Why I like the Ryan pick
I was out of the house all morning and didn’t have a chance until now to blog about Mitt Romney’s pick of Paul Ryan as a running mate. But now I have time, and I must say: Ryan is an excellent pick.
I have made a few mentions during the past couple of months about my enthusiasm for putting Bobby Jindal on the ticket, and I still think he would have made a good choice. But he and Ryan, who for a long time didn’t appear to be on Romney’s short list, are like a No. 1 and No. 1a for me.
Some people will say Ryan is a risky pick because he has laid out the most detailed plan of just about any elected official — from either of the two major parties — about how to put Washington’s fiscal house in order. That means he brings a lot of targets with him onto the ticket, about Medicare in particular. To those people I say: You are crazy if you think the Obama campaign wasn’t going to make Romney answer for Ryan’s plan anyway.
For one thing, Romney already had endorsed the biggest aspects of the Ryan road map. For another, it’s already abundantly clear that the Obama campaign, which has already suggested Romney is a felon and tried to pin a woman’s death on him, considers nothing off-limits in this race. Romney could have disavowed Ryan’s plan altogether, and there still would have been a TV ad at some point showing Romney helping Ryan push Granny off a cliff.
So, I don’t think the risk is as great as you might be led to believe. But the potential reward is all there.
Paul Ryan has been the face of the GOP on these issues for more than two years now, and he has proven unafraid of taking arguments about taxes, spending, deficits, debt and entitlements straight to President Obama. He will boost tea-party enthusiasm about the GOP ticket, and he might be just the edge Romney needs to win in key Midwestern swing states: not just his home state of Wisconsin, but also Ohio, Michigan and perhaps Minnesota and even Pennsylvania. Giving him a national platform to talk about these issues and his plans to address them, and putting the Romney stamp of approval on those plans, means Obama won’t have to answer only about his mediocre record in office. He’ll also, finally, have to tell us exactly how he would tackle these problems.
Sorry, Mr. President, but the Buffett Rule won’t be enough.
It’s incredible, really, that the man who has presided over three straight trillion-dollar budget deficits, and whose proposed budgets make no attempt to rein them in, has been allowed to skate by as easily as he has on this topic. Even Obama’s own party, which still controls the Senate, makes no attempt to work with his budget proposals, much less approve them. He is very vulnerable on this issue.
Mitt Romney is not going to win a popularity contest, and he’s not going to win a small-issues election. Michael Dukakis tried to win on “competence” and couldn’t even beat George “The Vision Thing” Bush. Even the stagnant economy is not enough to put Romney in the White House — although he must still keep hammering at that issue. Incumbent presidents lose when the public thinks the challenger has a better idea of where to take us, and how to get there. Putting Ryan on the ticket means Romney intends to fight a big-issues election, and that he has the running mate to help him lay out that vision.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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468 comments Add your comment
mike
August 11th, 2012
9:03 pm
Barry, what makes you think Medicare is going bankrupt?
Hillbilly D
August 11th, 2012
9:03 pm
One of the big problems with Medicare is the ever increasing cost of medical care. Nobody has yet to address how to control the cost, that I can see. In my opinion, those rising costs are the real economic danger, long term.
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
August 11th, 2012
9:08 pm
And your answer to the question about blah blah
——————————————–
Should the answer acknowledge reality and be fact-based? Or should we just go with libtard dogma?
Just saying..
August 11th, 2012
9:08 pm
JamVet-
I see we come from the same side of the water on all these Limbaugh/Gingrich/Cheney/Romney neocon chicken hawks. Personally, I enjoy listening to James McMurtry’s song about Stateside George: Cheney’s Toy.
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
August 11th, 2012
9:09 pm
what makes you think Medicare is going bankrupt?
————
The trustees report. What makes you think it isn’t? The word of your Idiot Messiah?
Just saying..
August 11th, 2012
9:10 pm
Lil’ Barry Bailout – Vote American
No one expected you to know the answer…
Rodert Rudis
August 11th, 2012
9:12 pm
This following comment is for Dusty, who for some strange reason believes that I am cute and that I am being paid by the “Dems” for my earlier post regarding Paul Ryan and his position on Medicare. (BTW, I’d love to get paid for posting, unfortunately, not in my wildest dreams!)
From Wikipedia:
“In 2008, Ryan voted for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the Wall Street bailout that precipitated the Tea Party movement, and the bailout of GM and Chrysler.[44]”
“On May 21, 2008, Ryan introduced H.R. 6110, Roadmap for America’s Future Act of 2008,[49] commonly referred to as The Ryan Budget…..This proposed legislation outlined changes to entitlement spending, notably major alterations in Medicare.[50] The Roadmap found only eight sponsors and did not move past committee.[51][52]”
“On April 1, 2009, Ryan introduced his alternative to the 2010 United States federal budget….It would [also] have phased out Medicare’s traditional fee-for-service model, instead offering fixed sums in the form of a vouchers for Medicare beneficiaries to buy private insurance with, starting in 2021.[54] The plan attracted criticism since the voucher payments would not be set to increase as medical costs increase, leaving beneficiaries partially uninsured.[54]… Ryan’s proposed budget was heavily criticized by opponents for the lack of concrete numbers.[56] It was ultimately rejected in the House by a vote of 293-137, with 38 Republicans in opposition.[57]”
“In late January 2010, Ryan released a new version of his “roadmap”.[58] The modified plan would: give across-the-board tax cuts by reducing income tax rates; eliminate income taxes on capital gains, dividends, and interest; and abolish the corporate income tax, estate tax, and alternative minimum tax. The plan would privatize a portion of Social Security,[59][60] eliminate the tax exclusion for employer-sponsored health insurance,[60] and privatize Medicare.[59][60]”
“On April 15, 2011, the House passed the Ryan Plan for 2012 by a vote of 235-193. Four Republicans joined all House Democrats in voting against it.[61] A month later, the bill died in the Senate by a vote of 57-40, with five Republicans and most Democrats in opposition.[62]”
Dusty, these Wiki notes are for Ryan’s first budget plan, the Road Map. As legislation, it was rejected, and not only because of Democratic nay votes, but because of Republican nay votes as well. But that’s not all. This was Ryan’s first budget plan; his second plan has received even more criticism, and again not merely from the Democrats. But don’t belive me, read the entry for yourself:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Ryan#Ryan.27s_second_budget_plan
getalife
August 11th, 2012
9:17 pm
Stealing @@’s name was a good bust.
Lets see these numbers showing Medicare going bust.
Be sure to add the fines for the crack down on fraud and subtract the 9 million job revenue that was lost from the collapse.
Prove it.
Liberal Pariah
August 11th, 2012
9:17 pm
Ryan has a plan which is a place to start…where is Obama’s??? Crickets chirping
JamVet
August 11th, 2012
9:18 pm
Just saying..
Nearly 50,000 wounded American GI’s – many of them maimed horrifically – because these cowards voted for the Boy Emperor twice.
While they stuffed their fat faces with Twinkies and put stupid yellow stickers on their Arab-friendly gas guzzling pigs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKUE0RTuw24
getalife
August 11th, 2012
9:18 pm
While you are at it, prove he paid taxes like he said.
Caveat emptor (Translation - "Don't Fall For The Old Okey Doke")
August 11th, 2012
9:19 pm
@Lil’ Barry Bailout – Vote American
August 11th, 2012
8:56 pm
Caveat, somehow my family got along quite well even when the federal government was “only” spending $1.5 trillion a year, or $2 trillion a year, or $3 trillion a year. President Romney and Vice President Ryan could cut the budget by two thirds and my family wouldn’t notice.
We work for a living. Just like all Real Americans, and quite a few Democrats.
________________________________________________
All I hear are your gums flapping.
How do we know that your family work for a living?
PROVE IT.
For all we know your family could be on WELFARE.
Liberal Pariah
August 11th, 2012
9:21 pm
There is more likelihood Romney will release tax records than Obama will his college transcripts…just sayin’
getalife
August 11th, 2012
9:21 pm
Liberal,
willie distanced himself from the Ryan plan and has his own plan.
You can find the President’s plan on his web site.
Goggle it lazy.
Liberal Pariah
August 11th, 2012
9:22 pm
Believe me, if Romney hadn’t paid taxes, the boys from Chicago would have told Der Fuhrer.
Just saying..
August 11th, 2012
9:22 pm
Rodert Rudis
August 11th, 2012-9:12 pm:This following comment is for Dusty…
Personal belief is that’s too many facts for Dusty to handle…
getalife
August 11th, 2012
9:22 pm
Lib,
Oh, you are birther,
Never mind.
Caveat emptor (Translation - "Don't Fall For The Old Okey Doke")
August 11th, 2012
9:23 pm
@Liberal Pariah
August 11th, 2012
9:17 pm
Ryan has a plan which is a place to start…where is Obama’s??? Crickets chirping
___________________________________________
I REPEAT
The Ryan Budget will AFFECT ALL RACES.
EVEN YOURS.
HIS BUDGET IS COLOR BLIND.
There is NO CLAUSE in his budget that reads “CUTS ARE
FOR OTHERS ONLY”.
mike
August 11th, 2012
9:23 pm
Lil’ Barry Bailout – Vote American
August 11th, 2012
9:09 pm
what makes you think Medicare is going bankrupt?
————
The trustees report. What makes you think it isn’t? The word of your Idiot Messiah?
***************************************************************
I’d really like to see that. Can you post it?
Liberal Pariah
August 11th, 2012
9:23 pm
I have read it. It’s so good that even his own party won’t approve it or claim it. By the way, it’s working swell isn’t it?
getalife
August 11th, 2012
9:24 pm
“the boys from Chicago would have told Der Fuhrer”
They told his pit bull Reid..
Liberal Pariah
August 11th, 2012
9:24 pm
Yeah, I don’t believe you were born stupid, you just evolved into a Liberal.
JamVet
August 11th, 2012
9:24 pm
There is more likelihood Romney will release tax records…
Nope.
He is one twelfth the man his dad was.
Besides the Trump-led dolts and quasi-fascists already got beeotch slapped royally regarding some other “papers”.
Do they never learn?
Just saying..
August 11th, 2012
9:25 pm
“…and put stupid yellow stickers…”
I agree, the yellow ribbons are a particular favorite of mine…
Liberal Pariah
August 11th, 2012
9:25 pm
Gotta go, I have sunk to the level of those who are ruining the country.
Going to getalife…
getalife
August 11th, 2012
9:27 pm
I think trump should demand to see his papers and sheriff joe should investigate.
Old Goober
August 11th, 2012
9:28 pm
One of the big problems with Medicare is the ever increasing cost of medical care. Nobody has yet to address how to control the cost, that I can see. In my opinion, those rising costs are the real economic danger, long term.
Those costs will continue to rise so long as we have a profit-oriented medical care system. Unlike many other countries, we have physicians who, having been educated at public expense in many cases, believe they’re entitled to a quarter million dollars per year in compensation. And we have a medieval guild system run by states to ensure that only a limited number of new physicians may enter the system. Just try to get into a medical school without a recommendation from a practicing physician. There’s your main expense. The others, emanating from makers of million-dollar machines and the profit-oriented labs that operate them, are a relatively minor part of the costs.
You’re not going to get a reduction in the costs voluntarily. The foolish Medicare system of limiting reimbursement to providers merely drives more providers away from accepting Medicare. In a cartel, which the current medical community certainly is, there is no such thing as demand driving supply.
Caveat emptor (Translation - "Don't Fall For The Old Okey Doke")
August 11th, 2012
9:28 pm
@Liberal Pariah
August 11th, 2012
9:21 pm
There is more likelihood Romney will release tax records than Obama will his college transcripts…just sayin’
___________________________________
Stop beating that DEAD HORSE.
ITS DEAD.
Obama is PRESIDENT HE DOES NOT HAVE SHOW YOU
SQUAT.
Myth Robme wants to be PRESIDENT.
He needs to show us the TAX RETURNS.
How much did you pay in taxes?
MORE THAN MYTH ROBME I BET.
@@
August 11th, 2012
9:28 pm
Just saying:
Well, since his father didn’t live to collect on the government’s promissory note, it’s only right that his survivor should.
Would you rather it had gone to you?
He’s not looking to eliminate SS. He’s looking for a way to shore it up for those truly in need of the benefits. He does a pretty good job of explaining his reasoning here Applying Our Enduring Truths to Our Defining Challenge
Our budget ends welfare for those who don’t need it, but strengthens welfare programs for those who do. Government safety-net programs have been stretched to the breaking point in recent years, failing the very citizens who need help the most.
Instead of letting critical health and retirement programs go bankrupt, our budget saves and strengthens them so they can fulfill their missions in the 21st century.
And yes…I know the CC has issues with his budget. Theirs is an emotional reaction lacking logic and/or reason.
getalife
August 11th, 2012
9:29 pm
And where is oily taking it to the sc?
getalife
August 11th, 2012
9:31 pm
Sorry @@,
Ending SS and Medicare are facts that he will have to explain to the American people.
Good luck with that with no trust in government.
mike
August 11th, 2012
9:31 pm
we have physicians who, having been educated at public expense in many cases, believe they’re entitled to a quarter million dollars per year in compensation.
Where have you been? Try $500,000 – $750,000 a year.
Dusty
August 11th, 2012
9:33 pm
Well, looks like the liberals here are really upset. I mean it is almost time for the water hoses to calm these guys. LIke Caveat Emptor who is sure Ryan’s budget will affect all races.
Well, I hope so. I think Ryan’s very much all American.
Then Caveat is worried about us getting sick. Well, most folks are already sick of ObamaCare so let’s start by dumping that contentious clunker.
The thought of sensible finances in government scares poor Caveat out of his cravat. He has to write with capital letter to stop his shaky hand.
Ryan is already a great influence. Makes people think, ’specially those who stopped thinking for themselves. and give up to dependency.
Most of us have no desire to be another Greece or Spain or Ireland. Americans will never give up their independence and Ryan seems to understand that. That’s why he makes me and many others very happy.
Caveat emptor (Translation - "Don't Fall For The Old Okey Doke")
August 11th, 2012
9:40 pm
@Dusty
August 11th, 2012
9:33 pm
Well, looks like the liberals here are really upset. I mean it is almost time for the water hoses to calm these guys. LIke Caveat Emptor who is sure Ryan’s budget will affect all races.
Well, I hope so. I think Ryan’s very much all American.
Then Caveat is worried about us getting sick. Well, most folks are already sick of ObamaCare so let’s start by dumping that contentious clunker.
The thought of sensible finances in government scares poor Caveat out of his cravat. He has to write with capital letter to stop his shaky hand.
Ryan is already a great influence. Makes people think, ’specially those who stopped thinking for themselves. and give up to dependency.
Most of us have no desire to be another Greece or Spain or Ireland. Americans will never give up their independence and Ryan seems to understand that. That’s why he makes me and many others very happy
____________________________________
UPSET?
Robme and Ryan The Boy Wonder is THE GIFT
for the Democrats.
Have you ever been to Greece, Spain or Ireland?
I have. Had a wonderful time there too.
Give up independence?
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?
When you don’t have anything reasonably intelligent to say
you say anything.
@@
August 11th, 2012
9:43 pm
Getalife:
Ending SS and Medicare are facts
No. The FACT is he wants to reform SS as we know it.
Change is not only good, it’s essential when it comes to SS.
@@
August 11th, 2012
9:46 pm
Ragnar and I are on the same wavelength.
…in eight years the Ryan-Rubio ticket will be worth consideration.
It was my immediate thought following Romney’s announcement.
Another R&R administration.
Just saying..
August 11th, 2012
9:48 pm
@@–August 11th, 2012-9:28 pm: “Well, since his father didn’t live to collect on the government’s promissory note, it’s only right that his survivor should.”
Amazing. You guys continue to:
-Acknowledge that Ryan personally did nothing to earn the government benefit he so wisely used to better himself
-Then rationalize/apologize that it was only fair, the right thing to do, etc for him to receive the benefit someone else actually earned.
If you take that outcome you see as correct, you’ve put yourself and Ryan in the position that the horrid Democrats say is the proper position for an American government, toward its citizens: Help those who need help.
Try this: Every time you’re ready to criticize a needy child who’s receiving a government benefit that they personally did nothing to earn, substitute the name of Paul Ryan for the child, see if that seems to you “the right thing to do” for an American government that is genuinely exceptional.
@@
August 11th, 2012
9:52 pm
Enter your comments here
Caveat emptor (Translation - "Don't Fall For The Old Okey Doke")
August 11th, 2012
9:53 pm
@—-@@
August 11th, 2012
9:43 pm
Getalife:
Ending SS and Medicare are facts
No. The FACT is he wants to reform SS as we know it.
Change is not only good, it’s essential when it comes to SS.
_________________________________________________________
FACT: I am retired, collecting a pension and social security.
I am debt free and I live well.
God help those of you who have not started collecting your
social security.
HOPE YOU CAN if mYTH Robme and The Boy Wonder Ryan gets in office.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
August 11th, 2012
9:54 pm
Even if Ryan was going to end SS and Medicare, and he isn’t, it’s better then what obozo has planned – ending America.
mike
August 11th, 2012
9:57 pm
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin…
August 11th, 2012
9:54 pm
Even if Ryan was going to end SS and Medicare, and he isn’t, it’s better then what obozo has planned – ending America.
***************************************************************
Hey, I thought you were going to post that Trustees report that says Social Security and Medicare are going bankrupt.
Caveat emptor (Translation - "Don't Fall For The Old Okey Doke")
August 11th, 2012
10:01 pm
@ Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin…
August 11th, 2012
9:54 pm
Even if Ryan was going to end SS and Medicare, and he isn’t, it’s better then what obozo has planned – ending America.
______________________________________________________________
Even if Ryan was going to end SS and Medicare…….
it’s better then what obozo has planned – ending America.
Myth Robme and The Boy Wonder Ryan don’t give a
hoot about you, your mama, your children, etc.
They are LOOKING OUT FOR THEIR KIND….
Millionaires and billionaires.
WHICH ARE YOU?
@@
August 11th, 2012
10:01 pm
Just saying:
I’m all for helping the children. It’s the adults that could be working and don’t that are the problem. Think about it…they’re the ones stealing from the poor.
I know a guy who lost his leg in an accident. He’s perfectly capable of getting a job but chooses not to. Too many like him are out there?
Bottom line? Social Security was never intended to be the full retirement package for individuals. It was intended to supplement.
Looking back, it was a huge mistake.
I’m out.
Just saying..
August 11th, 2012
10:01 pm
FACT: I am retired, collecting a pension and social security.
I am debt free and I live well.
God help those of you who have not started collecting your
social security.
HOPE YOU CAN if mYTH Robme and The Boy Wonder Ryan gets in office.
Right there with you. And grateful.
And I think it’s really important that these youngsters behind us aren’t jobbed out of the promises made by our government, so as to preserve someone’s 3rd boat, 4th house, pretty pony, or car elevator…
Caveat emptor (Translation - "Don't Fall For The Old Okey Doke")
August 11th, 2012
10:06 pm
@ Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin…
August 11th, 2012
9:54 pm
________________________________________________
DON’T FORGET
Myth Robme don’t like store bought cookies and he made fun
of your cheesy grits.
Do you think he gives a hoot about YOU?
I don’t think so.
Myth Robme got his nose so far up in the air that he
can’t see the ground let along see you.
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
August 11th, 2012
10:08 pm
Trustees: Medicare Will Go Broke in 2016, If You Exclude Obamacare’s Double-Counting
The Trustees of the Medicare program have released their annual report on the solvency of the program. They calculate that the program is “expected to remain solvent until 2024, the same as last year’s estimate.” But what that headline obfuscates is that Obamacare’s tax increases and spending cuts are counted towards the program’s alleged “deficit-neutrality,” Medicare is to go bankrupt in 2016. And if you listen to Medicare’s own actuary, Richard Foster, the program’s bankruptcy could come even sooner than that.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/aroy/2012/04/23/trustees-medicare-will-go-broke-in-2016-if-you-exclude-obamacares-double-counting/
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
August 11th, 2012
10:09 pm
And the trustees report that the libtards have been whining about is here:
http://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/ReportsTrustFunds/index.html?redirect=/reportstrustfunds/
Bite it, know-nothing libtards.
@@
August 11th, 2012
10:10 pm
One last comment.
If Caveat and Just saying are living well off their pension, they shouldn’t need SS.
Paul Ryan doesn’t think millionaires and billionaires need it either.
Now I’m out.
Laprencilla
August 11th, 2012
10:12 pm
Agree Kyle, Ryan was a superb VP pick. It will seal the GOP win in November.
The current White House occupant could never have won on his own merits – there were none. The voters were simply ready to hand the Presidency to any Democrat in the aftermath of the malodorous Bush administration. This time around the the focus will be on the record of the incumbent, which to be kind has been less than impressive.
Caveat emptor (Translation - "Don't Fall For The Old Okey Doke")
August 11th, 2012
10:14 pm
@Just saying..
August 11th, 2012
10:01 pm
And I think it’s really important that these youngsters behind us aren’t robbed out of the promises made by our government, so as to preserve someone’s 3rd boat, 4th house, pretty pony, or car elevator…
___________________________________________________________
God give them the courage to do what is right in November.
God help them to put their prejudices aside and look at the bigger
picture……..their family, their mother and their children.
Obama for the middle class in 2012.