Seriously?!
Steve Benen: As a rule, when your opponents seem really happy about your choice in running mates, it’s fair to say you’ve made a provocative choice.
And this morning, Democrats are practically giddy, unable to believe their good fortune.
…. both the left and right have the Republican running mate they hoped for – Romney has picked the architect of a radical, Medicare-crushing budget plan, debated by the least popular Congress since the dawn of modern polling. Indeed, it’s fair to say the radical Ryan budget helped make this Congress so widely disliked, which makes his VP nomination that much more remarkable.
For months, Democrats have been trying to inject the “Romney-Ryan plan” into the political bloodstream, and now, the Republicans’ presidential candidate has made Dems’ job easier. The Obama campaign hoped to make Ryan Romney’s effective running mate, never expecting the GOP candidate to make this literal.
The result is a dynamic that was hard to predict. Romney isn’t even trying to reach out to moderate voters; he’s taking the most far-right candidacy in modern American history and turning it to 11.
Full post here
****
****
Chris Cillizza: The Ryan budget: Democrats are salivating — not literally but damn close — over the prospect of Romney putting Ryan on the ticket, believing that by doing so Romney could cost Republicans not just the presidency but the House and Senate due to the controversial budget plan that bears the Wisconsin House Member’s name.
At the center of that budget is Ryan’s call to fundamentally overhaul Medicare, a critical piece of the social safety net that has a huge impact in the life of many people older Americans.
Those older voters are also the most reliable group of voters in every election — and a critical constituency for Republicans. In 2008, Arizona Sen. John McCain won voters aged 60+ by just four points, half the margin that George W. Bush enjoyed in 2004 among that same group.
To beat Obama, Romney has to improve on McCain’s margin among older voters, and Democrats believe that will be simply impossible if he has to defend the Ryan budget every day between now and Nov. 6….
More here
****
****
****
Washington Post: A bumpy overseas trip and a month of pummeling by Democratic ads depicting Mitt Romney as an out-of-touch plutocrat and possible tax evader appear to have taken a toll.
Three polls released in the last 24 hours show President Obama widening his lead over the former Massachusetts governor to as much as nine points. The surveys of registered voters, all conducted sometime between Aug. 2 and 8, also have Romney’s unfavorable ratings headed north. Two of the polls show his support among independents slipping.
A Fox News poll found the largest deficit, with Romney trailing by nine points (49 percent to 40 percent) That’s the widest gap Fox has reported all year. Its July survey had Obama up by four points (45 percent to 41 percent). Fox found that Obama’s increasing advantage comes mainly on the strength of a big bump from independents, who now support the president by 11 points, up from four points in July.
More here
****
****
Morning everyone 
yippee!!
Congrats on 1st!! Yippee is right!
Vulture/Voucher 2012. Win!
Hahahaha…right there with you Chips.
It’s official: Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum are the “geniuses” behind team Romney.
You know UT, I’m beginning to think Obots are running the Romney campaign
Or perhaps Willard himself is an O’plant!?!? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Methinks Dick Morris’ mythical polls showed how really weak Mittens was with the base.
I never for a minute thought that they wouldn’t vote in droves anyway. What this says is that “Mitt means it.” Every fear that everyone has about how frightening a Republican administration would be, has now been confirmed.
Remember the little silly story yesterday with the young Republicans who were socially liberal but still Republican? I remember a little girl College Republican talking about it.
She now knows that her health care, her contraception, her college loans are gone if she votes Republican.
This time they “mean it”. Nothing says that better than Paul Ryan as VP choice.
Amk’s ‘Vulture/Voucher 2012′ sums it up beautifully, their race to the bottom is speeding up. Amazing.
methinks mitt ‘consulted’ with Obama y’day night and he said ‘ good for you, go for it mitt’.
“That’s a severely marvelous choice Willard, go right ahead!”
AMK, this is a brilliant coinage of a bumper sticker. Can we promote it?
We all should.
I love AMK’s helpful campaign slogan—”Vulture/Voucher 2012″
Doesn’t it seem likely that Repubs will now lose every state that has seniors?
The original credit goes to some wonkette commenter and then popularized by BJ commenters.
Nails it beautifully, doesn’t it ?
Only if those seniors are actually voting for issues. Remember, a lot of those seniors were riding around on buses, interrupting Congress people during the health care battle, believing in “death panels”, demanding that Pres Obama keep his “govt hands off [their] Medicare”, and have still supported Romney after he declared Paul Ryan’s plan “marvelous”. Many of them are only voting on one criteria – skin colour.
I agree with you theo! I don’t think picking Paul Ryan changes the dynamics of the race that much. Obviously it will energize the right wingers who were beginning to be demoralized by Romney’s campaign. On top of that the media loves Paul Ryan so there will be writing glowing pieces about him. Any way, I hope we don’t relax and start celebrating too early. We still have to work very, very hard to re-elect the President.
If I remember right I think Ryan said PBO was destroying Medicare as his own policy was designed to do just that. Those that think the GOP does not lie will believe it backed by the media.
Another BIG problem is relaxing too much and not fighting the voter suppression and voter results. WE need ALL the Dem votes not just some due to thinking we’ve got this.
http://twitpic.com/ai2gwr
LOL! I just saw Andrea Mitchels Mug, on the Battleship. Last ship She was on was the good ship lollipop!
Man, is She Ugly.
She’s no Shirley Temple.
I know Shirley Temple. Shirley Temple is a friend of mine. Andrea, you’re NO Shirley Temple!
Goood day O’s!!!!! What another great getting up day for the TOD folks!!!!! Put this one in the ‘what was he thinking?’ column. This is a clear choice between ObamaCares and WhoCares.
My political take today is it’s sad when the most positive thing you can say about a VP pick is that he leads the Republican caucus in P90X exercises in the House gym each morning.
Oooooh… that sounds lke the making of a new bumper sticker!!!
“This is a clear choice between ObamaCares and WhoCares. ”
Methinks these guys have looked at the children’s movie about monsters (wasn’t it “Monsters, Inc”) and thought the slogan: “We scare because we care” an excellent bumper sticker for their campaign.
Good morning. Pres Obama and VP Joe will hand them their ass!
I hope so. He is a decent debator though and the “numbers” guy for the thugs. Biden is gonna have to bone up on that to get him on his B.S. This pick really does say that Romney is more worried about the base than the undecided. The strategy is get the base crazy excited, suppress the vote where it counts, swing the undecided with a little race baiting, and saute the whole smelly dish with some Billionaire money….
One day closer to OUR #ObamaBiden2012 goal! #FORWARD & ONWARD, Mr. President, and a GOOD MORNING to you TWO!
Good Saturday Morning, Chips & TODobots!
Congrats, 4morefor44!
Chips, what do you mean you are ‘at a complete loss to understand this choice’? Are you pretending to UNDERSTAND anything the GOP have been doing?
While I know that PBO won’t be facing off directly vs. Ryan in the debates, I feel that he may be facing off vs. his ideas. The right clearly pushed Romney to pick a “real conservative” and since he doesn’t have a core I think the rest of their campaign will be run on Ryan’s core belief about how the budget/deficit works/can be fixed. My introduction to Ryan was during the Repub. retreat back in Jan. 10. PBO had a little interaction with Ryan back then and clearly was familiar with his ideology. I remembered how he destroyed and embarrassed the R’s. You probably do too.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/29/transcript-of-president-o_n_442423.html
we remember alright – what a day that was! it made gop ban tv coverage of future live interactions with PBO
https://twitter.com/jheil/status/234259308391579648
I’m so nervous this morning, I’m on pins and needles………I hope Tiger Woods has a good round today.
LOL! Love that!!
Who cares about a vp pick. Tiger tied for lead at PGA and USA women go for gold in volleyball and basketball!
Macaca is now speaking on the ship——a perfect prelude to the announcement of this soulless Repub Party.
Good Morning Everyone! Are we ready to watch Team Slash and Burn make their case to the American people?
So Chris Hayes sez that Romney has a “huge” crowd, whatever that is. But looking at this pic, all I see is a bunch of Tea-bag looking folks. No diversity. And someone has a t-shirt with “Hawaii Five-O” on it. I’m not seeing any RMoney logo. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
photo/1
Here’s the pic.
Could they be tourist?
Two quick things.
The first is I rememebr just how elated the Dems were when McCain picked Palin. Although ultimately that was a disaster, it did give McCain a boost and he actually went ahead in the polls briefly. And, if we want to be totally honest with ourselves, if the economy hadn’t collapsed and McCain made such a fool of himself at that time, things might have turned out differently. What I am saying, is lets not get too gleeful too ealy and think this wraps it up for PBO.
The second thing is that the focus will be on what this does in regards to Medicare, thinking that will cause older voters to turn against Romney. Again, since it doesn’t affect old voters, tht will only matter if two things happen. The first is if older voters are approached on their concern for their children and grandchildren.
The second is that where this really hits older voters in the head is in regards to Medicaid. Nursing homes get paid through Medicaid, not Medicare. A lot of in home services are paid through Medicaid, not Medicare. Ryan’s plan definitely impacts those things.
Finally, I don’t think Romney really had a choice. He had to appease the base, specially after the fiasco surrounding RomneyCare this past week. But he couldn’t go full wingbat with a Bachmann/Santorum?Gingrich type of pick. Ryan comes across as sincere and earnest. He doesn’t appear to be full RWNJ, and Romney is countng on that helping with the independent vote.
Wise words japa. Never count the chickens before they’re hatched. But, I am amazed that Romney didn’t choose someone with some warmth to counteract his woodenness. Also, another Northerner, the Southerner’s much hated nemesis.
I’ve been watching politics for many years, and I truly do not understand this, except that the far right wing pushed him into this. I even semi-understood GHWB’s choice of Dan Quayle: youth and “charisma”, which he knew he did not have.
The Southern Republicans are going to have to overlook the Yankeeness of this ticket, hold their noses and vote.
Think I’ll send a donation to Rob Zerban who is running for Ryan’s Congressional seat. It would be great to defeat him in the Congressional race!
‘Think I’ll send a donation to Rob Zerban who is running for Ryan’s Congressional seat. It would be great to defeat him in the Congressional race!’
That’s so ‘mean’, Carolyn. I can’t believe a TODobot would do that!
Hi Japa, interesting points, Romney definitely couldn’t go for one of the batshit-crazy options, and Ryan certainly looks positively cerebral next to that bunch. He is a serious and smart politician, no doubt, but the Medicare thing/senior votes …. what were they thinking?? I just can’t get over it.
Chips, I mentioned elsewhere that I didn’t realize that you’ve had an ‘understanding’ of the GOP all along, and now you (as well as CookeMom) are ascribing ‘thinking’ to them, as it ‘what were they thinking? Obviously *I* have been misunderstanding, or is it misunderestimating, the GOP all along, never having credited them with ‘thinking’. I tell you, I learn a lot at TODville every day. I’ll now have to modify my ideas about the GOP.
Anyone who wants to treat women as Ryan does – “Ryan co-sponsored Personhood amendment” – is tending towards batshit crazy in my world – just hasn’t arrived yet. Sounding sincere and earnest is not so hard – living the role is much more difficult. If Mitt needed this one to get his base to the polls – it is hard to imagine him getting very many votes past that base.
Paul Ryan’s so-called “sincere and earnest” act will get tiring soon. He hasn’t had this much sustained national attention where he’s actually had to speak. Remember, most of the hype about his budget was from the media and GOP surrogates. When Paul Ryan is in the glare of the national spotlight and does his fast talking, blinking eyes, “earnest” routine, it’s going to get annoying very quickly, and it will appear anxious. He’s not ready for prime time. It’s much hotter in prime time.
I disagree! McCain had the hero logo, Robney got nothing!
McCain’s numbers were better than Romney’s. He was trailing, but he had much better favorables. In any case, the polling was way off as usual. Even if he hadn’t pulled that stupid stunt, he would’ve lost anyway.
There was more in the Ryan budget than just gutting Medicare. Severe cuts to education, ending the Earned Income Credit, a lot of cuts that would disproportionately affect the poor and middle class with HUGE tax cuts for the rich. For Romney to choose Ryan, there must be something really really bad in his tax returns.
Spot on, japa. But the biggest void in the V/V2012 ticket that I can’t get my head around is the total absence of ANY foreign policy experience. When PBO picked our Joe, foreign policy chops — checked! We know how well Mittens does when he leaves the country. And Ryan brings less to the table. So what happens when the world is mad on us for bombing Iran, declaring war on the “Soviet Union”, and insulting all our allies?
Can Paul Ryan even point to the critical countries on a map? Does he at least know who the head of government is in the UK?
This is a wonderful day! Romney, the gift that keeps on giving! Happy Saturday everyone!
Obama’s takedown of the House GOP/Ryan budget plan, calling it “a prescription for disaster” that harms future generations
I’m pretty sure McKayla Malroney is not impressed by Romney/Ryan 2012.
There are several strategically placed black faces behind the podium. On camera live shot.
There is one black couple directly behind speaker podium. Wonder what’s going through their heads, if anything.
When they’ll get their paycheck?
Good morning all. I am sitting here in utter disbelief waiting on the rousing stump speech of Romney/Ryan.
Get out the vote, ppl should be stampeding to the voting booths.
My take on this earlier-than-expected “all-in” plan is that : 1) Romney had Ryan tied around his shoulders like a sweater on a Greenwich rich guy, anyway. Picking Ryan narrows the target. Another VP would have widened the target.
2)GOP knows they are not winning the White House this cycle. Ryan now will be “Next in line.”
Would someone please explain to me why RomneyHood is making this announcement on a aircraft carrier ? What’s the purpose, the meaning.
As long as Romney doesn’t walk out in a fight suit with a cod piece.
VA.has a huge military presence and our President is greatly beloved by all the Armed Forces, as he should be due to all that he has done on their behalf. Ended Stop Loss and awarded retroactive overtime pay of $600.00 per month to everyone who served in that program and if they didn’t survive to the soldiers family. And that is just one of the amazing things every person in uniform now or ever is aware of even if other Americans aren’t
Consider the case for Romney until today: He’s a relatively moderate businessman running because his experience in the private-sector gives him crucial insight into how to manage the economy. Now consider Ryan: He’s worked in politics his entire life, beginning as an aide to Sen. Bob Kasten, then working for Sen. Sam Brownback and as a speechwriter to Rep. Jack Kemp. He’s known as a relatively ideological politician who has put forward a detailed policy plan to remake the federal government. It’s a rather different message about what’s important. And how does Romney say the problem with Barack Obama is that he’s “never spent a day in the private sector” and then put Ryan a heartbeat away from the presidency?
Ryan upends Romney’s whole strategy. Until now, Romney’s play has been very simple: Don’t get specific. In picking Ryan, he has yoked himself to each and every one of Ryan’s specifics. And some of those specifics are quite…surprising. For instance: Ryan has told the Congressional Budget Office that his budget will bring all federal spending outside Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security to 3.75 percent of GDP by 2050. That means defense, infrastructure, education, food safety, basic research, and food stamps — to name just a few — will be less than four percent of GDP in 2050. To get a sense for how unrealistic that is, Congress has never permitted defense spending to fall below three percent of GDP, and Romney has pledged that he’ll never let defense spending fall beneath four percent of GDP. It will be interesting to hear him explain away the difference.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/08/11/paul-ryan-will-be-mitt-romneys-vice-presidential-pick-heres-seven-thoughts-on-what-that-means/
This is what happens when you jump into the pockets of the big money spenders, they call the shots. Does anyone believe that RMoney made this choice on his own?
No.
Absolutely not! After his aid praised the Romneycare in MA, the right wingers were ready to revolt.
Good analysis but I tweeted some of my quibbles on number 9.
The black guy is on the phone in the back ground.
And now he’s waving.
So this is how Miitiful plans to win Florida? Did the seniors leave the state? Won’t even all those retirees in Arizona be clutching their pearls? Why would Ryan put his future political career in such jeopardy? Why be pulverized and remembered as being a part of the Great Republican Wipe Out of 201? How do the Pub super pacs spin grandma being pushed off the cliff? Didn’t they remember that from the very beginning PBO was tying Romney to the Ryan plan? Don’t they know that Plouffe and Axe and the entire campaign is popping the champagne cork right about now? Too many questions, so little time to answer them.
On a positive note, #2 has been asked to do a video shoot this afternoon on why she supports PBO. She’ll get to wear her t-shirt for the shoot as well. She’s very excited and called to ask me to help her with some of the points. Her main causes are healthcare/women’s rights, then education. I’m going to gather some other stuff for her to make sure she hits all of the high points, like Lilly Ledbetter, SCOTUS nominations, etc. Off I go to gather info to send her.
First time I’ve watched a “Mitt appearance” – he sure failed trying to “run in” like the President – and the crowd – someone is valiantly trying to get them enthused – how embarrassing even in comparison with the McCain rallies. Mentioning Paul Ryan got the largest cheer of the day!
Seems that Mitt is describing the President now – wonder if he listened to a few of the President’s welcomes?
New post everyone:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/08/11/a-match-made-in-heaven/
Good Morning MsChipsssss and TOD…
Romney:….unlike the President….we will preserve and protect Medicare…..liessss liesssssss liesssssssss…..
I wonder how many people in that crowd receive some sort of govenment assistance?
Is it me or my lying eyes? I see two AAs standing behind Mittfit, but none in the audience. The female AA looks like she’d rather be anywhere else.
Did Romney just say the next “President” of the united states?
Yep!
Gaffe! The next President of the US, Paul Ryan!
I mean…
Romney: “Join me in welcoming the next President of the United States of America; Paul Ryan!”
Hahahahahahaha……and it begins.
Team Chicago will have that ad out in a few hours.
Are you serious? Did he say that?!?!
Yes he did!!!!
Good morning, good people of TODville.
Wouldn’t surprise me one bit (from the Eagles): “Let me introduce to you the next President of the United States, Mr. Joe Walsh – and here is an industial love song”
I am beginning to think that Romney doesn’t want to win. He reminds me of a child who is told to do something he really doesn’t want to do, so he is doing everything in his power to sabotage his success, while going through the motions to satisfy those who are telling him what to do