So why would Ryan hook up with Romney?

[WestSeattle2]

That's the real question in my mind; not the other way around. Then it dawned on me - there is no real downside for him. If he wins, he becomes VP and moves to implement his risky schemes that will inevitably destroy the social safety nets that have taken generations to build. If he loses he returns to Congress and continues to push for implementation of his gilded age visions. But the real win for Paul Ryan will be his ability to follow the path of Palin. Prostituting his new found infamy for mountains of cash, thrown at him by some of the very same dullards whose middle-class lifestyle he currently has in his line of fire.

Watch, this man, born of wealth and privilege, will multiply his personal net worth twenty-fold over the next ten years, after "losing" in November. Heck, he may even secretly wish to lose, for by winning would mean his path to political prostitution will be delayed by ethics boundaries, until he is out of elected office.

[Bonhomme Richard]

1. Because he is a Class A narcissist. n/t

[mim89]

2. Its a good move

If he wins, he's the VP. But if he loses, he'll be one of the front runners in 2016. He can attribute losing in 2012 to Romney being a "RINO" etc. He'll look like he took one for the team and tried to help Mitt win, but they couldn't overcome his flaws

[bigdarryl]

3. The tea party told him to get on the ticket

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

4. Because Grover Norquist demanded it...

"We don't need a president to tell us in what direction to go. We know what direction to go. We want the Ryan budget . . . We just need a president to sign this stuff . . . Pick a Republican with enough working digits to handle a pen to become president of the United States." - Grover Norquist

http://www.freep.com/article/20120813/OPINION05/308130107/Guest-commentary-Grover-Norquist-gets-his-wish?odyssey=nav%7Chead

[Cosmocat]

5. To a great extent, this is what the whole "conservative movement" is

Palin had the brass to just up and quit as governor and get to it full time.

There is a LOT of money to be made telling "conservatives" what they want to hear.

It is a VERY hungry and flush niche market.

This is what the Hannities, the Becks, the Coulters know full well.

They have come to believe their bullshit, but end of the day, the are simply turning a buck.

I don't think Ryan has Palin appeal - he won't be that big, but he should have a lot longer lasting power.

[Lucy Goosey]

6. Because he really, honestly believes he is the smartes guy in the room.

And it's his duty to share his immense and all-encompassing genius with his country.

He believes his own press, in other words.

[HopeHoops]

7. He knows he doesn't have a future. He might as well end up in the history books in SOME way.