Actually I would say that Mitt Romney also represents the past – the Rockefeller/Nixon/Bush accommodationist establishment wing . Ryan gives us a chance to truly being a national (not just a regional) party that ideologically is not the mush that the previous Republican nominees since Ronald Reagan have stood for.
by Charles Krauthammer
Vice presidential picks are always judged by their effect on the coming election. They rarely have any.
This time could be different. The Democrats’ Mediscare barrage is already in full swing. Paul Ryan, it seems, is determined to dispossess Grandma, then toss her over a cliff. If the charge is not successfully countered, goodbye Florida.
Republicans have a twofold answer. First, hammer home that their plan affects no one over 55, let alone 65. Second, go on offense. Point out that President Barack Obama cuts Medicare by $700 billion to finance Obamacare.
It’s a sweet judo throw: Want to bring up Medicare, supposedly our weakness? Fine. But now you’ve got to debate Obamacare, your weakness – and explain why you are robbing Granny’s health care to pay for your pet project.
If Romney/Ryan can successfully counterattack Mediscare, the Ryan effect becomes a major plus. Because:
• Ryan nationalizes the election and makes it ideological, reprising the 2010 dynamic that delivered a shellacking to the Democrats.
• If the conversation is about big issues, Obama cannot hide from his dismal economic record and complete failure of vision. In Obama’s own on-camera commercial – “the choice … couldn’t be bigger” – what’s his big idea? A 4.6-point increase in the marginal tax rate of 2 percent of the population.
That’s it? That’s his program? For a country with stagnant growth, ruinous debt and structural problems crying out for major entitlement and tax reform? Obama’s “plan” would cut the deficit from $1.20 trillion to $1.12 trillion. It’s a joke.
[.......]
While Ryan’s effect on 2012 is as yet undetermined – it depends on the success or failure of Mediscare – there is less doubt about the meaning of Ryan’s selection for beyond 2012. He could well become the face of Republicanism for a generation.
There’s a history here. By choosing George H.W. Bush in 1980, Ronald Reagan gave birth to a father-son dynasty that dominated the presidential scene for three decades. The Bush name was on six of seven consecutive national tickets.
When Dwight Eisenhower picked Richard Nixon in 1952, he turned a relatively obscure senator into a dominant national figure for a quarter-century, appearing on the presidential ticket in five of six consecutive elections.
Even losing VP candidates can ascend to party leader and presumptive presidential nominee. Ed Muskie so emerged in 1968, until he melted down in New Hampshire in 1972. Walter Mondale so emerged in 1980 and won the presidential nomination four years later. (The general election was another story.)
Winning is even better. Forty percent of 20th-century presidents were former VPs: Theodore Roosevelt, Coolidge, Truman, Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Bush (41).
Before Aug. 11, Ryan already was the party’s intellectual leader and de facto parliamentary leader – youngest-ever House Budget Committee chairman whose fiscal blueprint has driven congressional debate for two years. Now, however, he is second only to Romney as the party’s undisputed political leader.
[.......]
Ryan’s importance is enhanced by his identity as a movement conservative. Reagan was the first movement leader in modern times to achieve the presidency. Like him, Ryan represents a new kind of conservatism for his time.
Reagan rejected the moderate accommodationism represented by Gerald Ford, the sitting president Reagan nearly overthrew in 1976. Ryan represents a new constitutional conservatism of limited government and individual opportunity that carried Republicans to victory in 2010, not just as a rejection of Obama’s big-government hyper-liberalism but also as a significant departure from the philosophically undisciplined, idiosyncratically free-spending “compassionate conservatism” of Obama’s Republican predecessor.
[........]
If Ryan does it well, win or lose in 2012, he becomes a dominant national force. Mild and moderate Mitt Romney will have shaped the conservative future for years to come.
The cunning of history. Or if you prefer, sheer capriciousness.
Tags: Charles Krauthammer
I think Romney has turned his back on the Rockefeller Wing and has joined the Economic Conservative wing.
This is too funny!
Executives Say Obama Better for World Economy: Poll
One would think that Obama and Biden would be dreading the debates. But that is not how these egomaniacs think at all. Their hubris assumes that the liberal, Obama worshiping ‘moderators’ will be sympatico and explain their elevated positions to the riffraff.
Dr. K makes an excellent set of points there…
The most openly racist ad ever.
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2012/08/the_gold_standard_of_racism.html
We are seeing the birth of the Gen X version of the GOP. No more culture wars, just business and economic solutions.
Rodan wrote:
I sure as hell hope so.
Rodan wrote:
Yeah if you want America to share in the world’s misery.
Rodan wrote:
This is not your father’s GOP. Welcome to the world of the Republican Party Animals.
@ Speranza:
Yes, that’s what is at work!
@ Speranza:
When I was at a GOP meetup this past Tuesday it was at the bar I am a regular at. The waitress recognized me and was shocked I am a Republican! I was like, Republicans like to have fun too.
Gen X Conservatives aren’t scolds or believe in culture wars. We just want to make money.
@ Rodan:
I am not interested in hanging around a bunch of squares and scolds looking to recreate the Ozzie and Harriet world. Party hearty Dudes! -- there are some really good looking Republican/conservative chicks out there.
Biden acts as if he needs to be medicated.
@ Speranza:
Notice the media is silent on rising Gas prices? Oil is now up to 96 a barrel!
I’ll bet that Michelle Obama cannot stand the sight or sound of Clueless Joe.
Speranza wrote:
He’s had a Charles Johnson style nervous breakdown!
If we surrender our core values in the name of becoming a “national “party, we will lose. And we’ll deserve to lose. Some things you cannot accommodate. We already have one party without principles. What makes you think becoming their mirror will win votes?
Rodan wrote:
I’ve been expecting Biden to develop “health problems”
Is Huma a Muslim plant? Yes she is.
http://pjmedia.com/andrewmccarthy/2012/08/17/huma-abedins-muslim-minority-affairs-its-not-just-a-journal/?singlepage=true
@ Rodan:
When Romney gets elected, he should have a sit-down with Vladimir Putin:
“Look Vlad, old buddy, here’s the deal. You march into Iran, and eastern Iraq, take the place over, and run like an old-time foreign colony. We’ll march into western Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula, and do the same thing. You want to spindle, fold, and mutilate the islamists and communists in Iran, go right ahead, and we will veto any resolutions against you in the Security Council, and you can do the same for us, for any repression we have to undertake. You take your oil, and use it or sell it, and we will take our oil and use it or sell it. Why should you and I let a bunch of goat-rapers and camel-humpers wax fat on our oil?”
@ waldensianspirit:
Bus wheels are bad for the health, it is said.
pat wrote:
Especially surprising are ones bought in October
@ Alberta Oil Peon:
That sounds like a good plan. One thing I can say, Putin knows he will not be able to roll over Mitt Romney!
Iron Fist wrote:
Beware of Moderates!
This is being reported on FNS & is kind of funny.
The story goes that young law intern Barack had his first
date with his mentor Michelle at a Baskin Robbins.
(Michelle in a power position having a laison wth a
subordinate? Sounds like sexual harassment)
The ice cream shop has a commoration plaque where the two
shared their first kiss.
Baskin Robbins is owned by Duncan Donuts which almost
went bankrupt some years back, but they got saved by
BAINE CAPTAL!
Will Barack write Romney a thank you note?/
@ waldensianspirit:
Hillary said no according to reports.
@ RIX:
I wonder if Hawaii will have a plaque commemorating where Obama was conceived!
Rodan wrote:
Quick! Someone feed him some Cheetos and Mountain Dew!
Rodan wrote:
Oba’ might be approaching “Anybody but Biden”
Macker wrote:
While Mooch isn’t watching. Stuff has amazing healing powers
Rodan wrote:
/ I don’t think the satanic temple will let them do that on their property…
Macker wrote:
Has the Fat Bastard had his blood-sugar level checked lately?
Okay…I need a break.
I just cleaned up my front yard so the place won’t look like a crack house when my students show up in the morning.
Now I’m about to collapse…
@ lobo91:
I know the feeling
Just don’t have time
@ waldensianspirit:
The back yard looks even worse, but I don’t have the energy to clean it.
It’ll have to wait
Iron Fist wrote:
What are our “core values”?
As Alan West has said, we work hard and party hard (and play to win) and we are not a bunch of scolds. We stand for freedom and self sufficiency.
Some things you cannot accommodate. -- can you be more specific?
@ lobo91:
Mine two little Bambi’s sleep under the willow tree at night not far from my bedroom. They feel that secure with my backyard
@ waldensianspirit:
I wish I had some deer to eat the weeds in my back yard…
Rodan wrote:
As if they will report anything unfavorable to Obama.
Even the worst Republican (exception being Ron Paul) is far, far superior to Barack Obama.
Speranza wrote:
I think that bit of news is kinda hard to hide from consumers…
*emerges from bunker*
*rubs eyes*
*recoils from the sun*
so i see hillary told obamma to eff off.
@ Speranza:
Almost always, when Northeasterners talk about becoming a “national party “,they are talking about surrender on two things: abortion and gun control. Do that and you won’t win Liberals votes, but you’ll lose the base.
@ lobo91:
Get a brew and chill!
@ coldwarrior:
Yes, that’s the reports circulating.
@ coldwarrior:
Think about it. The Chief Pompous Ass puts out feelers to Hillary rather than just calling her in for a chat. Are you all aware that Hillary must call Obama Mr President or sir even in private meetings?
http://www.americanthinker.com/2012/08/obamas_strange_dependence_on_valerie_jarrett.html
Iron Fist wrote:
Not all Republicans (such as myself) want to criminalize abortions and no one is taking your guns away. I am sick of the abortion litmus test. Abortion (under certain circumstances) has been legal since 1973 and will never be outlawed.
@ Iron Fist:
By emphasizing Economic/fiscal issues that’s how you appeal nationally.
Rodan wrote:
Amen -- be just a regional party and get your freaking ass kicked over and over and over again. Democrats run national campaigns while Republicans write off huge sections of the country before the first shot is fired.
Rodan wrote:
Wasn’t that Bethlehem?/
@ Speranza:
I don’t know why its bad running on Economic/Fiscal issues.
Rodan wrote:
Reagan kicked ass running as an optimistic, economics/low taxes/low unemployment/American exceptionailsm/national defense candidate.
Rodan wrote:
it’s not… are you better off than your were 4 years ago?
Speranza wrote:
Obama against Satan, the Prince of Darkness would
be a tough call.
It would come down to the VP pick.
@ Speranza:
Reagan was also very much against abortion. He was weaker on gun control, but that was before Heller and McDonald.
@ Speranza:
It seems Romney/Ryan are running on that. I feel in a time warp. The GOP of my childhood is back. The Bush Error is over I hope.
@ Iron Fist:
But Reagan ran mostly on economics and national security. That’s appealing nationally. No one is talking about Republicans becoming Pro-abortion or anti-Gun. Just that they should emphasize what wins.
Rodan wrote:
Seems to me the middle ground is who pays for it. I don’t think abortion should be a crime, but I SURE don’t think my taxes should pay for it (of course, that goes for a lot of things too).
@ grambo:
The pro-abortion crowd always likes to frame it as a “health care” issue.
Fine. If it’s a medical procedure, it should be regulated by the states.
grambo wrote:
I’m comfortable with that. Problem is the libs see any restriction on abortion as a slippery slope to an outright ban. Devout Christians see allowing abortion as an abomination that invites God’s wrath upon our country.
@ Speranza:
I’m pretty sure that there were people who said the same thing about slavery at one time, too.
grambo wrote:
I don’t think killing Marxist’s, Socialist’s, Progressives or Democrat’s should be a crime either. But there are those pesky assholes who actually think that before any individual is executed that some archaic principal called due process should be rendered.
doriangrey wrote:
What’s really interesting is how many abortion supporters oppose capital punishment.
@ grambo:
That’s my position. Government shoud not pay for it.
lobo91 wrote:
Funny thing about capital punishment, is that my support of capital punishment is about the same as my support of abortion. Which is to say, only under the condition that irrefutable proof or a confession are involved. Likewise abortion, only when the life of the mother is put at risk by the pregnancy.
Rodan wrote:
Rodan- I will transMitt that to Vladimir.
@ doriangrey:
You just want to help the hemp industry.
@ Bob in Breckenridge:
Miti could as Putin about Russia’s Flat tax system.
Rodan wrote:
Guilty as charged…
50 million x 1 lb/2000 lbs = 25,000 tons … … … … …
lobo91 wrote:
Buy a goat.
coldwarrior wrote:
CW- You can bet the ranch that the Clintons are doing their own polling, and they realize that Obama is most likely toast, so there’s no way Hillary would want to be on a losing ticket heading into 2016, her last shot at being President, due to her age (she’ll be 68 in 2016).
Bill and Hill are setting themselves up for 2016, and will attempt to campaign as more moderate dumocrats, while blaming Onama’s hardcore leftism and unwillingness to move even a little to the center as the reason he lost in 2012.
@ Bob in Breckenridge:
Seems plausible.
Speranza wrote:
Bob in Breckenridge wrote:
At that age, wouldn’t Bill owe her one? 8)
lobo91 wrote:
One. But just one.
Macker wrote:
Crap, I clicked on the wrong post…
One. But just one.
AllAlmost all the ladies love Paul Ryan…@ EBL:
Damn! Hasn’t she gotten laid yet? 8)
Where are all the wimmenfolk today? I want to talk about the hot VP Raul Ryan.
lobo91 wrote:
Bad analogy.
Iron Fist wrote:
He signed a very liberal abortion bill into law as governor of California.
Rodan wrote:
I sure hope so!
Bob in Breckenridge wrote:
I don’t think she can win. Huma Abedin, among other things.