set federal spending at last year's baseline minus one percent. "I'm not a fan," Ryan replied. "That suggests the government is okay as it is, just a little too expensive. But what we have is a government built by liberals. I'd rather rebuild it according to conservative principles."
The interview lasted only a few minutes, but it was as deft a performance as I've ever heard. Also, in its way, courageous. Sean, Rush, others--Ryan surely knew that they had devoted their air time today to attacking the Boehner proposal, and that they were speaking for a lot of the people who most admire Ryan, including much of the Tea Party. Ryan stood his ground.
Principles, guts--and a lovely, light touch that makes it difficult even for those who disagree with him to dislike him. Is it too late? Can no one persuade this man to run for President?
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Sep '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
He is one of the few national politicians who give me hope for the nation's future. I'd vote for him, no question.
Aug '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
I hope it is not too late, I am at a loss as to who can convince him to run.
The more I watch this field develop, the more it looks like this is Ryan's hour.
For the longest time now I thought the Tea Party was just the GOP base all geeked up over TARP and taxes.
Now there seems to be a serious rift, certainly distrust and animosity boiled over today. This is not a two man standoff, it is much more complicated and divisive than that.
Ryan's winsome wonkiness and unassailable credibility as a fiscal conservative make him the perfect peacemaker, he could unite this fragile and fragmented coalition.
I will vote for a flawed social conservative in order to voice my anti-managerial progressive, anti-regulatory state concerns, but I would do so warily, without enthusiasm, and only if I had no other choice.
Ryan/Rubio and an end to business as usual, I could get a enthused about that.
Dec '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
It is exactly this ability to offer a winsome rebuff that makes Paul Ryan everything that Obama promised to be, but failed to live up to when he was put under scrutiny.
It is when the stalwarts of a common cause put you on the spot that a dividing line is drawn between those who operate merely out of charm, an those who poses character and conviction.
When Obama is grilled he gets petty and testy. When Bush was grilled he became mealymouthed, relying more on pragmatism than principle. This makes me all the more grateful that there is such a capable individual at the helm of budget talks. However, for all his boyish charm and wonkish smarts I still think Ryan lacks the commanding presence to be the Chief Executive.
In the midst one of the most consequential political debates of the year, the candidates are all voting present, with the possible exception of Michelle Bachman whose zealous defiance is at the moment, a poor substitute for substantive leadership.
Despite Obama's weakness, until a conservative candidate is able to locate the courage of their convictions, a platform, and a press conference, we are in for a long and tepid campaign season.
Edited on Jul 28, 2011 at 1:37amMar '11
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
I was hoping that the Ricochet powers-that-be could perhaps persuade Mr Ryan - but it is maybe too soon for him, rather than too late.
The one consolation is that he is advising Mr Boehner, who is doing a pretty good job with the one third of Government that he has.
At times like this, a parliamentary democracy along UK lines (but without the monarchy) looks like a better option. But, to be fair, I'm not sure the framers anticipated Mr Obama - or maybe they did.
Edited on Jul 28, 2011 at 1:39amOct '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
"That suggests the government is okay as it is, just a little too expensive. But what we have is a government built by liberals. I'd rather rebuild it according to conservative principles."
He said that in three sentences. Three sentences and he sums up the root problem with the federal government. I would never have been able to do that (before now, anyway).
Mar '11
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
For the longest time now I thought the Tea Party was just the GOP base all geeked up over TARP and taxes.
Now there seems to be a serious rift...
Squishy: I hope the situation is closer to Ryan's point that, regardless what happens on the debt ceiling, we'll remain together as conservatives and keep on fighting.
But I fear that you may be correct.
Ryan's point about "rebuilding" a government built by liberals on conservative principles is revealing in this connection.
He is thinking architectonically about how the entire society functions, not just narrowly about budget policy.
Ryan isn't talking, as some do, about abolishing whole areas of the government. But neither is he saying that everything within its current shape is in order.
He seems to be talking about reconstituting the welfare state in different forms and on a different foundation. That is, he is talking about preserving it, while paring back the most dangerous tendencies within it.
He is not armed with a wrecking ball, but with a square and compass.
Are we all saying the same thing?
May '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
I agree with Rep. Ryan that this is the best that can be done and should be passed. The problem is that this is an admission of reality - that our Govt. is fiscally irresponsible and that the current intractable crisis will grow bigger and more difficult to solve.
By 2013 the current debt hole and the unfunded future debt will be larger than today and the pain required to deal with it that much greater - ass u me s that Republicans have a majority large enough to push through what has to be done. Also ass u me s that the country will have the political will to do so.
Who among us really thinks that the 51% recieving more from the Govt. than they pay in are going to support the change required? Or that recipients of SSS, Medicare or Medicaid are going to accept less than they were promised through a lifetime of paying in. We will not have easy or painless choices to right the ship of state - but I remain unconvinced that we have the spine to do what will be required.
Jun '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
This entire debate leaves me disconsolate. I'm having a hard time reconciling the fact that our national leaders can be so reckless when it comes to the future of this great nation. Even when Barack Obama is defeated in 2012, the fallout is going to be horrendous. Gods aren't toppled without collateral damage. Our inner cities are going to burn. "Fundamentally transforming America" will be recorded on the list of infamy next to Arbeit macht Frei.
May '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
This is why I dislike the Boehner plan. It splits the party. Then it splits the conservatives.
Cut, Cap and Balance got every single Republican vote. And if, having passed it, Boehner had said to Reid, "Now put your plan on the table before you start demanding compromise," he would have been the leader we're looking for.
I wonder whom he thinks we'll all unite behind when this is over. Romney? Bachmann?
Too many of Republicans will be disheartened by either.
Run, Ryan. You country needs you.
Jun '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
"Principles, guts--and a lovely, light touch that makes it difficult even for those who disagree with him to dislike him."
Reminds me of Reagan.
"He is thinking architectonically about how the entire society functions, not just narrowly about budget policy....He is not armed with a wrecking ball, but with a square and compass."
Yes, he is so much more than just a wonkish number cruncher. I was hugely impressed with the dialogue he conducted with Archbishop Dolan.
"Cut, Cap and Balance got every single Republican vote. And if, having passed it, Boehner had said to Reid, "Now put your plan on the table before you start demanding compromise," he would have been the leader we're looking for."
I know...it was truely a lost opportunity. Time to let Ryan lead. I can't remember ever being so convinced about the high character and intelligence of a man I've never met. We need him in the White House.
Sep '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
To Ryan’s credit he did answer the question substantively in addition to the it’s was best for the GOP argument. Unfortunately his arguments on Boehner’s plan are probably not factual. The plan cuts 22B. from FY 12 spending and makes promises to cut much more in the future, the enforcement mechanisms contained in CCB have been removed. This is not cutting spending. It calls for a commission that could/would raise taxes. If you think that a Collins or another RINO would not vote with 6 Dems for this you’re mistaken. If the GOP made the argument that they would not vote for debt ceiling increase without meaningful, enforceable reforms to spending and stuck to the argument instead of caving the markets, both bond and stock could likely rally.
Sep '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
And you listened to Sean Hannity for what reason now?
Sep '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
On Mack's : Ryan’s budget calls for increasing spending 2.7 percent, deficits of 5T., over the next 10 years, and does not balance the budget in the next decade. Mack’s proposal forces changes to the government, cutting not increasing spending, has enforcement mechanisms and a balanced budget amendment and a path to get to one, in the next 6 or 7 years. Again Ryan deserves credit for proposals to take on some entitlements. But saying he is opposed to a proposal that would force the reforms he is arguing for and many others because it suggests to him something is disingenuous at best. It is good to remember that MR Ryan, during the Bush years, help build this government that is based on liberal principles. Let’s face it Ryan and the rest of the GOP establishment favor Boehner’s proposal because they believe it is what is best for the GOP’s political future, and a good many openly argue so. I think they fail to grasp that the Tea party and a good deal of the public finds this to be business as usual and are are fed up with it. You are easily impressed.
Sep '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
I try to listen to MR Ryan at every chance. I find him intelligent, well meaning, remarkably will informed and I generally learn much every time I listen to him. If a conservative commentator would take him on on the merits of his proposals instead of fawning over him or ranting, as Hannity has a tendency to do, I believe it would be good for Ryan, for the GOP and the country. I don't listen to SH much.
May '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
Any significant change in government operation will disrupt the stock market simply because change causes uncertainty and stocks are based on predictions. In this case, failure to change is worse.
Besides, that's a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more Republicans and conservative media parrot the liberal talking point that refusing to raise the debt ceiling will disrupt the economy, the more worried investors will be... and so the more it will disrupt the economy.
Sep '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
Aaron Miller
Any significant change in government operation will disrupt the stock market simply because change causes uncertainty.
No one knows what the market will do if Aug 2 comes and goes without Congress taking action. Right now most traders are out of the market, which suggests, but does not guarantee, any movement up or down will be relatively small and short lived. The argument that we should do this or that because it will cause the market to do this or that is foolish at best. Politicians use it often and no one. conservative or liberal calls them on it.
Oct '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
Peter, I share your admiration for Paul Ryan, but I don’t think he should run for president in 2012. He can do more good for the country in his current position. I think his statements about his family are sincere, and he would not accept a draft if it was offered. He will be president one day.
I am concerned with many of the comments I am reading on Ricochet about Ryan because of his support for the Boehner plan. Ryan is the only politician in my lifetime that has put forward a plan to begin to dismantle the progressive/welfare state. If we don’t like his plan we should suggest modifications and improvements rather than characterize him with some of the negative comments I have read on the site.
The Leviathan has been growing for almost 100 years. It seems unrealistic to me to expect we can completely reverse it because of the results of one election. We must win the Senate and Presidency in 2012 to really begin the reversal. It will be a long hard fight. I think we should focus on that rather than attacking other conservatives for not meeting some unspecified purity test.
Aug '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
Crow's Nest: ..
Squishy: I hope the situation is closer to Ryan's point that, regardless what happens on the debt ceiling, we'll remain together as conservatives and keep on fighting.
But I fear that you may be correct.
Ryan's point about "rebuilding" a government built by liberals on conservative principles is revealing in this connection.
He is thinking architectonically about how the entire society functions, not just narrowly about budget policy.
Ryan isn't talking, as some do, about abolishing whole areas of the government. But neither is he saying that everything within its current shape is in order.
He seems to be talking about reconstituting the welfare state in different forms and on a different foundation. That is, he is talking about preserving it, while paring back the most dangerous tendencies within it.
He is not armed with a wrecking ball, but with a square and compass.
Are we all saying the same thing? · Jul 28 at 1:45am
A third party run could emerge if a leader emerged and called for it. The underlying mistrust and zeal are in place.
I like your description of precise dismantling, it reminded me of a controlled demolition .
Aug '10
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
StickerShock: "Principles, guts--and a lovely, light touch that makes it difficult even for those who disagree with him to dislike him."
Reminds me of Reagan.
"He is thinking architectonically about how the entire society functions, not just narrowly about budget policy....He is not armed with a wrecking ball, but with a square and compass."
Yes, he is so much more than just a wonkish number cruncher. I was hugely impressed with the dialogue he conducted with Archbishop Dolan.
"Cut, Cap and Balance got every single Republican vote. And if, having passed it, Boehner had said to Reid, "Now put your plan on the table before you start demanding compromise," he would have been the leader we're looking for."
I know...it was truely a lost opportunity. Time to let Ryan lead. I can't remember ever being so convinced about the high character and intelligence of a man I've never met. We need him in the White House. · Jul 28 at 4:41am
Well said, I would not have realized I felt the same way had you not stated it so concisely.
There is still a little time, but it is flying fast.
Re: Paul Ryan is Really, Really Good
Ryan is really, really good, and he ought to run. The Boehner bill is a small step in the right direction. Reversing the direction of our drift is the crucial thing that we need to accomplish now. At this time in American history, what is good for the Republicans is good for the country.