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Paul Ryan's strengths and weaknesses
http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/11/13227281-paul-ryans-strengths-and-weaknesses?lite
With all signs pointing to Mitt Romney selecting Paul Ryan as his VP running mate tomorrow in Norfolk, VA, Romney went bold. And here is First Read's looks at the strengths and weaknesses Ryan would bring the GOP presidential ticket.
Strengths:
•As chairman of the House Budget Committee, the 42-year-old Ryan is a young rising star in the GOP, and has become their chief spokesman when it comes to reducing the deficit and debt.
•Romney picking Ryan as his running mate would signal that he’s doubling down on an austerity/deficit-reduction message. Indeed, while the Obama campaign and Democrats could point to visible improvements with the economy over the past three years (a lower unemployment rate, stronger GDP growth), there hasn’t been much progress in reducing the deficit. The deficit was $1.4 trillion in FY ’09; $1.3 trillion in ’10; $1.5 trillion in ’11 (projected); and $1.1 billion in ’12 (projected).
•Ryan hails from a battleground state -- Wisconsin -- where polls show Romney currently trailing Obama. Obama actually won Ryan’s district in 2008, 51%-47%.
•Comfort level: When Romney campaigned with Ryan in the lead-up to the April 3 Wisconsin primary, the two men demonstrated a rapport that we haven’t seen with other Romney surrogates.
•He would be a person who could please both the conservative intelligentsia and the Tea Party base.
Weaknesses:
•Ryan’s budget plan has become a lightning rod, and it will be a focus of Democratic attacks in the fall. The most controversial component of the plan is that it significantly transforms Medicare, which is regarded as the government’s most popular program.
•In addition to Medicare, Ryan was one of the driving forces to partially privatize Social Security after George W. Bush’s victory in the 2004 presidential election.
•There are also holes in Ryan’s budget-hawk armor: He voted for some of the biggest drivers of the deficit/debt -- the Bush tax cuts, the Iraq war, and the Medicare prescription-drug benefit, all of which weren’t paid for. Moreover, Ryan voted against the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles recommendations.
•Has never held statewide office and has no foreign-policy experience. Both could be liabilities.
•As a member of Congress, Ryan currently works in -- and is a relatively high-profile member of -- one of America’s least popular institutions.
•And while Romney has criticized Obama for not having private-sector experience, the same is largely true of Ryan: As the New Yorker has written, Ryan briefly worked for his family’s business as a “marketing consultant,” but most of his adult life has been spent as a congressman, congressional aide, or speechwriter/analyst at Jack Kemp’s Empower America think tank.
With all signs pointing to Mitt Romney selecting Paul Ryan as his VP running mate tomorrow in Norfolk, VA, Romney went bold. And here is First Read's looks at the strengths and weaknesses Ryan would bring the GOP presidential ticket.
Strengths:
•As chairman of the House Budget Committee, the 42-year-old Ryan is a young rising star in the GOP, and has become their chief spokesman when it comes to reducing the deficit and debt.
•Romney picking Ryan as his running mate would signal that he’s doubling down on an austerity/deficit-reduction message. Indeed, while the Obama campaign and Democrats could point to visible improvements with the economy over the past three years (a lower unemployment rate, stronger GDP growth), there hasn’t been much progress in reducing the deficit. The deficit was $1.4 trillion in FY ’09; $1.3 trillion in ’10; $1.5 trillion in ’11 (projected); and $1.1 billion in ’12 (projected).
•Ryan hails from a battleground state -- Wisconsin -- where polls show Romney currently trailing Obama. Obama actually won Ryan’s district in 2008, 51%-47%.
•Comfort level: When Romney campaigned with Ryan in the lead-up to the April 3 Wisconsin primary, the two men demonstrated a rapport that we haven’t seen with other Romney surrogates.
•He would be a person who could please both the conservative intelligentsia and the Tea Party base.
Weaknesses:
•Ryan’s budget plan has become a lightning rod, and it will be a focus of Democratic attacks in the fall. The most controversial component of the plan is that it significantly transforms Medicare, which is regarded as the government’s most popular program.
•In addition to Medicare, Ryan was one of the driving forces to partially privatize Social Security after George W. Bush’s victory in the 2004 presidential election.
•There are also holes in Ryan’s budget-hawk armor: He voted for some of the biggest drivers of the deficit/debt -- the Bush tax cuts, the Iraq war, and the Medicare prescription-drug benefit, all of which weren’t paid for. Moreover, Ryan voted against the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles recommendations.
•Has never held statewide office and has no foreign-policy experience. Both could be liabilities.
•As a member of Congress, Ryan currently works in -- and is a relatively high-profile member of -- one of America’s least popular institutions.
•And while Romney has criticized Obama for not having private-sector experience, the same is largely true of Ryan: As the New Yorker has written, Ryan briefly worked for his family’s business as a “marketing consultant,” but most of his adult life has been spent as a congressman, congressional aide, or speechwriter/analyst at Jack Kemp’s Empower America think tank.
I don't know if I am for privatization. It still leaves too many "what ifs?". (Look at the banking industry)
But I'm not so sure that SS is not in a heap of trouble. People on both sides of the political spectrum have been saying it for a while and a lot of people in politics have said that SS was a "fund bucket" for all kinds of pet projects.
That being the case, do we really want politicians deciding what happens with the money is SS? They were the ones who thought it was best to take from it.... Bankers, politicians.... it doesn't matter. They are all cut from the same pourous stone.
But I'm not so sure that SS is not in a heap of trouble. People on both sides of the political spectrum have been saying it for a while and a lot of people in politics have said that SS was a "fund bucket" for all kinds of pet projects.
That being the case, do we really want politicians deciding what happens with the money is SS? They were the ones who thought it was best to take from it.... Bankers, politicians.... it doesn't matter. They are all cut from the same pourous stone.
Mrs. P, they will have you believe it is broke, altho we all know its not and they want to get out of putting the money they have borrowed against it back. What better way of getting out of returning it. My guess is a lots of seniors will be listening intently.
"•In addition to Medicare, Ryan was one of the driving forces to partially privatize Social Security after George W. Bush’s victory in the 2004 presidential election."
Why?? We pay into SS and medicare. Why the hell can't they just leave these programs alone? Who would want to vote for anyone who wants to privatize or get rid of the? Mind boggling......
Why?? We pay into SS and medicare. Why the hell can't they just leave these programs alone? Who would want to vote for anyone who wants to privatize or get rid of the? Mind boggling......
The only thing I'll say about "not having experience" is that it didn't stop voters 3 years ago....
I too know little about the guy and as a whole. Maybe that is part of the plan. Maybe the RNC is pulling a thing like the Democrat party did... come up with this enthusiastic young guy who want's to "change the world"......
I too know little about the guy and as a whole. Maybe that is part of the plan. Maybe the RNC is pulling a thing like the Democrat party did... come up with this enthusiastic young guy who want's to "change the world"......
Like everyone else, I know little about Ryan, but from what I've seen in the past when it came to certain issues, one of Ryan's downfalls may be an unwillingness to work across the aisle. Remember the debt ceiling arguments?
And if the US is anything like Canada, it's an aging population. People just aren't having as many kids, so the tax base is shrinking. Plus, folks are living much longer. So again, if the demographics are the same as here or even similar (and I have no idea if that is the case or not), it would seem suggesting dramatic reform of a program so very important to seniors would be a mistake in terms of winning an election. Mind you, I am not overly clear on the type of reform he is suggesting, so this is all just musing I guess.
It seems like attacking Social Security, which seniors rely on, is not going to win the election. Without SS my 94 year old mother has no other income.
So, that view affects not only the elderly but those with older parents.
So, that view affects not only the elderly but those with older parents.
From what little I have been able to comprehend, it sounds like Ryan's 2 big negatives (or positives depending on one's perspective I suppose) are his thoughts around pretty dramatic reform with medicare and social security. It sure will be interesting to see how this all plays out. I almost feel like this is going to be a battle of healthcare as opposed to the economy (I guess they are pretty intertwined though). I just think of Obama's rather extreme proposed changes and Ryan's ideas are completely in the opposite direction. At least that is how it looks to me.
Your right in that he sure comes across as very feisty and charismatic. And pretty fearless too. It's gonna be a fight!
Your right in that he sure comes across as very feisty and charismatic. And pretty fearless too. It's gonna be a fight!
It's official, Ryan's the VP choice.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/11/obama-mitt-romney_n_1684838.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/11/obama-mitt-romney_n_1684838.html
Like most, I know very little about Ryan. Like you, I have watched a few clips of interviews and speeches. He seems to have more fight and charisma than Romney, which is what Romney’s camp is in dire need of. However, Medicare is a very touchy subject amongst us Baby Boomers. I’m just now trying to sort out the facts and fiction about his stance. Rather Democrat or Republican we Baby Boomers get nervous when it comes to messing with our future. If Romney can’t rebound from it, Ryan my turn out to be Romney’s Achilles’ Heel
Oh, and heard another interesting bit of information. Maybe this is old news for you folks, but I had never heard it like this before. They said that 45% of the population is pretty much a sure bet to vote for Obama, and another 45% same thing for Romney. So all the money, energy, etc. is all about that 10% of the population. I found that quite amazing....they seem to think it will be quite a close election.
A commentator last night was saying that probably not many Americans know much about him at all. They also said he is very well liked by the Tea Party and the main reason for the choice was to appeal to the base - many of whom have not yet gotten behind Romney. I watched a few clips of old interviews, etc. and he certainly seems very smart, but given his comments on medicare, etc. you have to wonder if he might scare some people? Or maybe some of the extreme changes he wants to make will be in his favor given the current economic situation. And I wonder too if people will worry he is too young or lacking that foreign experience? Time will tell I suppose.
Now that this is all over I look forward to watching the actual debates. I love them...less attacking and more facts, or at least that was how I felt last election.
Now that this is all over I look forward to watching the actual debates. I love them...less attacking and more facts, or at least that was how I felt last election.
I didnt slam you! You said you were going to read up on him and didnt know much about him. (Your words). All I said was that when you do you will answer your own questions? Im not arguing over stupid chit.
And I'm sure you knew EVERYTHING about Joe Biden when Obama appointed HIM as his running mate, right?
What does it look like from up there, on your high horse, Teko?
I simply said, "I don't know much about him, I'm going to read up on him", and you slam me... seriously Teko?
I'm sure there are a TON of Republicans that don't know who he is, but will read up on him.
Unlike what happened in2008 when Obama appointed Biden. Do you really think Democrats CARED who Biden was? No, all they saw was a black man, and they subsequently voted for him.
If you knew who Joe Biden was PRIOR to his appointment as VP, then you're in the minority, because I'd be willing to be no one did. Even now, can you honestly say you KNOW who Biden is?
What does it look like from up there, on your high horse, Teko?
I simply said, "I don't know much about him, I'm going to read up on him", and you slam me... seriously Teko?
I'm sure there are a TON of Republicans that don't know who he is, but will read up on him.
Unlike what happened in2008 when Obama appointed Biden. Do you really think Democrats CARED who Biden was? No, all they saw was a black man, and they subsequently voted for him.
If you knew who Joe Biden was PRIOR to his appointment as VP, then you're in the minority, because I'd be willing to be no one did. Even now, can you honestly say you KNOW who Biden is?
Neither of these guys served in the military I hear.
Dont know much about him says it all el. Find out and you will answer your own questions.
Thank you for taking the time to read up on him. I would be interested if you come up with some selling points to recommend him. (Not just a lack of negatives or a willingness to toe the Party line.
Ryan is as good a choice as any.
Tell me... would you NOT have torn a different Romney'VP'pick to shreds, like you're all about to do to Ryan?
I'll answer that for you: YES
No matter who Romney choose, it was going to be a bad choice in your eyes.
Since he's such a bad choice, and Romney is the devil incarnate, then the Obama-Biden ticket should have no trouble defeating them in November, right?
Ryan is as good choice as anyone. Don't know much about him, but I'm about to go read up on him to see what he's all about.
Might try and dig into his past, and see if he bullied any hippies in college, or smoked weed in Hugh school, or caused any job losses that resulted in a woman dying of cancer. Maybe I can get this guy destroyed before breakfast if I try hard enough!
Tell me... would you NOT have torn a different Romney'VP'pick to shreds, like you're all about to do to Ryan?
I'll answer that for you: YES
No matter who Romney choose, it was going to be a bad choice in your eyes.
Since he's such a bad choice, and Romney is the devil incarnate, then the Obama-Biden ticket should have no trouble defeating them in November, right?
Ryan is as good choice as anyone. Don't know much about him, but I'm about to go read up on him to see what he's all about.
Might try and dig into his past, and see if he bullied any hippies in college, or smoked weed in Hugh school, or caused any job losses that resulted in a woman dying of cancer. Maybe I can get this guy destroyed before breakfast if I try hard enough!
Me too. I would have voted McCain until he picked nitwit as his running mate. I sincerely think that did him in. This one. Well, very controversial so it will be interesting to say the least.
Most not all. I think McCain would have been a good President, not that I think he could have done much better or much different than Obama. He has both the intelligence and and the willingness to work with the other party that is necessary for the chief executive. His allowing Palin to be foisted off on him was the tipping point that kept me from voting for him in the general election. In retrospect, I think she probably would have been sent to some 'secure locaton for the sake of national securiy' and we wouldn't have had to listen to her for the last four years. I guess I've become resigned to the fact that candidates have to bow the wishes of the Party Machine that helps put them in power. I think it was naive idealism that made me think he could stand up to the bosses on every issue.
Big hat, no cattle ---- aren't they all?
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/all_hat_and_no_cattle
Great. Another 'spokesperson' for the RNC with no real world experience or foreign policy knowledge. Palin lite.
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