In many ways, Ryan 2012 a bigger gamble than Palin 2008
Four years ago, when news broke of Sarah Palin’s selection as the GOP’s vice presidential nominee, I happened to be with two of my more conservative friends. They were ecstatic about the choice, chatting excitedly together and believing it to be a political masterstroke that all but guaranteed victory for John McCain.
At the time, I didn’t know much at all about Palin, and what I did know made me dubious. 
But I remember being struck by how very differently they and I perceived the situation. It was as if they shared a perception of the world that I had no hope of tapping into or comprehending.
Today, four years later, we have Paul Ryan as the GOP vice presidential nominee, another pick that has excited the Republican base. But while Ryan is young and photogenic, he is also no Sarah Palin. He already has a career of consequence behind him, he takes his job and responsibility seriously and “gotcha” questions such as “what newspapers do you read?” are not going to cause him trouble. He is a qualified pick.
But something else is very different as well. On the surface, Republicans are very happy about the selection of one of their movement’s bright young stars. Democrats are equally thrilled by the pick. Somebody, it seems, is going to be very disappointed. And in GOP inner circles, there’s a deep fear about who that “somebody” is likely to be.
Here’s a sampling:
“There are a lot races that are close to the line we’re not going to win now because they’re going to battle out who’s going to kill grandma first, ObamaCare or Paul Ryan’s budget,” said one Republican strategist who works on congressional races. “It could put the Senate out of reach. In the House it puts a bunch of races in play that would have otherwise been safe. … It remains to be seen how much damage this causes, but my first blush is this is not good.”
Former Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-N.Y.), who chaired the NRCC from 2003-2006, warned that he foresaw in this election shades of President George W. Bush’s fight to create a voucher program for Social Security early in his second term, which many say cost the GOP seats in 2006.
“You saw what happened to Bush with Social Security in the 2006 election,” he said. “This is déjà vu.”
“Away from the cameras, and with all the usual assurances that people aren’t being quoted by name, there is an unmistakable consensus among Republican operatives in Washington: Romney has taken a risk with Ryan that has only a modest chance of going right — and a huge chance of going horribly wrong…
And the more pessimistic strategists don’t even feign good cheer: They think the Ryan pick is a disaster for the GOP. Many of these people don’t care that much about Romney — they always felt he faced an improbable path to victory — but are worried that Ryan’s vocal views about overhauling Medicare will be a millstone for other GOP candidates in critical House and Senate races.”
“I think it’s a very bold choice. And an exciting and interesting pick. It’s going to elevate the campaign into a debate over big ideas. It means Romney-Ryan can run on principles and provide some real direction and vision for the Republican Party. And probably lose. Maybe big,” said former President George W. Bush senior adviser Mark McKinnon.
And as Ronald Brownstein notes at National Journal, the choice creates an opening for Democrats among older downscale white voters, the demographic group that Republicans have come to rely upon more and more heavily with each passing political cycle:
“Ryan’s ambitious budget blueprint, as passed twice by House Republicans over the past two years, crystallizes the GOP’s highest policy priority: shrinking the size of the federal government, largely by dramatically restructuring entitlement programs led by Medicare and Medicaid. But the GOP today is increasingly dependent on the votes of older and blue-collar whites who — while eager to scale back government programs that transfer income to the poor — are much more resistant to retrenching entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security that largely benefit the middle-class.
Those attitudes haven’t stopped those voters from providing Republicans commanding margins in recent elections. But in polls, most of those older and blue-collar voters have consistently recoiled from the centerpiece proposal of Ryan’s budget: his initiative to convert Medicare from its existing structure, in which Washington pays doctors and hospitals directly for care they provide to seniors, into a premium support or voucher system that would provide seniors a fixed sum of money to either purchase private insurance or buy into the existing program….
In March, the United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll offered respondents two options for (Medicare). Just 19 percent of whites older than 65 endorsed Ryan’s approach, which said “Medicare should be changed to a system where the government provides seniors with a fixed sum of money they could use either to purchase private health insurance or to pay the cost of remaining in the current Medicare program.” Fully 74 percent of white seniors said instead that “Medicare should continue as it is today, with the government providing health insurance and paying doctors and hospitals directly for the services they provide to seniors.” Among non-college whites, 63 percent said they preferred the current system, while only 26 percent backed Ryan’s approach.
Ryan’s selection, in other words, seems to be an even bigger political gamble than the selection of Palin four years ago. In fact, in the pairing of Bain Capital executive Mitt Romney with Ayn Rand acolyte Paul Ryan, President Obama may have been given precisely the opponents that he wanted most.
Given the economic situation, that doesn’t guarantee victory by any means. But I have to think that Obama likes his chances.
– Jay Bookman
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889 comments Add your comment
Joe Hussein Mama
August 14th, 2012
9:05 am
First?
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
August 14th, 2012
9:05 am
You wish.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
August 14th, 2012
9:08 am
Hummmmm ………………………
“Vice President Joe Biden spoke before a crowd of 660 people in Durham, N.C., at the Durham Armory during a campaign stop for President Barack Obama on Monday.
Biden’s appearance before a comparatively meager crowd came a day after the newly formed Republican ticket — presidential candidate Mitt Romney and running mate Paul Ryan — rallied a
crowd of over 10,000 in High Point, N.C., about an hour away, and a crowd of approximately 4,700 people in Mooresville, N.C., about two-and-a-half hours away.”
Mr. Snarky
August 14th, 2012
9:12 am
Repubs may be caught up in their hopes for a white knight to save them…sort of like how Rick Perry was going to save them from Mitt. Time will tell on this. Also, some may not like to hear this, but people don’t vote for the VP…they vote for the person at the top of the ticket. So all this about Ryan is media generated noise, really.
Brosephus™
August 14th, 2012
9:13 am
As much as people have been postulating that this election would come down to the economy since Ryan’s selection was announced, I’ve been wondering what his selection would do to House races that were going to be close calls. With the overwhelming support that Conservatives have given to his budget plan, I’m wondering if that enthusiastic support will alienate some of the middle-of-the-road voters.
I’m gonna have to go and peruse your links just a bit to see if they have any information that will feed my curiosities.
Simple Truths
August 14th, 2012
9:14 am
Another strafing run by Jay Bookman.
TaxPayer
August 14th, 2012
9:15 am
It’s so nice to see the hard core Republican 99 percent get on here and proclaim their joy of being selected by their leaders to give more of themselves so that the one percent can have more tax cuts. Your leaders thank you, Republican 99 percenters, for your willingness to throw yourselves under the bus.
Joe Hussein Mama
August 14th, 2012
9:16 am
Jay, I think the reason conservatives saw Palin as such a wonderful pick (and Ryan as one too) is because they actually *articulate* the plans and objectives that conservatives wrongly believe will ‘fix’ the country.
They”d like to dismantle the social safety net and reduce business taxes, as well as taxes on the wealthy. Well, that plays well with big-money donors and corporate contributors, but not so well with the people who show up at the polling places. The more Romney and Ryan tout the notion of cutting rich people’s taxes and corporate taxes at the expense of Joe the Plumber, Bob the Roofer, Jan the Data Entry Clerk or Sally the Assembly Line Worker, the more those people are going to turn away from them and towards the Democrats.
It’s hard to make a quick, cogent case for increasing the tax burden on the poor so that the supposed “job creators” — who aren’t actually *creating* jobs — can have a further tax break. But the Democratic case of ‘Romney pays less and you pay more’ is quick, soundbitey and it resonates with working Americans. Republicans have often derided the nuanced positions of Democrats in the past. But today, it’s the Republicans who are trying to get out a nuanced message, and it’s not working.
Simple Truths
August 14th, 2012
9:17 am
I am waiting for a blog post by Jay about Obama’s plan.
What? He has no plan? I guess Jay will just keep attacking Romney and Ryan.
Michael
August 14th, 2012
9:17 am
Remember the Death Panel comments by the Right. Well this is going to be their version of that Panel and it wont just be us old people, it will be young people who see the 1% tax for the rich and the shaft for the middle class.
Welcome to the Occupation
August 14th, 2012
9:17 am
After hearing of Romney’s troubles yesterday in FL I’m seriously starting to wonder if there’s not something fishy going on here. I almost wonder if Romney himself is not going through some sort of personal crisis over this election, including sheer exhaustion from the relentless assault of the campaign. And if true, I wonder if there’s not a power struggle going on behind the scenes, one between hardliners and pragmatists that resulted in the hardliners winning and Romney being forced to go with a hard-right figure like Ryan for his VP pick. The way Romney handled, or mishandled, questions in FL yesterday on Medicare suggest to me a candidate who’s slipping. I really think that Grover Norquist was not kidding when he said that all they need any more is somebody with a pulse and a working hand to sign off on the party apparatchiks’ policy plans. I think what he said about that should be taken quite literally.
Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette
August 14th, 2012
9:17 am
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
Kudos to the kind and thoughtful Joe Biden for not trying to squeeze 10,000 or 4,700 people into the small venue.
Joseph
August 14th, 2012
9:19 am
Wow Jay I knew you fruits were scared of Ryan but bashing him 2 days in a row. Do you realize that you and your ilk are being laughed at by normal folks. Paul Ryan is a fine man with bright idea’s for America’s future yet the left wants to paint him as so right wing ideolog… LOL… Just picture him and Biden on stage together for a debate. Makes you cringe don’t it????
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
August 14th, 2012
9:19 am
Granny:
Laughable !
Simple Truths:
Also known as “whistling in the dark” !
You libs
August 14th, 2012
9:20 am
Simple truths:
http://blogs.ajc.com/kyle-wingfield/2012/08/14/2012-tuesday-2016-says-we-dont-know-the-president-we-elected-in-2008/?cxntfid=blogs_kyle_wingfield
You’re welcome.
Joe Hussein Mama
August 14th, 2012
9:20 am
0311 — “Biden’s appearance before a comparatively meager crowd came a day after the newly formed Republican ticket — presidential candidate Mitt Romney and running mate Paul Ryan — rallied a crowd of over 10,000 in High Point, N.C., about an hour away, and a crowd of approximately 4,700 people in Mooresville, N.C., about two-and-a-half hours away.”
Your takeaway from this: North Carolina Democrats have jobs and were at work. Whereas North Carolina Republicans are either retired or unemployed and have nothing better to do during the work day.
Welcome to the Occupation
August 14th, 2012
9:21 am
I think what Grover Norquist said about really only needing somebody who’s a figurehead to sign off on policy proposals from the Kochs, the Roves, and the Kochs, could very well express a true vision of where the party apparartchiks want the party — and our country, too — to go. There’s no need for a president to have any vision or ambitions of his own, he simply must be willing to sign into law what the policy people and think tanks tell him to do, no more. And I wonder if the realization of what this is going to entail is not creating a sort of crisis for Romney.
I don’t know. Just a hunch I’m getting.
Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette
August 14th, 2012
9:21 am
simple truths
why wait for some one to wait on you…..
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget
DannyX
August 14th, 2012
9:22 am
“In the House it puts a bunch of races in play that would have otherwise been safe. … It remains to be seen how much damage this causes, but my first blush is this is not good.”
The Ryan budget doesn’t seem to be that popular with the American public. Every single House Republican is on record supporting it. Many Republicans running for re-election will have to defend their support for that budget. You want to guess what their Democratic opponents will be talking about?
At the same time not one Democrat voted for the Presidents budget and will not have to defend voting for it. Republicans were set up. It makes it even better for Democrats because Ryan himself is on the ticket. Republicans have been punked.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 14th, 2012
9:22 am
It appears that the Republican conned are willing to praise Ryan, independents and others know he has many weaknesses and some very radical positions. It may be a game changer…. whose game is changed may be the real question.
Here we go!
August 14th, 2012
9:23 am
Michael – I heard John Sununu this morning arguing with Soledad. He brought up in ACA, Obama would have a panel of people deciding if granny gets to get a hip replacement, etc, etc, etc. They will bring back the death panel debate for sure.
Jay
August 14th, 2012
9:24 am
Right, Joseph, just like “everybody” knew that Sarah Palin won her debate with Biden, and “everybody” knew that Paul Ryan wasn’t proposing to eliminate taxes on capital gains, etc. etc.
Your track record precedes you.
Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette
August 14th, 2012
9:24 am
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
August 14th, 2012
9:19 am
Granny:
Laughable !
Hey Mr. Silly Pants The venue won’t hold more than about 600 people…..
Do you really think peoples safety is laughable?
Welcome to the Occupation
August 14th, 2012
9:24 am
But I think I might disagree with you Jay on Palin vs. Ryan insofar as what was truly distinctive about the Palin pick was its sheer recklessness. It was literally as though the decision was taken after about 5 minutes of thought. Ryan, on the other hand, could not possibly be more thoroughly deliberate thought. Even if they know that it may tank the election, the decision strikes one as very carefully calculated. They know what they’re doing.
Lord Help Us
August 14th, 2012
9:24 am
Ryan does us a small favor in s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g the bumper stickers out and translating them into policy that enables some to stop and say, ‘oh crap, is that what that mean?’ I think that is what Mark McKinnon is saying above…
SBinf
August 14th, 2012
9:24 am
Of course they have to support the Romney/Ryan ticket on the surface. In reality, the party is already regrouping for 2016.
resno2
August 14th, 2012
9:24 am
putting all the finger pointing aside, I bet Romney/Ryan would actually have a budget.
ty webb
August 14th, 2012
9:25 am
“I happened to be with two of my more conservative friends….”
really? by “more conservative”, do you mean that they only halfway wet the bed?
Brosephus™
August 14th, 2012
9:25 am
At the same time not one Democrat voted for the Presidents budget and will not have to defend voting for it.
For the sake of putting the truth on display, there has not been a vote on the President’s budget. There was a vote on what was supposed to be a representative plan based on the President’s budget, but the actual budget has not been voted on. The budget plan that’s submitted by the President does not have to be voted on either. By law, it only has to be submitted to Congress.
ragnar danneskjold
August 14th, 2012
9:26 am
Reasonable essay. I like Romney’s chances now. Chauncey selected Biden for VP because of his lack of experience, for all the good it has done the country. Unlike the incumbents, the republicans have fielded a team that understands the virtues of the free economy and, more importantly, how to make it work again.
Ryan-Rubio in 2020.
Liberal Chicks are UGLY
August 14th, 2012
9:27 am
The little known fact is that vice presidents actaully don’t matter all that much. They really don’t do much other than warm the bench. The picks only matter in an election year, in day to day reality, VP’s just sit around an listen and do nothing.
I'm a liberal and believe everything I read and nothing the other side comes up with...cause we're smart and they are not
August 14th, 2012
9:27 am
YAWN
Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette
August 14th, 2012
9:27 am
resno2
everybody who is anybody does…..
Doggone/GA
August 14th, 2012
9:27 am
“I am waiting for a blog post by Jay about Obama’s plan.”
blogspot.com is ready when you are sport.
Simple Truths
August 14th, 2012
9:27 am
ty webb:
“I happened to be with two of my more conservative friends….”
really? by “more conservative”, do you mean that they only halfway wet the bed?
Game. Set. And Match to Mr Ty Webb!
Mr. Snarky
August 14th, 2012
9:27 am
I think its great that the cons are soooo excited about Congressman Ryan. Everyone deserves a little excitement every four years. They may not be so excited on the day after election day, but hate er…I mean hope springs eternal!
Joe The Plumber Too
August 14th, 2012
9:28 am
This election will be about far more than just the economy. At some point barry is going to have to answer some pointed questions about Fast and Furious, Officer Terry’s family deserves answers that holder won’t give and they deserve to know why barry has done everything in his power to block any investigation. As a business owner who interacts with many other business owners from both sides of the fence, there is an anger over barry’s ” you didn’t build that” statement that rubbed many the wrong way…..Republican and Democrat. That will not go away for many. A coalition of Black Pastors have started a movement to educate their congregations and appeal to them not to vote for barry over his flip flop on gay marriage. Anyone who thinks barry is going to float through this election unscathed is dreaming. It will be a close election and barry will go down in defeat……….
barking frog
August 14th, 2012
9:28 am
Romney gave the tea party
what they wanted and i
think what the inner circle
wanted also. Ryan will
showcase the austerity wing
and if they lose the party
will be done with that
movement. Romney was
on thin ice, Ryan will speed
the melting. Obama will be
left to implement healthcare
reform and carry the blame
for the economy. If Romney
wins the party will take it.
I'm a liberal and believe everything I read and nothing the other side comes up with...cause we're smart and they are not
August 14th, 2012
9:28 am
I guess we will hear next that he has a radical preacher, suspect citizenship papers and no college or medical records to look at…………….whoops.
SBinf
August 14th, 2012
9:29 am
“The little known fact is that vice presidents actaully don’t matter all that much.”
I dunno, Romney picked a bigger personality than himself for veep. He’s making Ryan a big part of his campaign.
Simple Truths
August 14th, 2012
9:29 am
Doggone and Granny,
You just don’t get it. Jay is a hit piece writer. All negative. Nothing positive. He represents the problem with the media.
Common Sense
August 14th, 2012
9:29 am
These are the same nonsensical comments we were going to hear no matter who the nominee was.
It’s interesting that the whole campaign by by Obama is focused on tearing down the opponents rather than showing off his accomplishments.
But then he would need to have some accomplishments.
East Cobb RINO, Inc. (LLC)
August 14th, 2012
9:29 am
Republican party is out of touch and delusional.
Brosephus™
August 14th, 2012
9:29 am
putting all the finger pointing aside, I bet Romney/Ryan would actually have a budget.
If you read the US Code, EVERY Presidential administration has to submit a budget EVERY year. The law doesn’t stipulate that there has to be a vote on the budget though. I posted a link to the law last night.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jay-bookman-blog/2012/08/13/under-ryan-plan-romney-tax-rate-would-be-1-as-in-one/?cp=28#comment-1035245
Click on the first blue passage for the actual statute that deals with budget submission.
I'm a liberal and believe everything I read and nothing the other side comes up with...cause we're smart and they are not
August 14th, 2012
9:31 am
I think the reaction from the left tells us plenty
Lord Help Us
August 14th, 2012
9:31 am
’suspect citizenship papers’
Cling to it, brother…
They BOTH suck
August 14th, 2012
9:32 am
“I’m a liberal”
What did the left’s reaction about Palin do in 08?
Brosephus™
August 14th, 2012
9:32 am
At some point barry is going to have to answer some pointed questions about Fast and Furious, Officer Terry’s family deserves answers that holder won’t give and they deserve to know why barry has done everything in his power to block any investigation.
Answering pointed questions ain’t going to get to the truth of the matter. Pointed questions do nothing but feed ideological beliefs. People who continuously use BP Agent Terry as a political pawn make me sick to my stomach, you included.
Mick
August 14th, 2012
9:33 am
Paul ryan fires up the dems, turnout as always will be the key. Repubs start getting ready for four more of obama and possibly a dem house. the ryan choice was a gift from the clueless mittster…
They BOTH suck
August 14th, 2012
9:33 am
Has the sleeping giant got up from his nap?
After the ACA ruling, the right leaning commentators spoke of some sleep giant.
Has anyone seen him?
DannyX
August 14th, 2012
9:33 am
“I think the reaction from the left tells us plenty”
Actually the posts from you tell a lot. 3 posts from you and you still haven’t said a thing.
Lord Help Us
August 14th, 2012
9:33 am
Bill Ayers! Jeremiah Wright! Fast and Furious! Socialism!
For Christ’s sake, Jay…TELEPROMPTERS!!!!
When are you going to focus on the issues?!?
I'm a liberal and believe everything I read and nothing the other side comes up with...cause we're smart and they are not
August 14th, 2012
9:35 am
they both suck…………..hold on, I’m pulling up my big boy pants…….that was a HUGE mistake…..THE difference this time around. They ain’t McCain/Palin……And your boy has a record. Yes, I think those two things matter GREATLY.
Recon 0311 2533
August 14th, 2012
9:35 am
It’s commentary such as this that tells me that Obama and the Democrats may be thrilled on the surface but underneath it they’re very concerned. They’re concerned because Ryan’s selection turns this campaign into one of the big issue that the Obama campaign wanted to avoid. There’s no cogent argument that can be made against the fact that this country isn’t rapidly heading toward financial collapse. That collapse will obviously take entitlements along with national defense and many other important things down with it. If the Romney campaign concentrates strongly on that message the Obama campaign will have to answer the challenge of what is their plan to save this country from financial collapse. Thus far Obama and his campaign strategists have been building a campaign of vote pandering, class warfare, fear mongering and generalities.
I'm a liberal and believe everything I read and nothing the other side comes up with...cause we're smart and they are not
August 14th, 2012
9:36 am
Good one Dannyx. I’m here to learn LOL
Brosephus™
August 14th, 2012
9:36 am
After the ACA ruling, the right leaning commentators spoke of some sleep giant.
Has anyone seen him?
Nah, but his wife is still sleeping….
http://magneticbusinesswoman.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/sleeping-giant.jpg
mm
August 14th, 2012
9:36 am
All it takes is a little hatred, bigotry, and/or austerity to fire up the deranged con base.
Doggone/GA
August 14th, 2012
9:37 am
“You just don’t get it. Jay is a hit piece writer. All negative. Nothing positive. He represents the problem with the media.”
And blogspot.com is STILL ready when you are sport
East Lake Ira
August 14th, 2012
9:37 am
Palin – Bimbo.
Ryan – Himbo.
Scratch the surface of either one and you find a hard right conservative (or what passes for one these days). The only real difference as Jay points out is that Ryan can read.
Joe The Plumber Too
August 14th, 2012
9:37 am
Off to more doctor appointments……everybody play nice.
They BOTH suck
August 14th, 2012
9:38 am
Bro
That was too funny
DannyX
August 14th, 2012
9:38 am
“Bill Ayers! Jeremiah Wright! Fast and Furious! Socialism!”
They are saving a couple of their heavy hitters, fist bumps and flag pins. Yikes, Obama is going down.
I'm a liberal and believe everything I read and nothing the other side comes up with...cause we're smart and they are not
August 14th, 2012
9:38 am
Poll talk was big on here late last week. BIG…..not some much so far this week. Maybe the heads will rise from sand soon.
Butch Cassidy (I)
August 14th, 2012
9:39 am
I’m a liberal…..”I think the reaction from the left tells us plenty”
Yes, that once again the GOP has decided to throw the election for reasons known only to them. The reaction from the Left is same reaction they had to Palin, Cain, Bachmann, Perry, Santorum and Gingrich who all share the glorious title of Ex-Presidental contenders.
detritusUSA
August 14th, 2012
9:39 am
My problem with Congressman Ryan is that he is a product of the very government and the programs that he wants so badly to scale back. For example, Social Security survivor benefits when his father died that he saved to help pay for college; before his election to congress, largely working in Washington for politicians.
His private sector experience limited to working for the business started by his grandfather. So it appears that the Congressman is trying to kill the government and its programs that benefited him so much, so that they aren’t available for the rest of us.
Quite frankly I fear Congressman Ryan as much as I did Governor Palin four years ago.
They BOTH suck
August 14th, 2012
9:39 am
“I’m a liberal”
What major poll has changed from last week and how has that impacted EC projections?
Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette
August 14th, 2012
9:39 am
Common Sense
“It’s interesting that the whole campaign by by Obama is focused on tearing down the opponents rather than showing off his accomplishments.”
Obama proudly talks about his record at every campaign stop and the crowds cheer.
Maybe you just have ADD.
.
.
Simple Truths
Ah, Nope.
I completely get it. Always have.
Last I did the research 6 corporations control 96% of media.
You don’t get what that means.
.
.
I’m a liberal and believe everything I read and nothing the other side comes up with…cause we’re smart and they are not
and the reaction from the GOP says the rest….
““I think it’s a very bold choice. And an exciting and interesting pick. It’s going to elevate the campaign into a debate over big ideas. It means Romney-Ryan can run on principles and provide some real direction and vision for the Republican Party. And probably lose. Maybe big,” said former President George W. Bush senior adviser Mark McKinnon.
Joe Hussein Mama
August 14th, 2012
9:40 am
Recon — “It’s commentary such as this that tells me that Obama and the Democrats may be thrilled on the surface but underneath it they’re very concerned.”
Yes, that’s what y’all ALWAYS say.
Newt — out
Pawlenty — out
Santorum — out
Cain — out
Bachmann — out
Romney & Ryan — on their way out
We’ve been a lot more accurate in our assessments of your candidates this go-round than you’ve been, and I see no reason why that won’t continue.
Butch Cassidy (I)
August 14th, 2012
9:41 am
Recon – “Obama and the Democrats may be thrilled on the surface but underneath it they’re very concerned. ”
Of course they’re concerned. Anytime a party like the GOP purposely alienates women, latinos, the elderly and independents, they have to wonder if that party isn’t batshizz crazy.
Jefferson
August 14th, 2012
9:41 am
Another GOP kleenex sponser.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 14th, 2012
9:41 am
Brosephus, you have it right. Sickening political use of a tragic event with a clear political agenda separated from fact and reality.
DannyX
August 14th, 2012
9:41 am
You want some fresh poll talk Liberal? This should get you started…
http://www.gallup.com/poll/156545/Reaction-Ryan-Pick-Among-Least-Positive-Historically.aspx
I'm a liberal and believe everything I read and nothing the other side comes up with...cause we're smart and they are not
August 14th, 2012
9:42 am
Zogby and Rasmussen to name two. Yes, EC is still in his favor for now. Hang on
Lord Help Us
August 14th, 2012
9:42 am
‘Bachmann — out’
I was (and remain) very fearful of this woman…those eyes…
Joe Hussein Mama
August 14th, 2012
9:43 am
B. Cassidy — “Yes, that once again the GOP has decided to throw the election for reasons known only to them.”
The GOP doesn’t want to have to clean up the mess that President Bush got us into. They’d rather have the other party do it while they stand off to the side and scream ZOMG YOU ARENT SCRUBBING HARD ENOUGH.
But then when it comes down to it, they don’t actually want to have to do any of the scrubbing themselves, and they keep tracking fresh mud into the house.
Brosephus™
August 14th, 2012
9:45 am
detritusUSA
He’s human and subject to the same life dynamics that we are.
Welcome to the Occupation
August 14th, 2012
9:45 am
Recon: “There’s no cogent argument that can be made against the fact that this country isn’t rapidly heading toward financial collapse”
Financial collapse? How so?
DannyX
August 14th, 2012
9:45 am
From this mornings Rasmussen:
“This is the first daily update based entirely upon interviews conducted after Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan was introduced as Mitt Romney’s running mate on Saturday. The announcement so far has had little impact on the numbers.”
Hang on to what?
Recon 0311 2533
August 14th, 2012
9:46 am
Joe,
I won’t try to spoil your dreams or your delusions. I’ll simply leave that to reality as it unfolds
USinUK - pro-gay-marriage thug and former Girl Scout
August 14th, 2012
9:46 am
“In fact, in the pairing of Bain Capital executive Mitt Romney with Ayn Rand acolyte Paul Ryan, President Obama may have been given precisely the opponents that he wanted most.”
When Ayn Rand met L. Ron Hubbard …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5YWTFW5WMw
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 14th, 2012
9:46 am
“The way to understand him [Ryan] is he is Dick Cheney, he is a guy who went to Washington as soon as he could, rooted himself in the establishment, got himself elected as soon as he could and became a major player,” said John Nichols, an associate editor at the Capital Times in Madison. “He is Dick Cheney with very good hair.”
So you may not want to go hunting with him either.
Matti
August 14th, 2012
9:48 am
Paul Ryan will make a terrific Vice President, and perhaps even President one day, if your idea of terrific is treating women like second-class citizens who do not enjoy the same rights to their own bodies and self-determination as male citizens.
In the War on Women, you’re either WITH us, or you’re AGAINST us. Choose wisely.
They BOTH suck
August 14th, 2012
9:48 am
Liberal
Haven’t seen Zogby. Rasmussen had Romney ahead 4 pts on Friday and is showing 4 pts today.
How did that change?
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
August 14th, 2012
9:49 am
Well, I been talking to some older White folks like me and they don’t like messing with Medicare one bit. They’re all for cutting guvmint benefits for shiftless bums and Those People, but they buck when their own stuff gets threatened.
Let me put it this way. No. 1 Foxy Lady ain’t wrote her post-election day post yet, but she’s unlimbering her fingers.
Have a good Tuesday everybody.
Joe Hussein Mama
August 14th, 2012
9:49 am
Recon — “I won’t try to spoil your dreams or your delusions.”
Aw, Punkin, you go riiiiight ahead and hold onto your dream of accomplishing that even *once.* (laughing)
“I’ll simply leave that to reality as it unfolds.”
http://www.electoral-vote.com
Better hurry up and get accustomed to reality yourself, then.
Brosephus™
August 14th, 2012
9:49 am
Keep
That’s about the only thing here that really stirs up feellings from me. I had the honor of meeting and talking with BP Agent Terry’s partner, who was also involved in that shootout. BPA Terry’s remains were transferred through Hartsfield on his final journey home, and I was chosen to be part of the group that got to escort him through. I really feel bad for his family because of his memory will likely be that of a political pawn for most Americans now instead of someone who gave his life trying to protect our border.
Recon 0311 2533
August 14th, 2012
9:50 am
Financial collapse? How so?…..? ?
Recon 0311 2533
August 14th, 2012
9:51 am
Sure punk in.
Butch Cassidy (I)
August 14th, 2012
9:51 am
I posted this downstairs @ 8:35a but never got an answer. I’ll ask again
“Since I don’t support either party, I’m compelled to ask. If everyone is so concerned about debt and spending, and the purse strings are controlled by Congress, how does it make sense to support a congressmen who voted yes on almost every spending bill that came through the house? Just curious.”
Mark in mid-town
August 14th, 2012
9:51 am
No matter who Romney selected for his running mate, the corrupt liberal msm was going to try and turn it into a net negative, this even though the bench of potential Republican VP candidates was substantively stronger than either party has been able to select from in decades. I think Ryan was a great choice, but I would have said the same about quite a few of the others Romney could have chosen. He really couldn’t go wrong. But again, the corrupt liberal msm was going to go into overdrive to ensure that no matter who Romney chose, he couldn’t get it right. Just the opposite spin was applied to Obama back in 2008, even though Obama selected the most gaffe-prone person to ever occupy a ticket in modern times.
East Lake Ira
August 14th, 2012
9:51 am
Ryan is not the “big thinker” the mainstream media makes him out to be. They love him and call him “bold” and swoon over his baby blues and then they gush over him leading p90x workouts for his fellow congressmen.
Ask him about specifics behind any of his “plans” and he gets defensive and petulant. He pushes back with claims that it really needs to be scored “dynamicaly” or some such nonsense when it’s very plain that to get anywhere near where he claims the benefits to the middleclass must be eliminated.
He’s a small minded arrogant Republican.
He is pretty though, I’ll give ‘em that.
JamVet
August 14th, 2012
9:52 am
At long last!
The ultra-absurd, full blown, clusterflub of a neocon circus kicks into high gear with this pick!
I can hardly wait for the Lily White Convention in Tampa!
Will the older Americans protest to keep their Medicare intact and viable?
Will women stand up the GOP’s war on them?
Will working class Americans finally demonstrate that they have the backbone to stand up to the thieves on Wall Street and elsewhere?
This bodes VERY badly for the Bushbots…
I'm a liberal and believe everything I read and nothing the other side comes up with...cause we're smart and they are not
August 14th, 2012
9:53 am
East lake…….A man who can’t get in front of fifth graders without a teleprompter is a big thinker?
ty webb
August 14th, 2012
9:53 am
“Since I don’t support either party,…”
this one again by yet another?
Joe Hussein Mama
August 14th, 2012
9:54 am
Mark — “even though Obama selected the most gaffe-prone person to ever occupy a ticket in modern times.”
You must be too young to remember Dan Quayle, then.
JamVet
August 14th, 2012
9:54 am
Ira, the last big thinker in the GOP was Joseph McCarthy…
I'm a liberal and believe everything I read and nothing the other side comes up with...cause we're smart and they are not
August 14th, 2012
9:54 am
As JamVet pee’s on himself exclaiming…
TaxPayer
August 14th, 2012
9:55 am
Oscar Mayer taught Ryan how to be the weiner that he is today.
Butch Cassidy (I)
August 14th, 2012
9:55 am
mark in midtown – “the corrupt liberal msm was going to go into overdrive to ensure that no matter who Romney chose, he couldn’t get it right.”
Soooooo…… the roundtable discussions and interviews on FOX all weekend long where GOP members were voicing their concern over the Ryan pick were corrupted by the “liberal media”?
lynnie gal
August 14th, 2012
9:55 am
In many ways, the Ryan pick was more shocking even than the Palin pick. I’m left to wonder what Romney’s strategy is–to lose? Does he not want to be president? I can only assume that maybe he’d rather throw the presidency to Obama than release his tax records. It sounds strange,but that seems to be what’s happening. There must be something so shocking in Romney’s tax records that he’d rather quit the race for the presidency than risk that information becoming public. I wonder if he’s afraid of going to federal prison for tax evasion–it’s got to be that bad to behave in this odd way.