Paul Ryan tackles one of GOP’s biggest post-election problems
For the second time in two elections, an older Republican presidential nominee selected a younger running mate with the intent of injecting some energy into his campaign. Then, shortly afterward, his campaign staff began working to muzzle that younger running mate.
That’s about as close as you’ll get to putting Paul Ryan and Sarah Palin in the same sentence — although, like Palin, Ryan seems intent on using his boost in national profile to grab a big role in the national debate moving forward, likely to position himself for a future run at the top of the ticket.
I give Ryan better odds at staying in that conversation all the way until the next election than Palin did after 2008 (although she certainly remained relevant through the 2010 midterms and was a central figure in the tea party’s rise to prominence). If he does, it will be because he seems to have a keen understanding of one of the GOP’s key problems moving forward from the election he helped fight. I’m talking about its reputation as a party that only cares about wealthy Americans.
Ryan reportedly wanted to broaden the GOP’s message during the presidential campaign but was shot down by Romney campaign advisers who said the party does not “test well on” issues like poverty. Well, of course: It’s hard to “test well on” an issue you spend zero time addressing. The only concession he got from the campaign was to give a single speech, about two weeks before Election Day in Cleveland, that was well-received but was too little, too late to move the needle for the campaign.
Now that those advisers aren’t holding him back any longer, Ryan seems intent on spending some time developing this theme on his own. His speech last night to the Jack Kemp Foundation — named for another one-time creative thinker and vice presidential contender for the GOP — is worth a read in its entirety. But this is the key theme:
Just last year, total federal and state spending on means-tested programs came to more than one trillion dollars. What does that mean in practical terms? For that amount of money, you could give every poor American a check for $22,000. Instead, we spent all that money trying to fight poverty through government programs.
What do we have to show for it? Today, 46 million people are living in poverty. During the last four years, the number of people on food stamps has gone up by 15 million. Medicaid is reaching a breaking point. And one out of every four students fails to earn a high-school diploma. In our major cities, half of our kids don’t graduate. Half.
When Lyndon Johnson launched the War on Poverty in 1964, he predicted we would eliminate poverty in 35 to 50 years. Here we are, 48 years later, and poverty is winning. We deserve better.
Ryan framed the issue in two ways that ought to be fertile political ground for Republicans: as the policy heir to the successful welfare reform of the 1990s, and with education as a centerpiece. Once upon a time, welfare reform was a prominent — and winning — social issue for conservatives. As I’ve argued before, education reform should be one for the right going forward (there are indications some Republicans understand this).
Importantly, Ryan does not frame the issue only as a matter of saving money. As I’ve also argued, Republicans will be more successful if they can talk about their ideas both as a matter of good fiscal stewardship and as a way to improve matters for beneficiaries of government programs. Welfare reform was undoubtedly good for both the nation’s finances and those who were moved off welfare rolls and onto payrolls. The GOP should make the case that the same is true for sensible changes to anti-poverty programs and education — as well as health-care programs, pensions, mass transit, etc.
Lest this post be viewed as a Paul Ryan love-fest, let me note that Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida (who also spoke to the Jack Kemp Foundation last night) and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal are two other likely 2016 contenders who are sounding similar notes.
The shame of the campaign Mitt Romney ran — aside from the fact he lost, of course — is that it didn’t do much to put conservative arguments and values in a better position moving forward. Perhaps Ryan can salvage some potential from the campaign on his own.
(H/t to the Future of Capitalism blog for pointing out the Ryan and Rubio speeches.)
– By Kyle Wingfield
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240 comments Add your comment
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
1:53 pm
Finn:
Papa Charlie is my name for Obama.
Using NATO phonetic alphabet to call him that versus what would get me blocked from this blog.
(As in Viet Cong was referrred to as Victor Charlie by US troops)
Mike:
Perception is in the eye of the beholder, and as I see it, Papa Charlie got re-elected due to (1) being more likable than Romney, (2) being black (by some people, not all), and (3) voters being un-informed as to who would be better for the country. That is my perception.
I’m sure you have a different perception, but then you and I are not alike.
I’m not a Democrat, never claimed to be a Repub, and I survey as an Independent.
I’m not trying to insult anyone here (except P.C.), I’m expressing my opinions, and I offer points for a conversation.
catlady
December 5th, 2012
1:54 pm
Paul Ryan. OMG
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
1:57 pm
I wonder if Paul Ryan has a full-size cardboard cutout of Ayn Rand at home?
JDW
December 5th, 2012
1:57 pm
@Kyle…”In other words, simply giving people the money would eliminate poverty by the government’s own standard, with money to spare.”
No it would not. It would bring everyone above the poverty level for a very few years until they ran out of cash. Nice soundbyte but it does not work…as for $1 trillion in means tested programs…not at the Federal level…it is $746 billion with $440 billion of that devoted to health care and food…in other words reoccurring expenses. To say that cutting a check solves those issues is disingenious at best.
http://budget.senate.gov/republican/public/index.cfm/files/serve/?File_id=0f87b42d-f182-4b3d-8ae2-fa8ac8a8edad
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
1:58 pm
Paul is not good with tv Interviews ! He not prepared in life! I think he’s slow on blindside
questions ! He needs to realize he has to think fast are else he’s going to be a sitting duck
for all who sees him so becareful Paul of every step you take cause they will put you down caused
you were human its hard to be human in the spot light!!!!!!!
Mr. Holmes
December 5th, 2012
1:59 pm
Just out of curiousity, Lt. Dan, what would “P.C.” stand for? Perhaps you can spell it phonetically?
Because, y’know, you may not be trying to insult anyone, but depending on your answer to the above, that could be pretty darn insulting. To a lot of folks.
Tom
December 5th, 2012
2:03 pm
Oh c’mon, Mr. Holmes, Lt. Dan is talking about Those People. But he’s not a racist. Nosireebob.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:05 pm
As I said, I am insulting the CinC (I try not to asscociate him with the Office of the President. I believe (again, my persecption) that he does not bring honor to his office). And my perception is based on the one time I met him.
If others are truly offended by my insulting him, well I am sorry you are offended, but I do not apologize for the offense.
Mr. Holmes
December 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
So what does P.C. stand for?
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
All Americans are offended by Obozo’s presence in our White House, Lt Dan.
Stephenson Billings
December 5th, 2012
2:11 pm
Obama In 2011: We Can Get $1.2 Trillion In Revenue Without Raising Rates
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/12/05/obama_in_2011_we_can_get_12_trillion_in_revenue_without_raising_rates.html
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:12 pm
Tom, I may be prejudiced (or bigoted?), but that does not mean I am racist.
I do not believe I am superior to anyone based upon my race (I have seen too many dumb white people and drunk Cherokees to beieve in my superiority to anyone – half & half).
If it makes you feel any better, I don’t think he liked me much either.
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:12 pm
P.C. = “Pretend Christian”
Stephenson Billings
December 5th, 2012
2:13 pm
Remember this? Looks like it’s not only us questioning its Constitutionality. And the DC circuit isn’t necessarily “conservative”:
Court casts doubt on Obama’s recess appointments
“The case involves a challenge to Mr. Obama’s recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board in early January — during a time when the Senate was holding pro forma sessions every three days, specifically for the purposes of denying him the chance to make those appointments.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/dec/5/court-questions-obama-recess-appointments
Mr. Holmes
December 5th, 2012
2:14 pm
Nooooo … I don’t think Pretend Christian would get anyone banned.
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
2:14 pm
@ Aquagirl 1:50
Thank you for the psychological redress, but unfortunately you haven’t answered the question either. Can you clarify the earlier points made without the need for vilification?
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:15 pm
Mike: did you ever see the 1984 movie “Tank”? Very silly movie with James Garner, but some memorable lines.
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:15 pm
Putzhead Communist?
Jose
December 5th, 2012
2:15 pm
Aquagirl
December 5th, 2012
1:50 pm
Please provide some empirical data to qualify your statements.
332-206 wasn’t empirical enough?
WHAT IGNORANCE
Romney lost four states by around 300,000 votes in which he would have won…………… 270-268
that was not a MANDATE NOR A LANDSLIDE
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:16 pm
In case anyone asks, I never have claimed to be a Christian either.
In my case, I personally do not care what a person’s religion is. It is none of my business.
Aquagirl
December 5th, 2012
2:17 pm
If it makes you feel any better, I don’t think he liked me much either.
Gee, I wonder why anyone would not like Lt Dan.
Stephenson Billings
December 5th, 2012
2:17 pm
This just speaks for itself:
Detroit councilwoman to Obama: We voted for you, now bail us out
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/20264712/detroit-councilwoman-to-obama-we-supported-you-now-support-us
emo
December 5th, 2012
2:18 pm
‘All Americans are offended by Obozo’s presence in our White House, Lt Dan.
Actually, no. As I recall, a majority of Americans voted to keep him there. In fact, if he were Bush, you would call him the Unitary President.
I am not at all embarrassed, as I would have been if Money Boo Boo had won the election. Which he didn’t.
Did I remember to say rmoney lost?
Kyle Wingfield
December 5th, 2012
2:18 pm
JDW @ 1:57: He clearly said, “total federal and state spending.” So you’re looking at the wrong numbers when you look only at federal figures.
Next: I don’t get your point about “reoccurring expenses.” He’s talking about annual outlays: $1T this year, $1T (or probably more) next year. Per capita, that’s $22K this year, $22K (or probably more) next year. What’s disingenuous about that?
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:21 pm
Lil’ Barry – you are half way there.
Maybe I have a thicker skin to insults (or underestimate there affect on other people). I was called much, much worse by my Drill Sergeant many years ago.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:22 pm
emo,
And ignorance won?
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
2:24 pm
What makes you judged on people if their a Christian or not?
We are all of the flesh you better read your Bible good he who judged will be judged on Judgment day!!
Remember we have to except a sorry are we want get grace
Politico
December 5th, 2012
2:26 pm
Kyle
Can’t we play the if this had only happened for Ds or Rs alike?
If the ifs played out for whatever cherry picked data the left wants to use, maybe Romney takes a beat down more than he actually received.
Will be interesting to see how Repubs adapt messaging according to the overall demographic trends we are experiencing.
Status quo will get you more of the same on the national level, but it will still play in certain states and districts for several more years.
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
2:28 pm
Sent you don’t claim to be a Christian what do you claim to be ?????
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
2:29 pm
@Stephenson Billings 2:17
She even used the phrase ‘Quid pro quo’..I will give her points for honesty, at least.
Detroit is a model for what happens with top-heavy government, with a workforce of 11,000+, and a population of approx. 700,000, 25% of whom don’t work, takes hold. It’s unsustainable.
http://www.freep.com/article/20120408/BUSINESS06/204080539/Detroit-s-work-force-lacking-job-skills-it-s-called-a-huge-problem-
emo
December 5th, 2012
2:30 pm
‘Romney lost four states by around 300,000 votes in which he would have won…………… 270-268′
And Democrats received a million more votes for the House than republicans. But due to gerrymandering, it made no difference. But I’m sure you’re still proud of any kind of win. Where gerrymandering doesn’t work, statewide and nationally, Democrats won.
And no, Lt Dan, intelligence won. If you don’t believe that, look at the map and see where the red states are primarily. Hint: it ain’t the smart ones.
Aquagirl
December 5th, 2012
2:33 pm
Thank you for the psychological redress, but unfortunately you haven’t answered the question either. Can you clarify the earlier points made without the need for vilification?
As I pointed out earlier, you may feel entitled to demand endless answers to whatever questions you pose. That doesn’t mean you’re entitled to them, that you are right, or that you are pertinent in any way.
I’ve repeatedly asked how much of Mitt’s 47% are really moochers, what defines a “moocher” and just how much this terrifying demographic costs taxpayers. Nobody from Mitt Romney to the complainants on this blog can provide any concrete, empirical answer. So your feeling entitled to empirical data is based on the idea that others must provide answers to your satisfaction, while you don’t have to justify anything beyond “that’s my fee-fees.”
If you’re happy knowing I was once a concrete Republican before I tired of demands and attitudes like yours, spike the ball all you want in your shrinking GOP tent. The only place you’re winning is in your self-constructed world. Fer chrissakes even Paul Ryan has an inkling that’s not much of a win.
Elections Have Consequences
December 5th, 2012
2:35 pm
I’ll take that as a ‘No’. Thank you.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:37 pm
emo,
1) I never said All Americans are not insulted by P.C., just me. That is my issue and I have to deal with it (Although I certainly lose no sleep over it).
2) As to if intelligence or ignorance one, I would still have to go with ignorance as in the average American is very uninformed on our poltical system, history, and current events (and I am not talking about reality TV. As little as I thought of Romney, to me, he was clearly the better choice of the two candidates. And 2 to 3 percent of the American voters (who actually voted) gave the election to P.C.
Let’s just say we disagree. No harm, no foul. We just disagree.
ITS ALL BUSH S FAULT
December 5th, 2012
2:38 pm
Get the popcorn ready , the Cons are are gonna get thier asses kicked by the President…AGAIN.
Lt Dan
December 5th, 2012
2:39 pm
I think what is truly disturbing is the number of American voters who do not ever vote.
If they think it is because their vote does not count (or they are too busy?), that is a shame.
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:39 pm
Do the progs really think winning an election is the same as being right? They sound an awful lot like the folks who voted for whoever won the most recent American Idol.
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
2:40 pm
Lt. Dan have you ever though of running for congress ???
JIMBOB
December 5th, 2012
2:41 pm
Never mind. I thought this blog was going to be about Matt.
JDW
December 5th, 2012
2:47 pm
@Kyle…”He clearly said, “total federal and state spending.” So you’re looking at the wrong numbers when you look only at federal figures.”
Because it is not apple to apples…benefits in NY are a lot different than they are in GA.
“Next: I don’t get your point about “reoccurring expenses.” He’s talking about annual outlays: $1T this year, $1T (or probably more) next year. Per capita, that’s $22K this year, $22K (or probably more) next year. What’s disingenuous about that?”
My impression from his comments was that he was intimating that one the initial check was cut then the problem was solved.
Further more the $22,000 number is really incorrect. You get that number by dividing $1 trillion by 46.2 million living in poverty.
Far and away the biggest driver of these costs is Medicare and many states are far more progressive than Georgia and cover poor that are above the poverty level. There are more than 62 million people covered by that program alone.
The proper divisor would be the number of people that receive assistance from means tested programs which according to the link is 35% of the population or about 108 million people. That would mean the average assistance received was around $6900 in federal assistance per year.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2012/09/romney_says_47_percent_of_americans_receive_direct_government_assistance_is_that_true_.html
Politico
December 5th, 2012
2:47 pm
And losing is the same as being right?
Thought so
Thomas Heyward Jr
December 5th, 2012
2:47 pm
The GOP routinely invokes conservative principles, but viscerally hates anyone who actually stands by them.
All Beltway GOP big government moochers do is lie.
Ignore Ryan’s rhetoric……………..acknowledge his record.
He is……………………………… a fraud.
.
Let the GOP die and let the REAL fight begin.
Frightened little Crooked control-freak Obama/Romney-bots against those who value freedom.
.
Forward Freedom and Seccession!
DawgDad
December 5th, 2012
2:49 pm
How does Obama get all this credit for being “likeable”? I mean, he’s flippant, insulting, demeaning, dismissive, dis-respectful, and outright hostile in tone and message. Oh, it’s the handouts.
WOW
December 5th, 2012
2:49 pm
Three Kentucky counties — Owsley, McCreary and Wolfe — are the only places that rely on government programs such as Social Security, food stamps and Medicaid for more than half of income.
The results of the 2012 presidential elections by county, per AP:
Owsley: Mitt Romney 83%; Barack Obama 17.9%
McCreary: Mitt Romney 80.0%; Barack Obama 18.7%
Wolfe: Mitt Romney 60.3%; Barack Obama 38.1%
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:49 pm
Politico: And losing is the same as being right?
——–
I’m not aware of anyone having made that claim.
Hopeful
December 5th, 2012
2:50 pm
How do you know who’s good are bad ? How do you know he’s not mopping up other Pres. mistakes what Crystal ball do you have?? Are you John the Disciple
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:51 pm
Nailed it, DawgDad.
Obozo has a big ol’ slop bucket, and he isn’t afraid to use it.
emo
December 5th, 2012
2:52 pm
I didn’t say you said all Americans were offended by Obama, Lt Dan; I was replying to some fool who said that TO you:
“Lil’ Barry Bailout – OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
All Americans are offended by Obozo’s presence in our White House, Lt Dan.”
As for voting on intelligence, I do have a college degree, and I still couldn’t make heads or tails of what Rmoney proposed; it was so vague, and changed so frequently, I didn’t know what he would do if elected. And I was deeply embarrassed that a major American political party nominated someone whose sole and total focus was money (hence the nickname). Even in foreign policy, he seemed to say the Middle East would cease to be a problem when they all became entrepreneurs.
now that he’s headed back to business, I’m sure he’ll join the Billionaire Boys Club as soon as he can so he’ll be even with his peers.
Politico
December 5th, 2012
2:52 pm
And someone asked about the claim you made or are you getting delusion al from all that whine you have indulged in since the election?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
December 5th, 2012
3:00 pm
I think what is truly disturbing is the number of American voters who do not ever vote.
What percentage of Americans should have their lives revolve around the political sphere? Lots of folks could really give a rats patooey about it. Some of those people realize the Cons and the Dems aren’t very far off in their ideas and thinking. To call them stupid is…well…stupid.