Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
Ricochet's own Jonah Goldberg wrote a good article over at NRO about how, now that Daniels is out of the race, only Ryan can explain the intricacies of the budget and why the country must reform entitlements (here).
But, what convinced me Ryan is our only hope is a lengthy comment by Hope E. Changey, who has observed that the lefties react to Ryan the way a vampire does to sunlight. They may slander him in television ads and say nasty things about him in his absence, but when he is standing in front of them in all his obvious decency, integrity and intelligence, they're dumbstruck. Or they say something obviously false and condescending which makes them look small by comparison -- like Obama did at the health care summit.
Lots of people want to compare him to Reagan, the Teflon President, but I think he has something unique and necessary for the times. Bearing false witness against Ryan is like kicking puppies. It just isn't done. I think he terrifies the Obama machine.
I made the same plea to Mitch Daniels. I'm even more convinced about Ryan.
Please, Paul. Your country needs you. Your children need you to do this for them and the country you love. You are the right man in the right place at the right time.
- Comment (32)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (3)
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
Comments:
May '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
I'm sold.
Nov '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
He is in the right place!
Ryan is the chairman of the House Budget Committee.
Dec '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
Elizabeth Dunn: He is in the right place!
Ryan is the chairman of the House Budget Committee. · May 26 at 6:17pm
Yes, I'm aware of his position. If Obama wins a second term, he might as well be running a lemonade stand.
Read Jonah's piece and the comment by Hope E. Changey. If you still feel the same, come back with an argument for your case.
There is something Lincolnesque about Ryan. He's a man with the truth on his side and the conviction to persuade. Persuasion has been sorely lacking in our politics long before Obama/Pelosi/Reid bulldozed "health reform" through Congress.
The only thing the current field seem convicted about is that they'd be better as president than Obama. They may be right, but it comes off as Ego rather than integrity with a plan.
Sep '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
Claire Berlinski for head of the CIA.
Nov '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
Western Chauvinist
Elizabeth Dunn: He is in the right place!
Ryan is the chairman of the House Budget Committee. · May 26 at 6:17pm
If Obama wins a second term, he might as well be running a lemonade stand.
Paul Ryan has made a huge impact during Obama's destructive first term because he currently holds a very important position and has wielded his power effectively.
We do, after all, have a three-tiered governmental structure in this country.
As a longtime NR and NRO subscriber, I do not need to be reminded of Goldberg's perspective. However, as talented a pundit as he may be, he is still not a maker of the donuts. Paul Ryan understands the importance of protecting the creators of wealth and as president, he would be distracted with a multitude of other issues.
Dec '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
Elizabeth Dunn
Western Chauvinist
Elizabeth Dunn: He is in the right place!
Ryan is the chairman of the House Budget Committee. · May 26 at 6:17pm
If Obama wins a second term, he might as well be running a lemonade stand.
Paul Ryan has made a huge impact during Obama's destructive first term
For instance?
Mar '11
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
It is said that Ryan lacks foreign affairs experience. Yet, he has proved himself such a quick study and competent thinker that I would have full confidence in him coming up to speed. He loves this country more than his office and that is a valuable quality.
Dec '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
Who would replace Ryan as budget committee chair if he did run (and win, of course)? Would we be subjected to a RINO squish that would thwart a President Ryan's attempt to right this vessel? I'm all for him running, but I fear where the House, even the Republican controlled House, might go if his leadership was lost there.
Jan '11
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
How does a common citizen find/join a "Draft Ryan" movement?
Mar '11
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
I can think of several possibilities (if they are not VP) - Bachmann, West, um - A Rino squish in unlikely, I think, unless Rob runs for Congress (but he has long ago ceased being one).
I think peace and harmony might return to Ricochet if Paul Ryan runs (well, there may be an exception).
You can sign the petition for him to run, here - I just did.
Dec '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
Elizabeth Dunn: He is in the right place!
Ryan is the chairman of the House Budget Committee. · May 26 at 6:17pm
And nothing Ryan tries in the House Budget Committee will be enacted as long as Obama holds the veto pen, even if, as I believe will happen, the Republicans take control of the Senate in 2012.
To the question of "who will replace Ryan in the House?", I can only ask, "who will replace Obama in the White House?" People making your argument must be counting on a veto-proof majority in both houses. I want us to win the most powerful position in government with the most decent, honorable, intelligent man we can find and I believe that man is Paul Ryan.
Dec '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
David Williamson
You can sign the petition for him to run, here - I just did. · May 27 at 2:53pm
Thanks, David. Any chance the editors would move this link to the bottom of my post?
I would also recommend we visit Ryan's website and beg him directly: http://paulryan.house.gov/
His email says it is for his Wisconsin's 1st District employers, but Daniels site was geared toward Indianans(?) and I know my plea went through because I received a response letter from Daniels via snail-mail. It's worth a try.
Dec '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
I'm all for a Ryan run. I just think such questions need to be asked so they aren't missed and mishandled after he is inaugurated.
Dec '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
David Williamson
I can think of several possibilities (if they are not VP) - Bachmann.
Good thought. I understand she's a tax lawyer, so she should know her figures.
Oh, and Pseudo's idea for CIA too.
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
I'd love to see a viral movement--maybe starting right here on Ricochet!--to draft Rep. Ryan into the presidential vortex.
I recently caught some flack in this space for supporting the demonstrated ability of She Who Must Not Be Named to go on offense, seize the narrative from Obama, and thereby drive the Left stark raving mad.
Ryan also does this, albeit in a quieter,self-possessed fashion. He also has plenty of charisma and none of the baggage.
Run, Paul, run.
Dec '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
One more reason conservatives should insist Ryan run... he doesn't want the job.
Mar '11
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
I watched Ryan on Special Report with Bret Baier yesterday. Bret and several commentators noticed that Ryan did not say absolutely no to the idea of running but that he wasn't planning to "right now." What they seemed to not notice was his challenge to the current candidates to put forth some proposal, i.e. to lead on the issue. I think he was subtly pressuring them, not necessarily to back his plan, but to propose some plan that would solve our fiscal crisis, or else he would reconsider his decision on running.
Mar '11
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
George Savage:
I recently caught some flack in this space for supporting the demonstrated ability of She Who Must Not Be Named to go on offense, seize the narrative from Obama, and thereby drive the Left stark raving mad.
You know what they say - when you are catching flack you are over the target.
She Who Must Not Be Named could still drive the Left and Libertarians stark raving mad as VP nominee...
I doubt she would do it, though (but she might...) and I still prefer Bill Kristol's original suggestion of Ryan/Rubio.
Dec '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
I have to agree with Cheney...Ryan is ascending to almost diety level within the conservative front. I would hate for that to be sullied by a run for president. Of course, it begs the question: does running for president ruin all those who do it?
Nov '10
Re: Why Paul Ryan Must Run -- the Opie Factor
Western Chauvinist
Elizabeth Dunn
Western Chauvinist
Elizabeth Dunn: He is in the right place!
Ryan is the chairman of the House Budget Committee. · May 26 at 6:17pm
If Obama wins a second term, he might as well be running a lemonade stand.
Paul Ryan has made a huge impact during Obama's destructive first term
For instance?
Umm... defining and instigating the debate for entitlement reform, a debate that would have been unthinkable 2 years ago. George W. wasn't able to engender enough support for a conversation about a 1% privatization of social security.