Paul Ryan isn't happy with the GOP's 2012 field

[ProSense]

Report: Paul Ryan 'strongly considering' a 2012 presidential bid

by Jed Lewison

Stephen Hayes:

Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan is strongly considering a run for president. Ryan, who has been quietly meeting with political strategists to discuss a bid over the past three months, is on vacation in Colorado discussing a prospective run with his family. Ryan’s concerns about the effects of a presidential campaign – and perhaps a presidency – on his family have been his primary focus as he thinks through his political future.

“He’s coming around,” says a Republican source close to Ryan, who has been urging the 41-year-old to run.

“With Paul, it’s more about obligation than opportunity,” says another Wisconsin Republican. “He is determined to have the 2012 election be about the big things. If that means he has to run, he’s open to it.”

Yeah, he wants 2012 to be about big things, alright...big things like ending Medicare. And he doesn't think the GOP has yet found a candidate able to articulate such a vision.

Look, the way I see 2012 – we owe it to the country to let them choose the path they want our country to take. And I just have yet to see a strong and principled articulation of the kind of limited government, opportunity society path that we would provide as an alternative to the Obama cradle to grave welfare state.

So Paul Ryan isn't happy with the GOP's 2012 field because he doesn't think there's a candidate in the mix who can explain why we should end Medicare. In other words, Paul Ryan wants Paul Ryan to run.

Unfortunately, Paul Ryan has said he's not running (at least that's what he's said so far). And just today, his office told Greg Sargent that nothing has changed. "While grateful for the continued support and encouragement, Congressman Ryan has not changed his mind," his spokesman said.

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Setting the stage for more moments like this one: Video Catches Angry Iowa Voter Calling Gingrich: ‘An Embarrassment To Our Party’

As conservative pundits throw Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich overboard, one voter in Iowa echoes the same sentiment and is willing to tell Newt to his face. The awkward encounter even has Newt and the upset Iowan continuing to shake hands as Newt receives a series of harsh insults.

The uncomfortable exchange:

Iowan: What you just did to Paul Ryan is unforgivable.
Gingrich: I didn’t do anything to Paul Ryan.
Iowan: Yes, you did. You undercut him. . . . You’re an embarrassment to our party.
Gingrich: I’m sorry you feel that way.
Iowan: Why don’t you get out before you make a bigger fool of yourself?
Gingrich: Sorry you feel that way.

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[Fearless]

1. I would LOVE to see him split the Republican vote between Tea Party candidates and non-TPers!

Effectively this would pull probably a third of the vote to the Tea Party candidate. When they lose in the primary... you disenchant 1/3 of your voters!

:nopity:

[livetohike]

2. Ryan is angling for a V.P. slot - he couldn't stand up to the

scrutiny to run as President. He has absolutely zero accomplishments in his years in Congress.

Look at all of the choices the GOP have now...what's one more idiot jumping into the race.

[catbyte]

3. Good luck with the senior citizen vote, doosh.

[LiberalFighter]

4. If Gingrich had any balls he would had attack that Iowan

asking him if he has any grandparents or parents depending on the age of the heckler and if he is all for killing them off because that is what will happen under Ryan's Plan.

[GillesDeleuze]

5. he wont even win his congressional seat

we're going to flip janesville/kenosha!

[ProSense]

6. This should help seal

a loss: Congressional pay-per-view?

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It appears that in some cases, Republicans only want to interact with voters willing to pay for the privilege.

It will cost $15 to ask Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) a question in person during the August congressional recess.

The House Budget Committee chairman isn’t holding any face-to-face open-to-the-public town hall meetings during the recess, but like several of his colleagues he will speak only for residents willing to open their wallets.

Ryan, who took substantial criticism from his southeast Wisconsin constituents in April after he introduced the Republicans’ budget proposal, isn’t the only member of congress whose August recess town hall-style meetings are strictly pay-per-view.

The Politico piece points to similar practices being used by Republican Reps. Ben Quayle (Ariz.) and Chip Cravaack (Minn.).

In fairness, these far-right politicians aren’t literally selling answers to constituent questions, but the reality isn’t that far off. In practice, Ryan, Quayle, and Cravaack are partnering with private organizers to host pseudo-public events. The members kinda sorta look like they’re making themselves available to voters, but the organizers put a price tag that raises money and discourages potential critics.

And what about those voters who don’t want to pony up just to talk to their member of Congress or can’t afford a ticket? They’re out of luck. Try sending a letter that will be read by an office assistant who will gladly send you a nice form letter in response.

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