What Wisconsin Journalists Want You To Know About Paul Ryan

[alp227]

Local Wisconsin reporters say that as the national media begins to scrutinize Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-WI) life and career following his selection as Mitt Romney's running mate, they may overlook details such as his inside-the-Beltway focus, the high level of unemployment in his hometown, and his family connection to the natural gas industry.

In the early stages of such reviews, news outlets are often dependent on the campaigns themselves, prior national coverage of the candidate, and even Wikipedia for insight and can miss the kind of information local reporters who have covered the vice presidential selection for years may know best.

Media Matters went to some of those local reporters in Wisconsin and asked for their take on the information voters, and reporters, need most but may miss as they look at Ryan's career.

One issue most journalists raised was that Ryan left Wisconsin at a young age and climbed the political ladder in Washington. One local scribe compared him to Dick Cheney in that regard, stating both men rose to the top by focusing on D.C. connections and not in home state political circles.

full: http://mediamatters.org/blog/2012/08/12/what-wisconsin-journalists-want-you-to-know-abo/189288

[Peregrine Took]

1. Ryan is a "nice guy"?

I don't think so - how can he be "nice" when he doesn't care about hurting vulnerable people and he knows just what he's doing, too.

[FirstLight]

2. thanks for sharing

I re-posted this article on my FB as well...

[tularetom]

3. I pretty much already know all I need to know about him

Another privileged rich kid who never had to get his hands dirty, never could be bothered to perform any military service and made his name by sucking up to those wealthier and more powerful than himself.

[DesertRat]

4. kick

[underpants]

5. "He is Dick Cheney with very good hair."

The way to understand him is he is Dick Cheney, he is a guy who went to Washington as soon as he could, rooted himself in the establishment, got himself elected as soon as he could and became a major player," said John Nichols, an associate editor at the Capital Times in Madison. "He is Dick Cheney with very good hair."


"There are people in his district shocked to find out he was a big player on budget stuff. He has been able to define his own story.He didn't really spend any time in state politics and right out of college he went right into interning. While he is a Wisconsin congressman, he is not somebody who came up through the state ranks."