Romney's Declaration of War
In choosing Paul Ryan as his Vice-Presidential nominee, Mitt Romney has opted to go for broke, and he has indicated that he is a serious man -- less concerned with becoming President of the United States than with saving the country from the disaster in store for it if we not radically reverse course, willing to risk a loss for the sake of being able to win a mandate for reform.
I have been unsparing in my criticism of Romney's political record. I unsay not one word about that. If we were to judge him honestly by his conduct as a Senatorial candidate in Massachusetts and as that state's Governor, I believe that we would find him sadly wanting.
I have also consistently been of the opinion that, of the declared Republican presidential aspirants, Mitt Romney was the least unacceptable. In his private capacity, he is a man of excellent character; as a businessman, he was accomplished in the extreme; and, as a candidate, he consistently displayed the discipline required. There were others in the race who had good qualities, but they lacked one or more of the crucial qualities that Romney possesses.
I also hazarded a guess -- that current circumstances might make a genuine conservative of Mitt Romney, that his understanding of the fiscal crisis we face might very well force him to think more deeply about the moral roots of that fiscal crisis, which is to say, about the inner logic of the administrative entitlements state and the moral as well as the fiscal bankruptcy produced by that inner logic. I was accused of wishful thinking, and the accusation was just. For my wish was, indeed, father to the thought, but this does not mean that the thought was wrong.
Governor Romney's choice of Paul Ryan as his running mate suggests, in fact, that my suspicions were correct. For by making this choice, Mitt Romney is declaring war. There will be no evasion, no triangulation, no attempt to mask what is at stake in this election. Instead, Romney and Ryan will directly confront Barack Obama and call him to account for putting us on a ruinous course.
This will alter radically the dynamics of the race. The money spent by Obama trying to demonize Governor Romney will prove to be money entirely wasted. The election is not going to be about Mitt Romney. It is not going to be about the sexual revolution. It is not going to be about Bain Capital. It is going to be about the failed policies of Barack Obama, about their dangerous character, and about the sober, sound alternative the Republicans represent.
This will help the Republicans in Senate and House races immeasurably, for it will give Romney and Ryan coattails -- now, without a doubt, the candidates in these other races have something concrete on which to run: repeal Obamacare, pare back the entitlements state, reform our system of taxation, and put our fiscal house in order. No one will doubt the capacity of the Republicans to rule.
I have predicted that Romney will win by a landslide. The choice of Paul Ryan means that Romney has chosen the path that will maximize the significance of his victory and its impact on the races for seats in the House and Senate. As in 1980, this is going to be a national election -- in which local particularities count for much less than usual.
If you still have doubts, remember November, 2010.
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Nov '10
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
Well said, Prof. Rahe.
What does Ryan really represent?
He's essentially a repudiation of George W. Bush republicanism.
And by that I don't just mean substantively in terms of policy (though Ryan did vote for Medicare D...), but moreover with respect to political rhetoric: Ryan is both wonderfully articulate, fluid, and calm. Put these things on full, copious display and hopefully, just hopefully, the cafe intellectual scum of the media world -- the David Corns, Rachel Maddows -- will not have a chance with their lies.
Or perhaps I'm getting a bit too confident...
Sep '10
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
That is what I like to read Paul! Enough of the hand wringing because some guy named Sean at RCP thinks Paul Ryan's budget plan will turn off blue collar whites. Ryan's district is made up of blue collar whites and he wins them consistently with 60%+ of the vote.
Ryan's message is common sense, something blue collar whites have a lot of. The message generally is you don't spend more than you take in and we can get out of this mess by stopping runaway spending and growing the economy. That message appeals to people with common sense. Not taxing the rich out of existence like Obama wants to do only to find out we are all going to get poorer as a result.
I was with you in 2010 too, I too thought that 2010 would be like 1994 early on, only to be completely vindicated in the results. I am thinking like you that this is going to be another 1980 type election.
Dec '10
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
Speaking of coattails, I associate myself entirely with your remarks.
Ryan was in the congress that Obama flirted with. Ryan was there, when the Democrats took over the congress, in 2007, and spending shot through the roof. When Obama and Biden shot spending through the roof.
Now is the time to explain to the American public that yes, in some ways, the horrible things that came from that era can be laid at the feet of George Bush, because he refused to use his veto, early on. When Bush finally gave up on Pelosi and Reid and nebbishly excercised the veto pen, it was already too late.
That was what gave birth to the Tea Party movement, not Obama's election.
This can be a clean break.
I suspect Romney would have behaved as did Bush then, but not now. I think Romney has been shaken by how the situation has devolved. He never saw the active undermining, amidst the incompetence.
Mar '11
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
We now get to have the fight we want.
Remember the Sec of Treasury saying we don't have a plan we just don't like yours. Now Obama has to address actual policy not just say Romney is a felon.
May '12
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
Outstanding post Doctor, your recovery continues well!
I think you are largely correct and only caution that when doing the math on Congressman Ryan's budget plan, it isn't nearly as 'radical' or effective at paring back the size of government as we are led to believe. That said he is the only leader in Washington with courage to discuss the medicare disaster and that alone puts him head and shoulders above the crowd.
I am encouraged by your words that it looks like Gov. Romney is running to win and govern, not just play defense, I hope this is the case.
I still don't think we will know the winner of this election when we go to bed, assuming any of us will be able to fall asleep, on November 6th.
May '10
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
We were watching the announcement of Ryan as VP pick during breakfast in the hotel. I was doing my best not to let my rabid dislike of Obama/Biden and fangirl adoration of Ryan erupt in public. I realized I wasn't completely successful when my kids started parroting back (loudly) what I thought I had been mumbling.
I guess Duane Oyen was right when he kept insisting to me and others that Romney will do whatever it takes to win. Finally, a move in the right direction!
Mar '12
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
Somewhere or other, John Adams wrote that most great victories were carrried by one or two votes. But perhaps that will happen down the road, when ked legislation has to get through. And I still wonder if Romney will do better talking about the U.S. government as a failing enterprise, in need to turn around and updating. My guess is that language, and the numbers talk that goes with it, will be more natural for him. Ryan will be better with the discusssion of what makes America, America--through Romney will have to do some of that.
May '11
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
Great post Paul. How does the equation change if Obama replaces Joe with Hillary. The press will change the subject to foreign policy and Ryan may have a disadvantage. Just curious of your thoughts and is you think Obama will play the Clinton card.
Apr '12
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
You mention the moral roots of why America is so badly in debt, owing so much to the Chinese. This is why I have appreciated Ricochet so much because it has educated me about that moral centre, core of the crucible. I studied business, not politics and philosophy about how to live life. America, your focus on those founding principles, it is unique and remarkable. Ricochet has taught me an incredible amount but I most admire the moral roots because those are te truth. They may not be as nice but in the long run, they are better.
Mar '11
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
I once heard on a Ricochet podcast -- I think it was Rob Long but perhaps I am misremembering -- that winning was more important than being "right". "Goldwater's loss set the conservative cause back by 20 years" -- or something like that. I was sympathetic to that view when I first heard it. But now I am more of the view that this election requires taking a stand against the direction we know the country is headed -- and being willing to lose. I don't want to be associated with a party that did a better job of "managing the decline". I want to be associated with a principled stand. If the voters choose decline, it won't be because they didn't have a choice.
to the folks out there who may be worried about the votes we might lose by taking a stand -- "Ryan's gonna cost us Florida" is something I've seen quite a bit of today -- understand that any time you bear your soul, any time you reveal your deepest thoughts, you risk a broken heart.
but it's worth it.
Feb '12
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
It certainly is a gutsy decision. I hope you are right. I am just nervous that 4 years of "free stuff" on top of 50 years of soft seduction had its unfortunate impact. Are we really that much more resistant to the drug of dependency than West Europeans?
On the other hand experience with Wisconsin recall restored hope more than anything else. Maybe we are more resistant!
PS. @Michael Hussey - I didn't see your post when I was writing mine; but funny, how we are pondering essentially the same question.
Edited on August 12, 2012 at 6:07amMay '10
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
Or, Romney is what he always was--except that certain people are unable, for a variety of reasons, to have seen it months, or years ago.
Feb '11
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
As I wrote elsewhere (and may write a few more times), the other side of this gamble is this: Lose and Obama can legitimately claim a mandate to do all those things we warn against.
Oct '10
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
Except that when his policies lead to the inevitable spectacular collapse of the American economy and American power, the country will turn to the people who spoke out against him on principle.
Or, put another way, "You can't win, Darth."
Oct '10
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
I have a feeling that within the first month of the Romney administration, one of the New York publications will write a profile of the professor from an "obscure Midwestern conservative college" who foresaw the Republican comeback of 2010-2012 and, from a hospital bed, all but scripted Romney's conservative turnaround.
(The "Rhodes Scholar" part will be pushed down to paragraph 15.)
Feb '11
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
J. D. Fitzpatrick
Except that when his policies lead to the inevitable spectacular collapse of the American economy and American power, the country will turn to the people who spoke out against him on principle.
Or, put another way, "You can't win, Darth." · 1 hour ago
The coming 6-3 SCOTUS majority won't be easily overcome.
Mar '11
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
By picking Ryan, Romney has indicated that his campaign is not going to be about half-measures this fall.
I can't imagine Ryan agreeing to join the ticket, given everything we know about him, if Mitt's intention was going to be to muzzle and de-fang Ryan's stinging and sobering critique of Obama's domestic policy.
Romney has come to the conclusion that, more likely than not, playing it safe would end in a narrow defeat this fall.
If they lose, downticket effects will likely mean that Obama will have free reign to do as he pleases.
But, oh, if they win, the victory might very well be large enough to create a mandate for serious reform in Washington. Ironically, the Romney Administration might very well be the first Tea Party administration.
Jun '10
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
Grant has found his Sherman. May the battle be decisive. God save the Republic!
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
Tell me another.
Apr '12
Re: Romney's Declaration of War
Israel Pickholtz
The coming 6-3 SCOTUS majority won't be easily overcome. · 8 hours ago
I'd hazard that the current five-four or six to three progressive majorities of the Robert's court are now upon us.
Give the majority Obamacare opinion a read, then try to maintain heart against the judicial headwind pushing relentlessly against the constraints of the Constitution; ironically undermining the very rule of law that Olympian body and its subsidiaries are mandated to uphold or re-establish.
Point: lost are the federal courts regardless of executive election. Their current constitution is that of a progressive body unconstrained.
Yes it could get worse but Roberts has made it absolutely clear that worse is already the case.
From Mission Impossible, "Relax, Mr. Pickholtz. Its worse than you think."
[As an aside, I hope you have reconsidered casting your ballot. Illinois did elect a Republican senator last go around. True, it is Mr. Obama's "home" state but you've gotta have dreams, right?]