Welcome to the GOP presidential ticket!
◼ This is such a great day for the America! We need to just soak it in... Plenty of others think it is a significant day, as well. Here's what they're saying about Romney/Ryan... Jayde Wyatt
This is such a great day for the America! We need to just soak it in...
BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR SELECTION OF PAUL RYAN:
“A Good Pick” … “A Choice To Have A Real Debate” … “Interested In Bold Reforms To Save America”Get the idea that more than a few Democrats are sick of Obama's lie and blame campaign strategy?
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee: “I'm Excited. … He Has A Sound Knowledge Of Our Economy.” “I'm excited to learn of Mitt Romney's choice of Paul Ryan to be his VP running mate. He has a sound knowledge of our economy.” (Twitter.com, 8/11/12)
Former Representative Joe Sestak (D-PA): “I Think It’s A Good Pick … He’s A Good Guy.” SESTAK: “I think it's a good pick for both campaigns, actually. … I served with Paul Ryan. He’s a good guy. He is a good family man.” (Fox News’ “Fox And Friends,” 8/11/12)
Club For Growth President Chris Chocola: “This Pick Sends The Message That Governor Romney Is Interested In Bold Reforms To Save America From Fiscal Collapse.” (Club For Growth, 8/11/12)
Democratic Strategist Joe Trippi: “I Think This Is A Great Pick. … I Really Think It Is A Chance To Have A Real Debate The Country Needs To Have. … A Bold Choice.” TRIPPI: “I think this is a great pick. It is a pick I would have urged Romney to take. … I really think it is a chance to have a real debate the country needs to have. Regardless of who wins it, I think Ryan helps put the issues, a lot of these issues front and center. Will make the fight on both sides on cuts entitlements and the things we need to have. That's why I really-- I commend Romney on the pick. It was a bold choice.” (Fox News’ “Cavuto On Business,” 8/11/12)
Republican Strategist Ed Rogers: “The Selection Of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) Means Mitt Romney Is Going To Run A Serious, Policy-Oriented Campaign That Highlights Differences With President Obama.” (The Washington Post, 8/11/12)
Republican Strategist Alex Castellanos: Mitt Romney “Picked A Vice President To Help Him Fix The Nation's Business, The Economy.” “[Romney] didn't pick a vice president to help him fix his campaign's business. He picked a vice president to help him fix the nation's business, the economy.” (Politico, 8/11/12)
Democratic Strategist Donna Brazile: “It May Allow Us To Have A Substantive Conversation In Terms Of The Challenges We Face Long-Term In Terms Of Getting Our Fiscal House In Order.” (CNN’s “Newsroom,” 8/11/12)
Republican Strategist Ed Rollins: “It's A Bold Choice. Over Time It's Going To Be An Extraordinary Choice.” ROLLINS: “I think that absolutely right. … It's a bold choice. Over time it's going to be an extraordinary choice.” (Fox News’ “Fox and Friends Saturday,” 8/11/12)
Democratic Strategist Carter Eskew: “But Here's Why I Like The Pick Of Ryan. At Least He Has An Idea … Maybe, Too, Democrats Will Be Forced To Discuss Their Alternative In Greater Detail.” “But here's why I like the pick of Ryan. At least he has an idea … Maybe we can finally have a real discussion of the Republican agenda. And maybe, too, Democrats will be forced to discuss their alternative in greater detail.” (The Washington Post, 8/11/12)
NJ Governor Chris Christie: "With Paul Ryan on the ticket this is a team that understands the economic stagnation our country has been facing the last four years and the urgency with which we need to change course. The Romney-Ryan team is uniquely positioned to make the tough choices necessary to confront our fiscal challenges and get results."“AN INSPIRED CHOICE” “Shook Up The Presidential Race” … “A Bold Set Of Ideas” … “A New Promise For Presidential Politics”
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH): "Mitt Romney has made a great choice in Paul Ryan. He is an accomplished public servant and a leading voice on the most pressing issues facing our country. Paul is one of my best friends in Congress and someone I have worked closely with as a former colleague on the House Ways & Means Committee. Jane and I wish Paul and Janna and their kids the very best. As the Chairman of the Romney campaign in Ohio, I look forward to working with Paul to ensure that the Romney-Ryan ticket carries Ohio and is victorious in November. Most importantly, as a member of the Senate, I look forward to working closely with a Romney-Ryan Administration to restore fiscal sanity and enact pro-growth policies to create jobs."
Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN): Unable to locate full statement at this time. He's campaigning today for Romney/Ryan in Derry, NH): Pawlenty says he is excited about the pick and called Ryan a "respected leader and a bold thinker" about changes needed for the country. He added that Ryan's roots in Wisconsin will help Romney win that key swing state. He says he'll do all he can to help Romney win the election.
Former Sec. of State Condoleeza Rice: "Paul Ryan is a bold and inspiring choice as Governor Romney's running mate. Congressman Ryan shares the belief that American leadership is vital to a more peaceful and prosperous world. He will help to restore America at home so that we can lead again because he understands that America is an exceptional and indispensable nation on the world stage."
Senator Marco Rubio: "Throughout his life, Mitt Romney has made great decisions, and choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate is a truly inspired choice. I got to know Paul during my Senate campaign when he endorsed me early on when I was still considered a long shot. Paul Ryan is a courageous reformer who understands our nation's challenges, has proposed bold policy solutions to solve them, and has shown the courage to stand up to President Obama and other Washington politicians trying to tear him down.
"The Romney-Ryan ticket is going to win in November because it offers the American people visionary leadership to recapture the free enterprise spirit that has empowered countless Americans to build businesses from scratch and live the American dream. I'm excited about the visionary change a Romney-Ryan team will bring to Washington, and I look forward to campaigning with them this fall."
Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA): “Paul Ryan is a tremendous choice to serve as the Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States. In selecting a bold, innovative thinker, Mitt Romney has ensured that his campaign—and ultimately his administration—will be led by individuals with courage, determination, judgment, and wisdom. With this great announcement, America is on its way back. The Romney-Ryan team will get our fiscal house in order, our economy back on track and Americans back to work.”
Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA): "Paul is a good friend and one of the smartest guys I served with in Congress. He has the courage of his convictions, which is what our nation needs."
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell: "Gov. Romney showed today that he is determined to confront a host of growing crises that President Obama has ignored. Where the current President has simply refused to act, Gov. Romney has now pledged to lead. Paul Ryan is an excellent choice, and a confirmation that Gov. Romney is serious about strengthening America’s economic future, tackling the deficits and debt that have skyrocketed under President Obama, and returning to a path to solvency and security.
"Americans are looking for leadership that has been lacking on the most critical issues facing our country’s economic future. The Romney-Ryan team can return much-needed leadership from day one and help bring real recovery to our economy, reverse the damage of the Obama economy, and take a serious approach to the Obama debt and focus on growing jobs—not the size of the government.
“President Obama’s term has been marked by overwhelming national debt, a first-ever downgrade of America’s credit rating, high unemployment and a disappointing lack of leadership when it comes to addressing spending. It’s time to change that, and Gov. Romney and Chairman Ryan will be ready on day one to give America the leadership it deserves.”
President George W. Bush: "This is a strong pick. Governor Romney is serious about confronting the long-term challenges facing America, and Paul Ryan will help him solve the difficult issues that must be addressed for future generations."
Senator John McCain (R-Az): "Governor Romney and Representative Ryan are the strongest team to return America to prosperity and to defend our interests abroad. Paul Ryan has proven that he is fully prepared to address our nation's economic challenges, which have only worsened over the last four years under the Obama-Biden Administration. I look forward to working for the election of the Romney-Ryan team this fall."
Governor Nikki Haley (R-SC): We now officially have a Dream Team of solutions: Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan! Both of these men understand its not about complaining and blaming, but producing results for the people of our great country. The race is on: Romney/Ryan vs Obama/Biden.
Speaker John Boehner: "Paul Ryan is a reformer and a proven leader who will be a great partner to Governor Romney in his efforts to get our country, and our economy, back on track. At a time when millions of Americans are still looking at President Obama's policies and asking 'where are the jobs?' Paul Ryan and Mitt Romney will focus on common sense solutions to stop Washington from spending money it doesn't have and get the federal government out of the way of small business job creators.
"I'm proud to call Paul Ryan a friend, and I will do everything in my power to make sure that he and Mitt Romney - along with our entire Republican ticket - are well positioned to win in November."
Former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton: “Every American and every American ally abroad should be heartened by Mitt Romney’s selection of Paul Ryan as his running mate. Congressman Ryan deeply understands that American leadership in foreign policy makes for a more peaceful world and a safer, more prosperous America. And he and Governor Romney will restore our economic strength at home that is the basis of our influence abroad. For nearly four years, we have seen the dangerous conditions that are created when a president refuses to lead. Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will restore American leadership.”
Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH): "Governor Romney has made a fantastic choice in selecting Paul Ryan to be our nominee for Vice President. Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will put America back on a path to prosperity by reforming government, enacting real deficit reduction, and overhauling the tax code to spur economic growth. America needs a Romney-Ryan administration to get our fiscal house in order and put Americans back to work."
House Majority Whip Kevin Mccarthy (R-CA): "I believe that by choosing my good friend Paul Ryan as his running mate, Mitt Romney has once again shown why he possesses the leadership and vision to get this country back on the right path. Paul has dedicated his career to promoting ideas of economic growth and fiscal responsibility. I am confident that a Romney-Ryan ticket will not only energize our party, but will energize our nation as well, further drawing a distinction between President Obama's failed record on jobs and the Romney-Ryan record of solutions. The Obama Administration has relentlessly advanced policies that have deepened our economic malaise, causing many Americans to question whether their children will have the same opportunities for success that past generations had. Under the leadership of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, I believe we can restore the American dream and create a brighter tomorrow."
CBS News’ John Dickerson: “The Choice Offers The First Real Hints About What Kind Of President Romney Will Be. … He's Willing To Campaign On A Bold Set Of Ideas…” “Mitt Romney has made his first presidential-level decision, picking Paul Ryan, the 42-year-old, seven-term Congressman from southern Wisconsin, as his running mate. The choice offers the first real hints about what kind of president Romney will be. Here's what we learned: He takes risks, he can adapt, and he's willing to campaign on a bold set of ideas rather than generalities.” (Slate, 8/11/12)Kudos continue to roll in... “A Bold Decision” … “Reagan-Like Quality” … “A Campaign Of Substance”
National Journal’s Ron Fournier: “A New Promise For Presidential Politics And Leadership: Authentic, Bold, Positive And Focused On Results Over Partisan Gridlock.” “Mitt Romney used the choice of running mate Rep. Paul Ryan to script a new promise for presidential politics and leadership: Authentic, bold, positive and focused on results over partisan gridlock.” (National Journal, 8/11/12)
Time: “Romney Shook Up The Presidential Race Saturday Morning With A Single Stroke…” (Time, 8/11/12)
The Atlantic’s Molly Ball: “Overnight, It Was Clear, Romney Has Reoriented The Campaign Around A New, Daring Premise.” (The Atlantic, 8/11/12)
The Atlantic Headline: “Paul Ryan's Message: 'Courage'” (The Atlantic, 8/11/12)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “In Ryan, Romney Is Getting His Party's Most Influential Politician On The Budget And Economy…” “In Ryan, Romney is getting his party's most influential politician on the budget and economy, a huge favorite of pro-business and free-market conservatives, a skilled politician and self-styled ‘policy wonk,’ a prolific fundraiser and ubiquitous cable news presence…” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/11/12)
BuzzFeed’s Ben Smith: “The Ryan Pick Is Going To Take What Has Felt Inside The Beltway Like A National Debate And Turn It Into An Actual National Debate.” “The Ryan pick is going to take what has felt inside the beltway like a national debate and turn it into an actual national debate, I think.” (Ben Smith, Twitter Feed, 8/11/12)
Yahoo News’ Walter Shapiro: “What Stays With Me Was The Earnestness And Policy-Oriented Seriousness Of Ryan…” “I recall the fledging candidate walking me around downtown Janesville to show the houses and the historical markers that trace his family’s influence on this small industrial city since the late nineteenth century. But what stays with me was the earnestness and policy-oriented seriousness of Ryan, even then.” (Yahoo! News, 8/11/12)
National Review Editorial: “Governor Romney Has Made An Inspired Choice.” (National Review, 8/11/12)
• “Paul Ryan Is The Republican Who Has Made The Most Pointed Critique Of The Philosophy That Underlies Obama’s Economic Policies…” “Paul Ryan is the Republican who has made the most pointed critique of the philosophy that underlies Obama’s economic policies: the notion that government can direct resources toward rising industries. Solyndra is not just a scandal, Ryan notes: It is the kind of crony-capitalist fiasco to which Obama’s view inevitably leads.” (National Review, 8/11/12)
Time: “The 2012 Presidential Campaign Just Became A Debate About That Most Substantive Of All Issues.” “To anyone who ever complained that politics wasn’t substantive, buckle up: the 2012 Presidential campaign just became a debate about that most substantive of all issues, the federal budget.” (Time, 8/11/12)A few TWEETS:
The Wall Street Journal’s Paul Gigot: “He Is Earnest, He’s Serious, He’s A Real Policy Wonk.” (Fox News, 8/11/12)
· Gigot: “Going To Make This A Fundamental Choice About The Direction Of America.” GIGOT: “Right now, with this choice, Romney is committed, alright. He is basically saying, by picking Ryan, I’m not going to make this a safe election. I am going to make this a fundamental choice about the direction of America. And we are going to debate the future of Medicare and entitlements. We are going to debate the future of tax reform. Those are the issues now front and center.” (Fox News, 8/11/12)
National Review’s Jonah Goldberg: “I Am Delighted By The News … A Bold Decision.” “I am a huge, huge, Paul Ryan fan. So I am delighted by the news he will be Romney’s running mate. … It shows that for all of the talk of Romney’s timidity and cautiousness he can make a bold decision when he needs to.” (National Review, 8/11/12)
The Washington Post’s Charles Krauthammer: “Ryan Has That Reagan-Like Quality.” KRAUTHAMMER: “The best analogy is, I think, the late 1970s when Reagan became the candidate … I think Ryan has that Reagan-like quality.” (Fox News’ “Fox and Friends,” 8/11/12)
Weekly Standard’s William Kristol: “This Is A Strong Pick, It’s A Bold Pick, It’s A Gutsy Pick.” KRISTOL: “This is a strong pick, it’s a bold pick, it’s a gutsy pick. It doesn't run away from the controversial house budget. It’s really picking the intellectual leader of the Republican Party.” (Fox News’ “Bulls & Bears,” 8/11/12)
CNN’s Jim Acosta: “The Campaign Equivalent Of A Call To Arms.” “The battleship was a tip-off in more ways than one. Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan descended from the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, Virginia Saturday with the campaign equivalent of a call to arms.” (CNN, 8/11/12)
The New York Times’ Ross Douthat: “This Will Make The Race More Exciting And More Serious, And I’m Looking Forward To Watching It Play Out.” (The New York Times, 8/11/12)
Fox News’ Liz Peek: “The Selection Of Mr. Ryan Sends A Very Different Message – That Romney Is Focused On Solving The Nation’s Financial Crisis.” (Fox News, 8/11/12)
Philadelphia Inquirer’s Kevis Ferris: “A Welcome Move, One That Shows This Will Be A Campaign Of Substance - At Least On The GOP Side.” “This weekend, Romney made it official. It was a welcome move, one that shows this will be a campaign of substance - at least on the GOP side.” (Philadelphia Inquirer, 8/11/12)
National Review’s John Fund: “If Republicans Were Looking For A Superior Candidate, They’ve Found It in Ryan.” “Five, if Republicans were looking for a superior candidate, they’ve found it in Ryan. His maiden speech as the GOP vice-presidential candidate was perfectly pitched…” (National Review, 8/11/12
Rick Santorum @RickSantorum
Gov. Romney has made a great VP pick. Fiscal sanity is back! Looking forward to helping the Romney-Ryan ticket win in Nov!
Newt Gingrich @newtgingrich
Paul Ryan carries on the solutions oriented tradition of Reagan, kemp and the contract with america! A great Choice by Romney
Michele Bachmann @TeamBachmann
#RomneyRyan2012 is a winning combination! RT if America's Comeback Team has your support. #tcot
Rick Perry @GovernorPerry
Paul Ryan, conservative budget hawk..excellent choice who will underscore MR commitment to downsize Washington and restore job creation.
Herman Cain @THEHermanCain
"Romney/Ryan RENEWAL of America" versus "Obama/Biden DECLINE of America" @Paulryanvp #RomneyRyan2012 #TCOT
Jim DeMint @JimDeMint
Great choice for VP. America needs a little R&R!
