Paul Ryan is Mitt Romney's running mate?

[chance1]

This is an important statement by JayHawk. There is an irony of truth in the gaffe Romney made. Republicans are excited about the prospect of a Ryan VP but not about Romney actually being the President of the United States (even though that's kind of the job that counts). It was incredibly embarrassing for the Republican candidate for President to call out his VP pick as "The next President of the United States!" Even more so, as JayHawk pointed out, that he went off the stage and didn't even know he had blundered until someone else told him about it and to "get the fuck back on that stage" and save face.

I know some of us disagree on politics and have different viewpoints, but to be an educated gay man, I do not see how you can possibly vote for the Romney/Ryan ticket. I mean that with absolute sincerity and concern. This would be a presidency that would be so incompetent and embarrassing. Romney is the wrong choice, and yes, I would agree with you that being stuck with one choice like Obama isn't a good thing for the country. I support Obama, but it is not good for this republic that he is the only viable and sane option in this 2012 election.

he had the same goof/gaffe as Obama - he corrected sooner? who gives a shit - it's not a big deal

your post is perplexing JB - on one hand you make the strong simple stupid case that Romney/Ryan are not with "us" - they're not - that's not debatable

then on the next u talk of "incompetence"

The current President has presided over an impotent economy - 2 years with control of all 3 branches of govt. - yes, there's been obstructionism but that's not a reason to hold him unaccountable

the economy sucks - gas is still at $4 - tax tactics are not the answer - and demagoguery is not a plan - it's a temporary "fuck the rich" that will provide a good one off orgasm but not much more

the big "hole" as i see it with R/R is the lack of experience/knowledge/interest in foreign matters - joe biden (i like him) was IMO an excellent 2nd choice for BO as he filled a void - Ryan provides the ability to communicate the economic message (like it or not) but he has no foreign policy experience

I frankly do not understand the continued love affair with a President who does a superior job (or his team does) in outmaneuvering Mittens & crew but not in his real job - and that's the one that matters

why didn't he work with the simpson bowles plan?

anyway, seeing with romney is going thru now - the attack ads - and even 1-2 days of anti ryan stuff - who the fuck would want to run

it's just not worth the aggravation

 

[LuvFindsAndyHardy]

We will find out if Ryan stands up to that level of scrutiny.

It's interesting because, outside of political junkies like those of us who post here regularly, Americans don't really have any idea who Paul Ryan is. He excites die-hard Republicans and enrages die-hard liberals but the vast majority who are neither really haven't learned anything about him yet.

Based on the first round of Sunday shows, the strategy seems to be "change the subject" when medicare comes up. On Meet the Press this morning both Reince Priebus (yuck!) and Scott Walker had to field questions from David Gregory and, in both cases, and using almost identical verbiage, they both went into talking points mode referencing Obama's "failed policies" when they were asked direct questions about Ryan and medicare.

It's funny, because I've been involved (in one way or another) with sales almost my entire adult life and we were always taught, when we had to give a pitch, that you take the pitch and find a way to make it your own so it sounds natural. Maybe it's too early in the game for the Romney surrogates, but their attempts to deflect the medicare question with Talking Points seemed mechanical and obvious. That being said, they both (at least) appeared cool, prepared, and ready for prime time. David Axelrod, on the other hand, looked like he just woke up. He was rumpled, nervous, sweaty, and his voice cracked. He may be coming down with a cold but THAT would be a good time to draft a stand-in.

 

[Benvolio]

Now you are making stuff up, GC. Ryan's Democrat district has elected him 7 times and never lower than 57% of the vote, his first time.
To early to tell how Seniors and Catholics and Floridians and the young will feel about R&R. They are gambling on being able to explain to reasonable people that the present course of the economy, Social Security and Medicare cannot be sustained and are on a collision course with disaster. We need to deal with the problem now, and the Democrats are going to be dragged kicking and screaming into the debate. No more kicking the can down the road.
Ryan's plans does not affect those 55 and older as they are grandfathered into the present system.
Catholic officials are upset about about any reduction of charity for their Hispanics, but they are also upset with Hussein's plan to force them to pay for abortion pills and contraception.
Young people are justly concerned that they are going to have to pay for the old folks only have the system bankrupt when they need it. Perhaps they will respect someone who has the guts and integrity to address the problem instead of just pretending it does not exist.
Much, much to early for Democrats to be smug.

 

[chance1]

It's interesting because, outside of political junkies like those of us who post here regularly, Americans don't really have any idea who Paul Ryan is. He excites die-hard Republicans and enrages die-hard liberals but the vast majority who are neither really haven't learned anything about him yet.

Based on the first round of Sunday shows, the strategy seems to be "change the subject" when medicare comes up. On Meet the Press this morning both Reince Priebus (yuck!) and Scott Walker had to field questions from David Gregory and, in both cases, and using almost identical verbiage, they both went into talking points mode referencing Obama's "failed policies" when they were asked direct questions about Ryan and medicare.

It's funny, because I've been involved (in one way or another) with sales almost my entire adult life and we were always taught, when we had to give a pitch, that you take the pitch and find a way to make it your own so it sounds natural. Maybe it's too early in the game for the Romney surrogates, but their attempts to deflect the medicare question with Talking Points seemed mechanical and obvious. That being said, they both (at least) appeared cool, prepared, and ready for prime time. David Axelrod, on the other hand, looked like he just woke up. He was rumpled, nervous, sweaty, and his voice cracked. He may be coming down with a cold but THAT would be a good time to draft a stand-in.

that's him LOL

he's joe isuzu - fast talker - he has his agenda and no matter the question, he's in attack mode on the opposition and support mode for his boss

I hate him but he will never give in - if u want looks/no sweat, u want plouffe

Rance Priebus is awful - makes one yearn for Michael Steele - why they don't hire Mike Murphy is a mystery

no one stands out as authentic vs. saying what they were prepped to say

frankly i think it's a weak surrogate market - debbie wasserman schultz is wooden and whiney - pawlenty is blank

 

[Sammie13]

Based on the first round of Sunday shows, the strategy seems to be "change the subject" when medicare comes up. On Meet the Press this morning both Reince Priebus (yuck!) and Scott Walker had to field questions from David Gregory and, in both cases, and using almost identical verbiage, they both went into talking points mode referencing Obama's "failed policies" when they were asked direct questions about Ryan and medicare.

So much for the hype that the selection of Ryan was going to lead to an adult conversation about Medicare. Sounds like they're already trying to change the subject...and use the ol' smoke & mirror.

Still, I think the Dems will now force the GOP's hand into making this an election about Medicare. Might not be a bad thing...it's an expensive entitlement that ultimately will impact all Americans....and we should, once and for all, make a statement about what we the citizens expect Medicare to be/not to be. My guess is that unless the GOP really crafts one helluva compelling spin on the issue, this will be a losing proposition for them.

In regards to candidate and party surrogates, I wish TV did not give them air time. I usually flip the channel. It is a waste of time to see these party spokespeople come on the air and say all the predictable things. If I already know what you're going to say, why should I stop and listen. CNN loves to do the split screen with two of these people going at each other. The only one I listen to is David Gergen who, of course, is not a surrogate.

 

[Sammie13]

I do hope that Ryan convinces Romney to fire most of his staff and start over again.

From what I hear, firing is a real strength for Romney.

 

[frankfrank]

To a liberal, everything including one's earnings belong to the state. So anything the government does not take is a gift from the government. If Republicans do not want to raise taxes, it is a gift.

Jayqueer wrote:
^ What the fuck are you even talking about.

Jayqueer was referring to a different post, but it would be even more accurate to use the same phrase for the above post.

Originally Posted by Benvolio
Again, one of the stupidest and ignorant opinions [STRIKE]you've[/STRIKE] ever posted in the history of the Internet.

CORRECTED FOR TRUTH.

 

[LuvFindsAndyHardy]

Still, I think the Dems will now force the GOP's hand into making this an election about Medicare.

I think they know that and they HAVE to know that they will eventually be FORCED to talk about it, but they may be attempting to stall as long as possible to get the maximum pre-convention bump out of the "honeymoon phase" and I can't really fault them for that. It's exactly what I would do!

Andy, the response is the same on both sides -- they know what they want to say and say it.

You get no quibble with me on that, but it was interesting to see how the Romney surrogates handled it out of the gate. Some do it better than others, but they came across as mechanical and obvious. It must be said though, that David Gregory let them get away with it and never really pushed so....success?

 

[frankfrank]

we need those oldies to die off before we'll ever be able to institute meaningful Social Security reform (ideally starting with means testing and extending the retirement age)

Hey! I resemble that remark.

(and, by the way, I do not endorse Ryan's drive to raise retirement to 70)

These are sure ways to turn both Social Security and Medicare into the true PONZI SCHEMES that they are currently NOT. OK, Loki, by your argument, it would be great to extend the retirement age to 103, right? You didn't say ELIMINATE SS, you said SS reform. Curious that you want the retirement age to be high enough that you will likely never collect anything you pay into it.

Ryan would probably like to drive the Medicare eligibility age to 103 as well.

I don't know if you have IRA's/Keoughs, or a retirement pension from work, Loki, but don't forget that the Republicans also want absolute and complete deregulation, and a free-for-all Wild West, for all financial markets and business. In a Republican world, it would be fine for the company to unilaterally decide (even if they're rollin' in the dough and growing like topsy), one day before your retirement, to fire you and completely steal your pension. MORE MONEY FOR REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN COFFERS!!!!! It would also be fine in their world - or perhaps nearly a REQUIREMENT - that they throw all of your IRA's, Keoughs, etc. into the massive casinos known as derivatives and default swap credits (and mansions, Rolls-Royces, and Lear Jets).

If that happens, enjoy your retirement, after everything you have ever saved has been stolen...and anything that could have replaced it has been entirely discontinued.

Having Medicare now, this is the FIRST TIME IN MY LIFETIME that I am actually able to get diagnostic tests (in the absence of testing required by already-diagnosed serious illness) and actually have them covered by any kind of insurance, rather than shelling out hundreds - or THOUSANDS - of dollars for them.

Yea, that's all certain log cabin types have... they are gushing over this and can keep saying "he voted in favor of a law against discrimination" as if it is some sort of victory. Well Obama has done FAR MORE then that. It's like they won't recognize all the good things Obama does, but the moment a republican does something minor they need to have a victory dance about it. Oh and they ignore all the crap that republican has done.

QUOTED FOR ABSOLUTE TRUTH!!!!!!!!

If any high-falutin' Republican ever comes out in favor of recognizing same-gender marriage, it will NOT be in this Century, but a certain Democrat (the highest-ranking one, no less) HAS done so!

Ryan's plans are disastrous for those above 55 years old

A right wing extremist who has no solutions for the system asides from cutting pell grants and public education. Let me ask, do you make stuff up all the time?

Supposedly not true - supposedly there are no cuts for people who are ALREADY "there." But I don't trust that as far as I can throw a grand piano. THINK: The Republican budgetary hubris, which would cause premature death and/or incalculable social and financial costs due to their effects on at least 250 million Americans, WILL cause an incredible national OR GLOBAL financial meltdown, possibly making Germany's meltdown of the 1920's look like a walk in the park. The Republicans would of course declare an economic emergency if they're in power. GUESS WHAT? The total theft of, and the end of, ANY form of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or anything that people need. Highways turn into bomb-crater-riddled strips with trees and stuff growing in the middle, because the commons would be destroyed. Meanwhile, the largesse would continue unabated to Halliburton, the military, and the rich paying **NOTHING** on any kind of income (even EARNED) above $150,000.

No, make that $150,000,000,000,000,000,000,000...because a stick of gum will cost three or four trillion dollars.

I wouldn't be surprised that, under absolute power, the Republicans might even consider a Logan's Run bill...where, unless your wealth is at least some amount like $10 million (in 2012 dollars), living past the age of 70 is illegal.

 

[LuvFindsAndyHardy]

I wouldn't be surprised that, under absolute power, the Republicans might even consider a Logan's Run bill...where, unless your wealth is at least some amount like $10 million (in 2012 dollars), living past the age of 70 is illegal.

Hahah...eek!!! Remember how everyone thought NETWORK was a wicked satire in 1976? As IF that could ever really happen to network news right? Lo and behold, the future is here.

I know you comment is somewhat satirical frankfrank but (gulp) what if.....?

 

[Ninja108]

Ryan wants to get rid of the same Social Security he used to help get himself through college.

 

[Benvolio]

Apparantly you did not realize your Hussein has already started gutting Medicare. R&R hope to save it.Obama Campaign Defends President's $700 Billion Cuts to Medicare | The Weekly Standard

 

[rareboy]

From your link:

"On top of the savings we’ve already achieved. You know I heard Mitt Romney deride the $700 billion cuts in Medicare that the president achieved through health care reform," said Cutter.

So making it more efficient and effective in order to reduce the costs and save the taxpayers money through healthcare reform is somehow a bad thing?

Jesus.

There's no pleasing you.

 

[Jack Springer]

Over 10,000 attend Ryan's return to Wisconsin . . .

VP candidate Ryan returns to Wisconsin to adoring crowd - m.JSOnline.com

... while Obama's biggest fund raiser in his adopted hometown of Chicago half-filled the room with [STRIKE]1,000[/STRIKE] 850 people.

Obama camp: 1,000 attended 'half-full' fundraiser - POLITICO.com

Wonder who has the interest of the people.

 

[Joshua_me]

he had the same goof/gaffe as Obama - he corrected sooner? who gives a shit - it's not a big deal

Forget the gaffe-

Does anyone else find it disingenuous at best that both men came running down the stairs of the USS Wisconsin Battleship, all smiles and flapping silk ties without a single one of them having given 10 seconds of military service to their country ?

There's your "gaffe".

Add to that the "4th of July bunting" in the background that looked like it was hung by a class of fourth graders and all that was missing was the "Mission: Impossible" banner.

Obama is NO prize on many levels, but if we live in a country short-sighted and easily manipulated enough to vote for these two phonies than we shall get what we deserve.

 

[chance1]

Forget the gaffe-

Does anyone else find it disingenuous at best that both men came running down the stairs of the USS Wisconsin Battleship, all smiles and flapping silk ties without a single one of them having given 10 seconds of military service to their country ?

There's your "gaffe".

Add to that the "4th of July bunting" in the background that looked like it was hung by a class of fourth graders and all that was missing was the "Mission: Impossible" banner.

Obama is NO prize on many levels, but if we live in a country short-sighted and easily manipulated enough to vote for these two phonies than we shall get what we deserve.

Finally, an honest man

Bring an XL condom and some lube

 

[LuvFindsAndyHardy]

Over 10,000 attend Ryan's return to Wisconsin . . .

VP candidate Ryan returns to Wisconsin to adoring crowd - m.JSOnline.com

... while Obama's biggest fund raiser in his adopted hometown of Chicago half-filled the room with [STRIKE]1,000[/STRIKE] 850 people.

Obama camp: 1,000 attended 'half-full' fundraiser - POLITICO.com

Wonder who has the interest of the people.

You're right Jack. Your post has convinced me that we should just call off the election because this PROVES that there's no need for it. Romney/Ryan are CLEARLY going to get TWELVE TIMES the votes that Obama/Biden are and these figures are definitive. Thanks!

 

[Jack Springer]

You're right Jack. Your post has convinced me that we should just call off the election because this PROVES that there's no need for it. Romney/Ryan are CLEARLY going to get TWELVE TIMES the votes that Obama/Biden are and these figures are definitive. Thanks!

I know Andy ... you're correct.

Let's just swear R/R in today and get this country moving again.

We've been stagnant for too long.

 

[portchar1908]

I heard Romney will appoint GW as his Secretary of the Treasure.

 

[chance1]

@Chance:

Apropos this whole Ryan business, I have seen that no Republican in this thread wants to face the raw figures. I can do this for you.

They want to give us $6k in vouchers for premium support, and eliminate everything else. Well, Chance, I'm 50, and I can tell you that $6k will be absolutely worthless to us, because 1) no one will insure us and 2) if we are lucky to FIND anybody to insure us, the $6k will be a drop in the bucket; only the rich would be able to afford the rest of the premiums.

Why won't anybody admit this? It's the ugly truth.

sounds like a great debate question from Obama to Romney with that hypothetical - 50 year old man .............

it does sound very low - not sure where you got those #s - the idea though is for the rates to come down since there will be more in the market

Ryan's Medicare plan would be tricky to pull off

I agree that at the $6K I would be concerned if i was you

do you agree something needs to be done? not just for you and your situation but for l/t sustainability?